If you’d told Lakers fans franchise superstar Kobe Bryant would request
a trade, none of the fans would believe one ounce. What if I told you it
nearly happened back in Summer 2007? One of the biggest “what if”
trades in NBA history that could’ve changed the Lakers and Bryant
forever? Well ladies and gentlemen, here’s a little bit of free agency
which sent both fan bases into a frenzy.
Upon losing in the 2007 NBA playoffs, Bryant had grew tired of losing
and carrying an island of misfit players on his back. A fractured
partnership with former co-star Shaquille O’Neal still lingered in disgust
after the fallout. Los Angeles had once again fell short of winning
another championship. All of which bothered Bryant in the peak of his
prime. Losing in the postseason wasn’t the Laker way nor standard set
before those who played before him.
He understood a change was needed and getting out of Los Angeles
was his first option. Enter the Chicago Bulls, the dynasty Michael Jordan
built in the 90s and failed to reach the Finals post MJ. It was during
those press conferences Bryant threw subtle jabs at the Lakers front
office. It was writing on the wall for the late Dr. Jerry Buss, who’d seen a very disgruntled Bryant. The inevitable was here, trading away your
next great Laker could cause ripple effects for many seasons. How
could a young man who’d grew up before our eyes want to leave the
purple and gold?
Bryant had seen enough and knew the team wasn’t close to winning;
winning a scoring title is individual. Championships were the standard
and when both parties weren’t on the same page, you can imagine how
this irked Bryant’s patience. The rumors started to swirl daily, as Bryant
and his wife were in the Chicago area looking for houses. It only added
fuel to an already lit blaze seen all the way from Los Angeles and
beyond. There’s no way Dr. Buss was going to let his superstar walk for
scraps in an unfair trade.
The subtle jabs grew louder with each report out of Chicago and Los
Angeles. Fans started to wonder “what the eff is going on?” Correct,
every Laker fan was confused as to why now? Chicago was Bryant’s first
choice; his idol and mentor Michael Jordan would give him the
guidance needed to succeed in Chicago. A fanbase who craved the next
MJ in Bryant. It was all good until…
Chicago was willing to package Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, possibly the
number one pick in 2008 and other players for Kobe Bryant. Now, Laker fans may have looked at this and said: “Uh, no this won’t win a title; let
alone make the playoffs.” Fans would’ve rioted and burned down the
city in this sense. After seeing their team fail to reach the West finals, it
was now or never. The trade was voided by Lakers brass to keep their
franchise player. There was no way this could’ve changed the Lakers
present or future. Bryant had to really look at this and come to
conclusion with possibly leaving Los Angeles. He was the man, one of
the best scorers in his era and craving for more championships.
Leaving a better ran franchise in Los Angeles for a team unproven in
Chicago to win now would’ve been a disaster. Bryant was basically
going to LA East if that’s the case and trying to live up to his mentor’s
accolades. Chicago was ready to make the move to win, but no
guarantee of a title. Another setback caused some heart to heart
conversations with Buss and Bryant. Yes, Bryant wanted a new deal;
but furthermore a commitment to winning championships. He took on
the burden with no co-star for a few seasons. It was destiny for Bryant
to finish his career in purple and gold.
After mediation and open dialogue, Bryant signed a super max deal of
7years/$134 million; making him the highest paid player in the league
to start another postseason run. Along with his new deal, Buss managed to trade for Memphis Grizzles center Pau Gasol in February’s trade deadline in 2008. Getting to the NBA Finals against coastal rival Boston and their “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Los Angeles didn’t come away with the title that season, but there was a revival in Bryant’s career. Refreshed, determined to get Los
Angeles as many titles possible drove him. Winning in 2009 and 2010
was fulfilling; beating Boston in 2010 to avenge the loss in 2008. Laker
fans rejoiced and cheered those three seasons of Finals appearances.
None of this would’ve came down if Bryant didn’t demand a trade and
apply pressure on Dr. Buss to construct a team that could compete
every single season. It took a disgruntled superstar and pure
competitive nature within to make this happen. You can say it was a
“power move” to bring the noise. It worked out for Bryant, as he
finished his entire career in Los Angeles. Two numbers in the rafters
and one of the greatest Lakers of all-time. As for Chicago, another
moment in time they swung and missed on big free agents. One Eastern
Conference Finals appearance in 2011 post MJ and a turnstile of
coaches, players and whoever else in between.
Moral of the story, great players must do the unthinkable to prove they
can easily move on to greener pastures. For Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles, no greener pasture could replace what was already grown since 1996. For NBA fans and Lakers nation, count your blessings daily for Bryant’s everlasting legacy in the purple and gold. Never take the great players for granted. We almost did with Kobe Bean Bryant and that ladies and gentlemen is the story of a “what if” in NBA history.
