Kobe Bryant Says He Was ‘Very Close’ To Signing With Clippers In 2004

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read

Los Angeles Lakers fans have been extremely fortunate that they have been able to enjoy Kobe Bryant for the entirety of his 20-year career. That nearly wasn’t the case, however.

When Kobe was a free agent in 2004, there was a legitimate belief that he could leave the Lakers and join the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Clippers.

In an interview on ESPN LA 710, Kobe admitted that he was very close to signing with the Clippers via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:

The thought of Kobe in anything besides purple and gold is difficult to imagine, but it was very nearly a reality. The feud between Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal had reached its breaking point, and many believe Kobe would not have returned if the Lakers retained Shaq. Of course, the Lakers ultimately traded Shaq to the Miami Heat and Kobe re-signed the next day.

Things would work out for both Kobe and the Lakers as they would eventually win two more championships with Bryant at the lead. Him joining the Clippers, however, is interesting to think about as the Clippers at that time were the laughingstock of the NBA.

Kobe potentially leading the Clippers from the basement to a championship could have been an even greater accomplishment, but it simply wasn’t meant to be as Kobe will always be synonymous with the Lakers franchise.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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