“I chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James, or else I would end up with no contract”: Metta Sandiford-Artest reveals the reasons behind joining forces with the Black Mamba in LA

Arjun Julka | 13/08/2021
"I chose Kobe Bryant over LeBron James, or else I would end up with no contract": Metta Sandiford-Artest reveals the reasons behind joining forces with the Black Mamba in LA

While appearing as a guest on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Metta Sandiford-Artest revealed why he chose to play with Kobe Bryant over LeBron James.

Superstars teaming up to win an NBA championship is not a new concept in the league. Whether it was Kevin Durant teaming up with the Splash Brothers or LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami.

Most recently, being James Harden being recruited by Durant to the Brooklyn Nets, and Russell Westbrook joining the LA Lakers.

However, one such power move failed in the past involving Metta Sandiford-Artest and LeBron James. James tried recruiting Artest to win his 1st NBA championship during his initial years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, the 2004 DPOY declined the offer to everyone’s surprise. Though, Artest did go on to team up with Kobe Bryant in LA later.

Also read: “Michael Jordan sat out 3 months and came back averaging 25”: Former NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest narrates a shocking incident about the Bulls legend

While speaking to host Shannon Sharpe, the former NBA champion revealed why he chose Kobe over LeBron.

Metta Sandiford-Artest gives a detailed explanation about joining forces with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant

During the podcast, Shannon Sharpe discussed a hypothetical situation, asking Artest if he was a 26-year old today which team would he join. To which Artest replied, he would never join forces with an All-Star. The former All-Star was very high on his competitive nature.

When prodded further by Shannon that he could not win a title going solo against the likes of a Brooklyn Nets or a LA Lakers. Artest narrated a story about how LeBron James had once called him to join him in Cleveland.

“I’m honored. LeBron James hit me up one time when he was with the Cavs. I remember I was excited because LeBron, I’m a big fan, even if younger. But before that, I didn’t want to play with Kobe, I didn’t wanna play with Bron. I wanted to play against these guys. So I’s like, I can’t come play because of many reasons.”

While talking about joining the Lakers, Artest said, “I was trying to go to Detroit and in the end, that’s where I wanted to go. But when no teams wanted me, I didn’t call back LeBron. So then the Lakers called, and I just got to go because I’m not going to get contract.”

Also read: “I thought LeBron James was done”: Metta World Peace was amazed by the Lakers star’s longevity as the NBA’s best player

Artest joining the Lakers did prove to be fruitful for him as he would win a championship alongside Kobe Bryant. However, it would have been interesting to see if Artest’s teaming up with LeBron would have yielded the same results as his teaming up with Kobe in LA did.

Post Edited By: Amulya Shekhar
cleveland cavalers Kobe Bryant LA Lakers LeBron James Metta Sandiford-Artest Metta World Peace shannon sharpe

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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