“Don’t worry I’m a Clipper”: Kobe Bryant’s Alleged Words That Almost Made Him Lakers’ Biggest Traitor
Follow Us
via Getty
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket and gets fouled by Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first half at Staples Center on December 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant has always been associated with the LA Lakers, having dedicated his entire career to the franchise. He has won four titles wearing that purple and gold jersey during his 20 years playing for the Lakers. However, there was a tense moment between the future hall of famer and the organization.
From the beginning, the LA Lakers have been considered one of the top NBA teams. 16 NBA Championships and 10 retired jerseys hang in the rafters, making them an elite team in the NBA. As well as giving NBA the best players and making a mark every season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kobe Bryant might have gone to the Clippers, according to Jeanie Buss
The Los Angeles Times reported that former Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler discussed some of Kobe Bryant’s most controversial stats from his 2004 stories. Lawler stated:
“Kobe turned to [Sterling] and — this is an exact quote that I’ve had repeated to me by multiple people — he said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m a Clipper.’ So he walked out the door and [the Clippers] are all high-fiving each other thinking, ‘By God, we’ve done it,’” Lawler said.
Trending
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto
April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT
“You Can’t Get Mad”: NBA Vet Addresses the Caitlin Clark vs A’ja Wilson Signature Shoe Debate
April 21, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees
April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT
Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online
April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT
Why Did the Washington Mystics Pass on Angel Reese? Insider Spills the Beans on Chicago Sky Star’s #6 Pick Snub
April 20, 2024 10:16 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
What Is Stephen Curry’s Wife Ayesha’s Net Worth?
Kobe re-signed with the Lakers the summer before Lawler thought it was a commitment, as Lawler had envisioned.
via Getty
Lakers Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal sit on the bench with foul trouble against the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Clippers reportedly thought they had a verbal commitment from Kobe Bryant in 2004 free agency.
Then he re-signed with the Lakers. https://t.co/Ka5q542ij1 pic.twitter.com/H4GIOs6rxR
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 24, 2019
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Apparently, the controversy arose from his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson back in 2004. It was revealed in one more interview with the All the Smoke podcast, where Lakers owner and president Jeanie Buss mentioned Bryant could go for a shot with the Clippers as follows:
“You know, I never had that conversation with Kobe, but there was a game where he wore Clippers colors,” Buss explained. “Not even the jersey, he wore like the colors, very subtle. I’m like, I could see [it], he loves challenges and that would have been a huge thing, right? I do think that was something that was very possible.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think would have happened if Bryant had switched to the Clippers?
Watch This Story: LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Scottie Pippen Talking About Stephen Currys Greatness
Written by:
