Kobe Bryant dedicated his entire 20-year NBA career to the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, during his illustrious tenure, there was a moment when a trade involving him nearly materialized, with the Dallas Mavericks playing a significant role in that narrative.
Mark Cuban, the minor owner of the Mavericks, disclosed how near the team was to acquiring Bryant during the offseason of 2007. On a podcast with Shaquille O’Neal, Cuban elaborated on the details of the suggested trade, which was said to include notable Mavericks players Josh Howard and Jason Terry, along with draft selections.
“Can you believe how close we were to trading for Kobe in 2007? I was literally this close. I had discussions with Jerry Buss and we began to sort things out after Kobe expressed his desire to leave. Jerry told me, ‘Alright, if you want to leave, we’ll handle it.’ I talked to him, and it was going to involve Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and picks, but no Dirk because I insisted, ‘Anyone but Dirk,’” Cuban recounted.
Mark Cuban revealed Kobe Bryant almost became a Dallas Maverick in 2007 😳
(Ep. 33) pic.twitter.com/8I2FaYjG3M
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) August 12, 2025
Eventually, the trade was halted by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, who stepped in and convinced Kobe to remain in Los Angeles.
“I remember stating, ‘Guess what? Kobe is going to be a Maverick.’ I genuinely believed it was a done deal. Then, Mitch Kupchak came forward and said, ‘We can’t do this.’ He managed to talk Kobe out of it. The rest is history,” he added.
Kobe Bryant Reflected on Championship Mindset
In a revealing conversation with the New York Times, Kobe Bryant offered a profound perspective on the essential qualities an athlete must possess to contribute to a championship-worthy team. He emphasized the tough choices players face regarding their career paths.
“It’s crucial for an athlete to understand if this is something they truly want to do in terms of constructing a contender. Do they aim to win a championship now, or are they willing to bide their time for another three or four years?” Kobe stated.
This equilibrium was pivotal to Kobe’s lasting success in the league. His legacy, marked by five NBA championships and a commitment to mentoring younger teammates, illustrated the importance of patience in the pursuit of excellence.
Image Source: Kobe Bryant @ Instagram
