The Los Angeles Lakers are desperately grasping for any Free Agents they can. They’re trying to do whatever they can in order to attempt to compete for a playoff spot this upcoming season. However, most of the general public realizes that even with a healthy Kobe Bryant, that this team won’t be competing for a playoff spot. If you look at the Western Conference, it’s simply just too loaded to get the Lakers into the playoffs. It’s clear that Kobe Bryant’s time is running out of time in grabbing his 6th NBA ring, which would tie him with Michael Jordan. With this being said, would Kobe Bryant be crazy to request a trade to a contender?
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On July 21st, on ESPN First Take, Stephen A. Smith made a wish that Kobe Bryant would request a trade to the Big Apple. Remember this was just a wish, he wasn’t suggesting that it will happen, in fact, he stated that it won’t happen. But would Kobe Bryant be crazy to request a trade in order to ring chase, at the end of his career? I will say absolutely not. Here was Stephen A. Smith on ESPN First Take, on July 21st.
A lot of people are going to be against bringing this topic up, because a lot of fans believe that when you leave a team, that you are giving up and that isn’t in Kobe Bryant’s character. But he’s wanted out before, why shouldn’t he attempt to leave now? Don’t believe me? In 2007 in an interview, according to ESPN’s TrueHoop Blog,”I would like to be traded, yeah,” Bryant said on 1050 ESPN Radio in New York. “Tough as it is to come to that conclusion there’s no other alternative, you know?” If you look at Kobe Bryant, he is 35-years old and has 2-years left on what is probably his final contract in the NBA. I think we can all agree, we want to see Kobe in the playoffs. In order to do that he must ask for a trade, as I believe the Lakers are more than two years away from competing.
“I would like to be traded, yeah,”- Kobe Bryant in 2007 interview
So which teams should Kobe Bryant consider asking for a trade to? Two teams come to my mind when I think of this highly unlikely scenario, the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks.
Chicago Bulls:
The Bulls would be an interesting team in the Kobe Bryant sweepstakes for simply three reasons. First reason, they are a contending team that is so close to competing for a title. The Bulls might be willing to push the two year window, go all in, trade away Taj Gibson, maybe Jimmy Butler for 2-years of Kobe Bryant. Plus, if he comes to Chicago, he wouldn’t have to do as much maybe extending his career. Second reason, Kobe Bryant has always tried to be like Michael Jordan and it’s no secret. Why not do it where he did it? Kobe has that kind of, “you are good, but i’m better” personality, which would be necessary in order for this scenario. He is chasing his 6th ring, because of Jordan. He is wearing the number 24, because he wants to be better than Jordan. Final reason he would consider Chicago, his good friend Pau Gasol now plays there. Gasol and him has been through a lot together and he is extremely trustworthy for Kobe.
Dec 13, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts to a play in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunders won 122-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks:
If Kobe Bryant ever left Los Angeles, this would be the most likely landing spot and Stephen A. Smith agrees. Look at the reasons he would come, starting with Phil Jackson. Where would Kobe be without Phil Jackson? A great player, but no rings? Possibly, so why not rejoin forces with your mentor. Of course he isn’t coaching, but one of Kobe’s best friends is in Derek Fisher. Bryant and Fisher have won championships together as players, under Phil Jackson and now it could be a coach and player championship, rather than a player and player championship. Who doesn’t want to play in Madison Square Garden for at least 41 games every year? Kobe has played historically well in Madison Square Garden and now he’d be playing there pretty much every other night. Final reason, it’s all about Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo and Kobe are tight, in fact, Kobe was recruiting/ begging for Carmelo to sign with the Lakers just two weeks ago. Carmelo and Kobe are both elite scorers and they would be a dynamic scoring combination.
Of course, this is all speculation. Will it happen? Like Stephen A. Smith said, it’s not going to happen. However, on a slow basketball news day, this seemed like it would be fun to dive into. I think Kobe Bryant deserves better, and he’s simply not getting it in Los Angeles.
My Final Thought:
Kobe ask for a trade, get out now! Please.
Sincerely,
NBA Fans
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