Could Kobe leave the Lakers?

As a follow up to the previous post, would there be a possibility Kobe might leave the Lakers due to the situation they're in.
Let's face it, there's no way the Lakers will win the championship let alone make the playoffs. Kobe desperately wants another championship to catchup to Jordan. Plus it seems that the Lakers front office can't wait for him to be gone even though he says this will be his last season. Does he want to play with a bunch of rookies and cast offs.
With his salary it would be impossible to trade plus he has the no trade contract. If he was to rip his contact up to be traded to a contender I'm sure he has enough cash in the bank to win another title and cement his legacy.
He's always said he was intrigued with playing for the bulls. Jimmy Butler was interested in signing with the Lakers. What if Butler, McDermott, Taj Gibson go to the Lakers for Kobe. There would be plenty left at the bulls and the Lakers would get assets.
The major hurdles would be PR for La, but I think fans are ready for the next chapter and wouldn't begrudge Kobe leaving for a title especially in the east ie Garnett. Also Kobe has said he wants to retire a laker but another title run especially with the bulls might change his mind. Who would have thought they would ever see Jordan in a Wizards uniform.
Anyway, just a thought.

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orbit
Years ago

Butler has put pen to paper so not a chance!

Chicago will be competitive for a number of years now & Kobe could break down any minute.

Lakers need a coach that can attract big free agents. Won't happen with Scott.

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Budgie
Years ago

When Kobe is gone the stars will come. As much of a great player he is he isn't one that promotes an enjoyable environment

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Cherry Picker
Years ago

Sorry, I didn't put the words Kobe "traded" for Butler and pieces.
He might be past his prime but if there was anyone to be the one to take the last shot he would be still up there. I'm not a Kobe person but can't argue with his greatness. If he and Rose can stay healthy and rested and that's a big if I think they overtake the Cavs. He would have the mental edge over Lebron based on history.
Another plus is he might respect Hoiberg as a coach and realize his legacy would be huge if he went out on a title with as many as Jordan and maybe the possibility of surpassing him if he hung around.

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PlaymakerMo
Years ago

Why would the Bulls trade Butler + McDermott + Gibson for Kobe?

The PR headache is enough for the Lakers to prevent Kobe from leaving. Whatever the price.

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Curtley
Years ago

Lets call a spade a spade.

If Kobe had REALLY wanted to win a title this year he would have taken the veteran minimum or at the very least a smaller wage so the lakers could have attracted 1-2 quality players for the last run.

He didn't so he doesn't.

What does he really want?

I'm serious!! WTF is he actually trying to achieve now?

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Jonno
Years ago

Exactly

And as a Bulls fan, please do not trade anything for Kobe, let alone Jimmy Butler and others, NO WAY!!

Honestly at this point i wouldnt trade a 2nd round pick for Kobe, he just isnt the right piece for a contender, he can still play, when healthy, but isnt the MVP level all star anymore but he hasnt adjusted his attitude like a Dirk or Duncan.

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Anonymous
Years ago

Obvious isn't it, Kobe wants to retire wealthy, oh wait!

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Anonymous
Years ago

The only place Kobe could go would be New York or Pheonix because of salary no one is going to trade for him he has a no trade clause. It's not Kobe players don't want to play withers the team. Players want to win not play with rookies and an aged super star. and LA isn't even close to winning in the west anytime soon.

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Hendo8888
Years ago

Duncan took 7 mil, his team was able to sign Aldridge and re-sign Leonard and Green (all for less than they could have gotten elsewhere). The Spurs have a culture of sacrificing for the team.
Kobe took almost 30 mil, when he hasn't played any good basketball for the last couple years. His team can't sign anyone. Players don't want to take even market value to come play with Kobe. The Lakers and Kobe made their bed, now they're lying in it.
Kobe is hardly worth a trade for Gibson at this point in his career, with the contract he's on. Let alone Butler and McDermott too. It would be a massive step backwards if the Bulls even considered that.

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maxymoo
Years ago

"I'm very fortunate to be with an organization that understands how to take care of its players, and put a great team out on the floor. They've figured out how to do both."

Yeah right Kobe.

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Anonymous
Years ago

"I'm serious!! WTF is he actually trying to achieve now?"

All Kobe wanted was to pass Jordan on the all-time scoring list which is why at the start of last season he was jacking up shots like a madman despite all the criticism he was getting because he wanted to get it done before his body went out on him again and it's why as soon as he passed Jordan he stopped shooting as much and started passing a lot more.

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Hoops

Could Kobe leave the Lakers?

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