“Looking at Homes in Chicago”: Despite $136,000,000 Contract, 29-Year-Old Kobe Bryant Demanded Trade to ‘Idol’ Michael Jordan’s Team

Kobe Bryant retired as one of the greatest legends in the rich and opulent history of the LA Lakers. However, despite showing his loyalty to the Lakers throughout the entirety of his career, Kobe was once inclined to leave the organization. Back in 2007, Bryant wanted to move to the Chicago Bulls, formerly his idol Michael Jordan’s team. The then 29-year-old had signed a 7-year, $136,000,000 deal with the Lakers in 2004. However. Kobe had confirmed to LA Times that he indeed wanted to leave for the Bulls.

Mostly seen as a 1-team man, Bryant was guilty of strong-arming the LA Lakers on multiple occasions. Apart from wanting to play for his idol’s former team, Kobe was also known to have made a commitment to play for the Clippers, according to Sports Illustrated.

Kobe Bryant wanted to move to the Chicago Bulls in 2007

After winning three consecutive titles to open the 21^st century, Kobe had to wait until 2009 before he won his next championship. Before that, the LA Times reported that Bryant was trying to move to the Bulls.

The Mamba himself confirmed, claiming that he had provided a list of teams, and the Bulls were his priority. The list didn’t include the Detroit Pistons, who the Lakers wanted to send him to. The LA Times report quoted Kobe,

“I gave you a list of teams I’m comfortable being traded to. Not Detroit….I learned how to be a leader by watching Magic [Johnson], [Larry] Bird, Michael [Jordan] and those guys.  They were relentless. For me to give the keys of this kingdom to the next leader that’s going to lead this Lakers organization in generations to come has to have that same energy. I can’t be apologetic about it.”

The potential deal would have included Richard “Rip” Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and draft picks. Regardless, Bryant also claimed that he was looking at homes in Chicago, according to the Twitter account “Die Hard Chicago Bulls Fans.”

The Lakers wanted the likes of Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Tyrus Thomas. However, the deal broke apart because the Bulls considered Luol Deng untouchable. 

Kobe Bryant was supposed to join the LA Clippers as well

According to Jerry West and Sports Illustrated, Bryant also considered joining the Clippers. He made a commitment to West and was expected to sign the deal.

However, various members of the Lakers organization managed to change his mind. The move gained steam from West’s side when he saw Bryant wearing a Clippers jersey.

Regardless, Kobe was already frustrated with the Lakers and had said yes to the controversial move. Thankfully, however, he stayed back to win two more rings for his team.