New LA Lakers trade rumors reveal a Kobe Bryant trade to the Detroit Pistons almost went down. A Lakers trade of Bryant was in place during the fall of 2007 according to a report from Yahoo! on Monday night (Feb. 18). The Lakers had reportedly already agreed to a trade with the Pistons and owner Jerry Buss called Bryant to discuss his options.
History already reveals that Bryant used his no-trade clause to stay with the Lakers, a choice that ended up leading to two more NBA championships for him. At the time, the Lakers were reeling in the post-Shaquille O'Neal years, leading to the team shopping Bryant in several different trade options. The team would end up acquiring Pau Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies instead.
These intriguing LA Lakers trade rumors have only surfaced after the deal of Jerry Buss. Fans will probably love Bryant even more for sticking with the team, despite the outlook not being great at the time of the proposed 2007 trade. This might also serve as proof that Bryant doesn't want to play anywhere but Los Angeles in the final years of his career.
Bryant's legacy has definitely been affected greatly by remaining in Los Angeles and he could become one of the few NBA superstars to ever make the Hall of Fame having played for just one team. What could be very curious in this situation is what the Pistons were going to give up acquiring the best shooting guard in the league. That information may only now be known by some of the Pistons brass. It could certainly have shaken up the whole NBA landscape.
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