Despite Massive $136 Million Contract, Kobe Bryant and Lakers’ Love Story Could Have Ended if Not for Two Lesser Known Reasons

NBA legend Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are almost synonymous. He played for the Lakers throughout the entirety of his phenomenal career and gave us some of the most memorable NBA moments.

However, his relationship with the team was not always good. He almost left the Lakers while being linked to teams like the Chicago Bulls and also the Dallas Mavericks.

Interestingly enough, the Detroit Pistons looked to take advantage of the situation and sign Kobe. All the way back in 2007, Bryant and the Lakers’ relationship was bad. Moreover, he was looking to leave.

The Pistons put forth an interesting offer for the Lakers and Kobe. They offered Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Amir Johnson, and a first-round pick to the Lakers. However, Kobe’s resistance to joining the team blocked the deal.

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Joe Dumars revealed what went behind the scenes in the deal that could have shattered the league. He said, “Dr. Buss has given him a day and if he doesn’t, Dr. Buss is pulling out and he’s done. Kobe refused to make a decision in one day, he didn’t make a decision in 24 hours.“

Kobe Bryant ended up staying due to his hatred for the Pistons and he used the ‘no trade clause’ in his $136 million contract agreed with the Lakers. Moreover, the team wanted to help their best player by bringing in the player he wanted to play with. It is none other than Pau Gasol. 

Gasol joined the Lakers from the Minnesota Timberwolves and brought a newfound life to a lackluster Lakers team. The Spaniard played a huge role in Kobe’s 4th and 5th NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Kobe Bryant loved to perform against the Detroit Pistons

It is almost impossible to associate Kobe with any other team other than the Los Angeles Lakers. Interestingly enough, Kobe dropped some of his best performances against one of the teams that tried to sign him. It is none other than the Detroit Pistons.

In 33 games, Kobe Bryant averaged 22.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. Moreover, he once dropped 40 points in a game which happens to be his highest against the Pistons.

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What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments down below.