An all-time great and one of the greatest players in LA Lakers history, Kobe Bryant’s legendary career is one for the ages. During his 20-year tenure in purple and gold, Bryant led the franchise to five gilded championships. But exactly why didn’t Kobe Bryant play for any other team other than the LA Lakers?
In the 1996 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick but quickly traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac in a predetermined move. This fateful decision would lead to Kobe’s iconic partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, resulting in a dominating era and multiple championships for the storied Lakers franchise.
But why did Kobe Bryant never play for another franchise despite being one of the best players in the league?
Why didn’t Kobe Bryant ever leave the LA Lakers?
When Kobe Bryant signed for the Los Angeles Lakers, his career started on a high note in one of the most competitive teams in the league. The Lakers continued to be title contenders with big signings like Shaq and in the latter part, Pau Gasol, coming in, so Bryant hardly had any reason to leave.
Late in his career, when he was asked if he would play for another team, Bryant’s response was straightforward. The NBA legend had no intention to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
A lot of players want to go to different teams or contend to win championships. I'm a Laker, man. I'm a Laker for better or worse. Kobe Bryant told Yahoo Sports.
When he faced a similar question during another interview, Kobe was still firm on his stance.
I'm a Laker, man. How many times do I have to say that? Dude, I bleed purple and gold. Kobe reiterated.
However, it not as simple as it sounds as there was one point during his career, when the Black Mamba wanted to play elsewhere instead of the City of Angeles.
Did Kobe Bryant ever place a trade request?
Unbeknownst to many, Kobe Bryant had indeed placed a trade request from the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2006-07 season when the Lakers were struggling to be title contenders and with the departure of Shaquille O’Neal, things were looking gray for the team.
It was then that Bryant had allegedly placed a trade request to move to a new team, quite possibly the Chicago Bulls. But the Lakers managed to retain their frontman by signing Pau Gasol who would eventually turn the wheel of fate for the team alongside Bryant and they won two Championships together.
What did Kobe Bryant say about playing for the Lakers?
Kobe has always been vocal about the pride he took in playing for the NBA franchise. He deemed only highly talented players were granted a place in the roster and winning the Championship mattered most for the franchise.
It takes a special person to want to play for this franchise [Lakers] and take the pressure that comes along with playing for this franchise. Bryant told ESPN.
When you're here, the most important thing is winning championships. I don't care about anything else. It's winning championships. You don't have to like each other, but you will show up to practice every day and play hard, you will focus and commit to winning, and you know, if that's the case, then you'll be just fine. Kobe Bryant on the mentality required to play for the Lakers.
Kobe Bryant will forever be an all-time great and arguably the greatest player to have played for the Purple and Gold.
FAQs
Q. How many championships did Kobe Bryant win with the Lakers?
Kobe Bryant won five NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Q. Which franchise drafted Kobe Bryant into the NBA?
The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA draft.
Q. When did Kobe Bryant die?
Kobe Bryant died in a tragic helicopter accident on January 26, 2020.
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