NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Almost Requested a Trade Out of the Lakers Solely for Shaquille O’Neal Rumours

Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest players of all time, but he was also a true competitor, probably the biggest we’ve ever seen. The Los Angeles Lakers legend spent his whole 20-year career with one team. That’s unfathomable to think in today’s NBA with constant player movements. However, the 5-time champion once requested a trade because of a mess in the front office of the Lakers franchise.

The duo of Kobe and Shaq was the most fearsome duo of that time as they won 3 straight NBA championships at the turn of the century. During that run, Shaq was in his prime, while Kobe was only getting better. There was always tension between the two, but they worked through it to win. That whole era ended after the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat, as Bryant had clearly established himself as the best player on the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers knew that Bryant’s career was on an upward trajectory while it was the other way round for Shaq. After the 2004 NBA Finals, the Lakers became a much weaker team. They missed the playoffs in 2005 and got knocked out in the first round in both, 2006 and 2007.

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This led to Kobe Bryant getting fed up with the organization as they weren’t able to surround him with good enough talent. To add salt to the wound, someone from the Lakers’ front office spread the rumor that Shaquille O’Neal was traded because of Bryant’s insistence.

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Bryant requested a trade as he felt he was being lied to and the franchise wasn’t doing enough to build a championship roster. Although, he said that he would rescind his demand if the person responsible for the rumor was terminated. The 18-time All-Star was even willing to move to city rivals, Los Angeles Clippers.

However, in the end, the Lakers kept hold of their franchise star. They built a strong team that won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Kobe cemented his legacy by winning the Finals MVP in both Finals. In the process, he also went past former teammate Shaquille O’Neal’s record of 4 championships.

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What would have the league looked like if the best player had switched teams? That’s something we can never know. What are your thoughts on this Kobe saga? Let us know in the comments.