For two glorious decades in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, Kobe Bryant and his offensive acumen captivated the NBA world. Bryant smashed down all roadblocks to catapult his squad to the pinnacle, defying difficulty and affliction.

Mamba’s heroics and monumental contributions to the Lakers’ franchise culminated in the addition of five more NBA trophies to their trophy cabinet.

Kobe Bryant donned the Lakers’ colors for his entire career. Many great players left, but Kobe didn’t as his heart was set in Los Angeles. However, there was a period when it was not inevitable that he would conclude his NBA journey in the Staples Center.

Before even spearheading his team to a championship, there were whispers of trading Bryant. A move that would have sent Bryant to the Detroit Pistons while delivering Grant Hill to the Lakers.

This blockbuster trade rumor became viral in 1999. Hill’s future with the Detroit Pistons was in question as he entered the free-agent market. He was a solid player in his prime, hence a player of his caliber demanded a star talent in return. Reports surfaced that the Lakers discussed relocating Kobe Bryant to make the trade work.

Grant Hill broke his silence on the mega trade rumor

Grant Hill has finally spoken out about the alleged blockbuster trade. In a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, he stated that he wasn’t certain about the rumor and that there was nothing definitive about it.

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“There’s so much stuff out there nowadays that I don’t know if that’s entirely true or not,” Hill said.

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“I was a pending free agent. And you would think if they (LA Lakers) were really seriously going to trade for me, they would wanna know If I would re-sign with them (Detroit Pistons) and this being the L.A. Lakers. So I never heard that, I don’t remember that. It could’ve been the case. But it sounds that maybe Phil Jackson might have been interested in the idea but nothing ever came off it further than him sort of maybe pushing for it.” 

What led to the Lakers offering Kobe Bryant

Phil Jackson’s maiden season as Lakers head coach came in 1999. During the offseason, though, it looked like his relationship with Bryant could have ended considerably sooner than anticipated.

That season, the Lakers got off to a fast start. Bryant, on the other hand, missed a considerable amount of time at the beginning of the season due to a fractured wrist. When he was cleared fit to play, Jackson did not find room for him in his starting five and had him come off the bench.

Eventually, as the team went on a good run of games, Kobe became agitated.

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As expected, Kobe couldn’t stomach coming off the bench, which sparked issues between young “Bean” and Jackson. Finally, he demanded a trade, with Grant Hill identified as the ideal candidate to bring to Los Angeles.

Kobe was 22 years old at the time, and Hill was 26. The deal appeared to be realistic. However, thanks to the basketball heavens and the Lakers coming to their senses, this deal never took place.

If this trade had gone through, the dynamic of the Lakers’ history would have been completely different. Would they have won five championships if Grant Hill and Shaquille O’Neal had been in charge? Bryant’s greatness was a foregone conclusion given his determined and electrifying mindset.

Would he have been able to play championship basketball with the Pistons though? That is a discussion for another day.