By now you've heard all the back and forth, flip-flopping, and rumors regarding Kobe Bryant's status in Los Angeles. It seems like every day this week, there's been another story, often conflicting with the headline of the previous day. Well, Kobe has thrown down the big words, asking for a trade out of town, in large part due to something that happened years ago. The tender piece of beef was apparently pissed to hear that "a Lakers insider" told the press that Shaq was traded due to Kobe's request (it didn't help that he re-signed the next day), and he says nothing could be further from the truth. Bryant claims that it was owner Jerry Buss who wanted rid of Shaq, and further, that the Lakers would go to great lengths to cover for themselves. Now, it seems that Kobe is ready to make trade demands that would end his own tenure in LA.
It's no secret that Kobe is not beloved in his home NBA town of Philadelphia. The Lower Merion product is still booed regularly here, and there are few players who are more hated among Sixers fans. Still, it can't be argued that he's anything less than the highest-caliber player (the three rings are a good indicator), so there are bound to be many teams in the mix for his services, despite the considerable cost of acquiring him. So my question to you is, despite all the baggage he brings, would you welcome a trade that brought Kobe Bryant to Philadelphia?
>>Kobe Bryant Says He'd Like to be Traded [TrueHoop]
>>Bryant fires back at Lakers [Stephen A.]
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