Mark Cuban Explains How The Mavs Almost Got Kobe Bryant

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Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban was presented with an interesting opportunity.

Back in the mid-2000s, Kobe Bryant was having some issues with the Los Angeles Lakers. The team just could not get it together and with Shaq leaving the team, Kobe was left with less-than-stellar teammates. It was a rough predicament for Kobe, and there were times when he just simply didn't want to be a Laker anymore.

In 2007, Kobe was very close to being traded, and there was one team that had a very good shot at getting him. According to Mark Cuban, that team was none other than his Dallas Mavericks. While speaking to Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, Cuban explained how he almost landed the superstar.

Mark Cuban Explains How The Mavs Almost Got Kobe Bryant
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“I thought it was done," Cuban said. "I was going back and forth with Dr. Buss. I think he called me… and said, ‘Look, we think we might be parting ways with Kobe.” As Cuban eventually revealed, Kobe spoke with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and eventually changed his mind. This turned out to be the right decision, as Kobe went on to win two more NBA titles.

"Mitch Kupchak talked Kobe into staying," Cuban revealed. "It was just like DeAndre (Jordan). Not the same same, but when a guy that's key to your team wants to leave, you're going to do everything you can to keep him."

Had Kobe gone to play with Dirk Nowitzki, it would have been one of the wildest duos in NBA history. While it might be fun to think about what could have been, it's clear that both teams were successful following the failed deal.

Let us know what you think of this revelation, in the comments down below.


About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
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