“Kobe Bryant to Pistons…” NBA Insider reveals BOMB trade involving Lakers superstar that almost happened
The late great Kobe Bryant won 5 NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in his 20-year NBA career.
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Adrian Wojnarowski and Kobe Bryant
The late Kobe Bryant spent his whole 20-year NBA career at the Los Angeles Lakers. He is one of the best players to grace the sport. Bryant had made four appearances to the NBA Finals overall, from 2000 to 2002, and had won 5 championships with the Lakers. However, he was very close to joining the Detroit Pistons in what would be one of the biggest trades in the NBA.
ESPN NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski discussed the largest NBA trade that went wrong in the “Pardon My Take” podcast. Los Angeles had consented to trade Bryant to the Pistons in exchange for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and other assets, so the Pistons already had a package in place.
On the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Wojnarowski was asked about the biggest trade that didn’t happen.
I'd say Kobe Bryant to Pistons. That was close, There was a deal with the Pistons where, it was like Tyshaun [Prince], Rip Hamilton, a bunch of picks. They had agreed to it, essentially the two teams.Adrian Wojnarowski said
One can only imagine what would have unfolded in the NBA if this deal had gone through back then. Fortunately for the Lakers, though, it didn’t. Ultimately, they went on to win two more titles with the late Kobe Bryant following that.
The Kobe Bryant trade that actually happened
The late great Kobe Bryant was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers from the Charlotte Hornets on July 11, 1996. In the long history of professional sports, it is among the most infamous trades ever. Bryant went on to create a legacy with the Lakers and also in the NBA.
In addition, Bryant even made a post on X regarding how the Hornets said that they had no use for him. Eventually, he was traded to the Lakers just right after the 1996 NBA draft was concluded, with the Hornets picking Kobe Bryant in the draft.
Now, the late Kobe Bryant is an icon in the NBA and is an inspiration to many young players in the world. He went on to win 5 NBA titles with the Lakers, along with winning 2 Olympic gold medals, and was crowned the 2008 NBA MVP.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(971 Articles Published)