As an individual of greatness, Kobe Bryant was a global icon. In the USA, his name belonged with the biggest of stars. Yet, there was one country where his fame touched unparalleled heights, even more than his home country. What the Mamba once called his ‘second home’, China adored the five-time champion. Every year his appearance would draw out floods of people, it was a mutual love. However, it once backfired for the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

In 2007, a generational talent was searching for a new team. It was Kevin Garnett. That summer he would form an alliance with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston. But that wasn’t the initial plan.

How an annual China trip cost Kobe Bryant a stellar teammate

After twelve years in Minnesota, the Big Ticket’s desperation to win climbed over his desire to stay loyal to the city. Once free agency hit, the looming question arose – what’s next for KG? Three teams ran through his mind, the Lakers, Boston Celtics, and the Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, Steve Nash regretfully informed him of the Suns’ disappointing future plans.

Boston was always on the table since Kevin Garnett spoke to Danny Ainge. But he couldn’t decide until he tested his own luck with Kobe Bryant. That year he wanted to personally talk with his peer and was serious about joining the Lakers.

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Unluckily, their timings never coincided. At the time Garnett tried to reach the Black Mamba, he was touring in China. So the two could never connect. Convinced Bryant was avoiding him, he took the final decision of joining the Celtics. Later in the year, the matchup finally happened. The Lakers and Celtics faced off, and it was the first time Kobe Bryant saw KG since the trade.

‘Nah, it ain’t good’

“Yo, man, you was trying to get in contact with me?” the 2008 MVP asked Garnett.

The latter thought he was joking and shrugged him off. However, little did he know, Kobe Bryant was raging in the moment. He even said Kevin Garnett was in the wrong uniform.

“Nah, it ain’t good, you in that wrong color, man. What the f**k, man. How you gonna go to Boston of all places,” the Mamba burst into frustration as KG revealed during his GQ interview.

After that interaction they went back to being arch-nemesis, two rivals manically chasing the ultimate prize. They would meet in the NBA Finals on two separate occasions, each sharing a win. Thankfully, both got the success they yearned for. But even with his unmatched resume, Garnett couldn’t help but wonder.

“It was all good. I always loved playing against [Kobe]. But yeah, it probably would have been a different level playing with him.”

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How many championships would this tandem have won? Let us know your views in the comments below.