Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant almost wore another team's jersey at one point in his career because he was dissatisfied with the team's state.
The five-time NBA champion made headlines in 2007 when he made a public trade request following two consecutive early playoff exits. The Chicago Bulls emerged as his preferred destination.
Further details emerged from league insider Adrian Wojnarowski, revealing that Bryant was on the brink of being traded to the Detroit Pistons, with a deal already in the works.
"There was a deal with the Pistons where it was like Tayshaun [Prince], Rip Hamilton, and a bunch of picks for Kobe. They had agreed to it, essentially, Kobe had to want to do it... That trade was agreed to like the two teams had agreed on terms... and then Kobe said 'Nah I don't wanna do this," the ESPN reporter said.
Back then, Bryant's Lakers contract included a no-trade clause, which gave him the power to choose his next destination and veto a trade if he didn't want to proceed with it.
Former Pistons president previously shared details about the Kobe to Detroit saga
Meanwhile, former Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars added another bit to the story, revealing that the deal had already been agreed upon with the Lakers owner, Dr. Jerry Buss.
However, Buss wanted Bryant to make a quick decision, which Bryant was unwilling to do.
"Mitch [Kupchak] told me that Kobe said, 'I need 48 hours or something to discuss this with my family.' Dr. Buss was like, 'no. We need an answer in the next day or whatever.' And Kobe didn't want to be forced into making a decision that quick," Dumars shared.
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