Kobe Bryant was called arrogant, and a hard worker but never lucky. Yet a former NBA champion on his podcast called Bryant lucky when comparing situations with Jimmy Butler. The Philadelphia 76ers need a star player and they have been linked with many superstars, mainly Paul George, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler. However, the 49-year-old veteran wants Butler to not consider the option.

We have reached the NBA final stage so the preparations for next season have already started. “Aside from the pipe dream that Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler would ask to be dealt directly to Philly, sources familiar with the Sixers’ thinking say that Brandon Ingram is the primary fallback plan. Ingram would have to be acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans since he’s under contract for $36 million with a 15 percent trade kicker through the 2024-25 season.” via O’Connor’s article in the Ringer.

Rasheed Wallace discussed whether Butler should move back to the Philadelphia 76ers. On his podcast Sheed and Tyler, Wallace said, “Kobe was lucky as sh** to play in LA his whole career, Tim Duncan was lucky as sh** to play in San Antonio his whole career. You know, you talking about a majority of hot weather cities you know what I’m saying where sh**. you feeling good.”

The main reason for Wallace is that it is more difficult to adjust during the winter days. The body doesn’t ache at night and also stiffness in the body is quite less. So according to Wallace, Kobe Bryant had his body adjusted to a certain temperature, a climate that was more suitable for the body. But there was a time when the Lakers were going to lose their star player.

2007 Kobe Bryant- Lakers sticky situation

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Bryant to Detroit Pistons was a very close deal. The trades were lined up, and the players were discussed but Kobe had a change of heart. The NBA insider appeared on the “Pardon My Take” podcast and shared the story of the biggest trade that didn’t happen.

“And I think he went to Jerry Buss’ house. Kobe was in that period where like, ‘I want out of here,’ and I think he kind of pulled him back in. That trade was agreed to, like the two teams with the terms… ” Obviously, the Lakers did not want their star man to go and it took convincing to stop the #24. But the Pistons were not the only team. A bunch of other teams were also interested in getting Kobe Bryant, especially the Bulls or the Dallas, said Wojnarowski.

Imagine the current landscape of basketball would have been so different if Bryant had accepted for a trade. But the case of Jimmy Butler is not the same. If he feels he has a better chance of winning or getting his best performance, he might ask for a trade.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.