Kobe Bryant has flirted with leaving the Lakers several times in his career. He nearly joined the Los Angeles Clippers before signing an extension with the Lakers in 2004, and demanded the Lakers trade him in 2007 before ultimately backing off those demands and remaining with the Lakers.
Since his trade demands in 2007 the Lakers have two additional NBA championships and went to the Finals a third time. While the team did make an untimely exit during the 2011 post-season, Bryant seems happier than ever in L.A.
In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Bryant stated that he will remain a Laker for the rest of his career. According to Bryant he won’t be jumping ship just to chase his sixth championship ring.
“Either it will happen here or it won’t happen,” said Bryant. That’s something that is sure to comfort Laker fans worried about seeing Bryant wearing a jersey that doesn’t feature any purple or gold.
To see the complete interview between Bryant and Smith watch below.