Dirk Nowitzki Once Refused Lakers Offer From Kobe Bryant: “I’m Sorry and You Know How It Is. Dallas Is My City and My Home and It Would Feel Super Weird to Put a Different Uniform On.”
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Dirk Nowitzki is an NBA legend who played only for the Dallas Mavericks throughout his career. In the modern era of the NBA, it is rare to see loyalty like the days of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. And Dirk is one of the few elite players who committed their entire career to the success of one franchise. Therefore, it undoubtedly etches his name forever in the history books of the Dallas Mavericks.
He is indubitably the best big man shooter in the NBA history. He shot a whopping 38% from beyond the arc on average throughout his career. So there was a time in his prime when almost every team in the league wanted him. Even Kobe Bryant tried to lure him away from the Mavericks.
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And Kobe Bryant was a consistent championship contender almost throughout his career. Hence, if he wanted to, he could’ve easily formed his own super team with Kobe Bryant. However, he chose the much tougher option and stayed with the Mavericks.
When Kobe Bryant tried to convince Dirk Nowitzki to leave the Mavericks
According to ESPN, in April of last year, Dirk Nowitzki disclosed that Kobe Bryant tried to recruit him. Dirk Nowitzki had recently swept Bryant‘s Lakers in the playoff and beat LeBron James’ Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship in 2011. Subsequently, Kobe Bryant personally contacted him to convince him to leave Dallas. However, he refused and responded, “Listen, I’m sorry and you know how it is. Dallas is my city and my home and it would feel super weird to put a different uniform on.”
via Getty
10 April 2019, US, Dallas: Basketball: NBA, Main Round, 81st Matchday, Dallas Mavericks – Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and Dirk Nowitzki after his last home game. Photo: Philipp Hülsmann/dpa (Photo by Philipp Hülsmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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What did this mean for Nowitzki and the Mavericks?
Dirk had so many opportunities to leave the Dallas Mavericks and join championship-contending favorites in the NBA. However, he stayed loyal to the franchise that drafted him, worked hard, and became one of the best power forwards in the history of the NBA.
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They honored his contributions to the franchise by retiring his jersey number. Moreover, they hung it up in the franchise’s own hall of fame at the American Airlines Center. Dirk Nowitzki will always remain a legend in the history books of the city of Dallas and the NBA.
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