The Los Angeles Lakers may be out of the running for the biggest NBA free agent of 2015 class; LaMarcus Aldridge. If this less than ideal predicament indeed comes to fruition, the storied franchise may have Kobe Bryant to thank for it.
Bryant reportedly told Aldridge that the two stars could have a relationship like the one he had with former Laker Pau Gasol, according to the LA Times.
This wouldn't be the first time there was chatter that Kobe chased a prized free agent out of Hollywood. Does the name Dwight Howard ring a bell? Back in the summer of 2013, it was Howard who was in this same situation, courting NBA eams to see where he'd take his talents. Howard's outward personality seemingly clashed with Bryant's stone-wall appearance.
Aldridge is similar to Howard in that he is used to getting the most touches during a game. And in the last few years with the Blazers growing success LA (Aldridge) has been "the guy" even with a rising star such as Damian Lillard on Portland's roster.
Perhaps Kobe should pick a fight with guys his own size because his relationships with big-men just don't pan out too well? The Gasol experience was the outlier.
Who could ever forget Kobe's well-known beef with Shaq? Bryant wanted to take the reigns of the team and prove he could fare well without O'Neal alongside him on the court. He got his wish as O'Neal was shipped to the Miami Heat to team up with Dwyane Wade. The Heat turned out just fine winning the title in '06 with Superman (Shaq) and The Flash (Wade).
Imagine if Kobe were able to put his ego aside. He may have more NBA titles then Jordan because of the inside threat Shaq posed and his perimeter capabilities. Blame it on the ego then, right?
Regardless of the criticism, Bryant will undoubtedly be considered one of the 10 greatest NBA players to ever play the game. But, his recent injuries and lack of allies has been costing him years in his hunt for a sixth ring.
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