Kobe Bryant was nearly traded to the Detroit Pistons in a deal that would have altered NBA history in a significant way. Instead, Bryant stayed with the Los Angeles Lakers sending the Pistons into an eventual decline to mediocrity.
It may be the greatest “what if” in NBA history. The Pistons and Lakers reached an agreement to bring Kobe to the Motor City prior to the 2007-08 season.
Bryant tragically died Sunday in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others. The outpouring of support from the NBA community and fans across the globe has warmed the hearts of many, brought goosebumps and tears as videos and photos are shared.