Kobe Bryant
In the world of what-ifs, few scenarios are as tantalizing as the prospect of Kobe Bryant donning a Dallas Mavericks jersey. The Los Angeles Lakers legend, who spent his entire 20-year career in purple and gold, was on the verge of a blockbuster trade in 2007 that would have sent him to Texas. Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the Mavericks, recently opened up about the details of the deal that fell through during a podcast appearance with NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal.
Cuban recalled the fervent negotiations he had with Lakers owner Jerry Buss during a period when Bryant was publicly dissatisfied with the direction of the Lakers. “Do you realize how close we were to trading for Kobe in 2007?” Cuban asked O’Neal, excitement evident in his voice. “I talked to Jerry Buss and worked something out with him because Kobe had asked to leave. Jerry said, ‘Ok if you want to leave, we’ll take care of it.’ It was going to be Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and picks—no Dirk [Nowitzki], because I said, ‘Anybody but Dirk.'”
At that moment, Cuban thought he had a deal locked in. “I remember telling this dude, ‘Guess what? Kobe’s going to be a Mav.’ I literally thought it was done,” he explained. But then, the unexpected happened. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak intervened, effectively talking Bryant out of the trade, and the deal fizzled out.
The Context of a Frustrated Superstar
Kobe’s trade request in 2007 stemmed from his frustration with the Lakers’ inability to compete. After three straight years of playoff disappointments, he felt the franchise was not doing enough to support his championship aspirations. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were coming off a solid run, featuring an MVP performance from Dirk Nowitzki and appearing in the NBA Finals just a year prior.
At the time, Cuban’s proposal didn’t seem outrageous. Josh Howard had just made his first All-Star appearance at age 26, while Jason Terry was a dynamic scorer. Together, they could have formed a strong core alongside Bryant, who was desperate for help.
Mark Cuban reveals Kobe Bryant almost became a Dallas Maverick in 2007 😳
Could you imagine Kobe and Dirk in Dallas?
New Big Pod episode ft. Mark Cuban is live now! Watch here: https://t.co/CwteoCaglX pic.twitter.com/CTpiyplGeb
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) October 9, 2024
What Could Have Been
Had the trade materialized, the Mavericks might have altered the course of NBA history. Imagining Bryant and Nowitzki on the same roster is a fan’s dream, with two of the game’s greatest talents potentially teaming up. However, fate had other plans. The Lakers held onto Bryant, eventually acquiring Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza, which propelled them to three consecutive NBA Finals, winning championships in 2009 and 2010.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks struggled to find their footing in the playoffs for the next few years. They ultimately traded for Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson, key contributors to their 2011 championship run.
Legacy Implications
While Nowitzki’s legacy as a champion is well-established, the dynamic of him winning alongside Kobe could have changed the narrative of both players. Would Dirk’s first title carry the same weight if it were achieved with Bryant as his co-star? The journey through a gauntlet of stars like Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Kevin Durant would undoubtedly hold a different significance.
In the end, the near-miss trade serves as a fascinating chapter in the annals of NBA history. It reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the league and how close the Mavericks came to possibly reshaping their destiny alongside one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of sneakers.
