Woj also said Kobe always fantasized about MSG being his home court.
When you think of Kobe Bryant, the first thing that comes to mind is the Los Angeles Lakers—he is remembered for his unwavering loyalty to the franchise.
Over two decades, the five-time NBA champion became the face of the team and a beacon of consistency in an ever-changing league. Yet, behind the scenes, there were moments when the Hall of Famer almost donned colors other than purple and gold.
Kobe as a Knick?
Bryant’s career, spanning from 1996 to 2016, was defined by his tenure with the Lakers. The 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia native was traded to Los Angeles by the Charlotte Hornets before ever stepping on an NBA court. From there, his story was written in Staples Center lights: five NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, and a regular-season MVP in 2008.
Yet even legends face challenges. Tensions between No. 8 and fellow superstar Shaquille O’Neal in the early 2000s led to speculation that the 18-time All-Star might leave the Lakers. However, the team sided with its rising star, trading O’Neal in 2004. Bryant solidified his role as the franchise player, but whispers of potential departures didn’t fade entirely.
Former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski now revealed that the shooting guard came closer than anyone realized to joining the New York Knicks.
“It’s funny. Kobe always thought he was going to end up with the Knicks,” he said on a recent episode of “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony.” “He goes, ‘They’re gonna amnesty me, and no one is gonna claim me on waivers, and I’m gonna sign with the Knicks. I said, ‘They’re not gonna amnesty you; they’re gonna burn the city down.'”
For fans and analysts alike, imagining “The Black Mamba” wearing another jersey is almost impossible. Kobe’s biggest fear was potential disappointment and betrayal in Los Angeles, even though the idea of wearing Knicks orange remained hypothetical.
Such disappointments aren’t rare, as the city of Cleveland viewed LeBron James as a traitor when he left for the Miami Heat in 2010.
The arena special
Bryant’s relationship with Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena, blended admiration and dominance. From his rookie season, the Lakers legend described the Garden as a venue that inspired his best performances. He frequently spoke of the energy and history embedded in the building, calling it his favorite place to play outside of Los Angeles.
Despite his love for the Garden, the late NBA icon was ruthless when facing the Knicks. On February 2, 2009, he etched his name into MSG lore with a record-breaking 61-point game, the highest-scoring performance by any player at the arena. He broke Michael Jordan’s record with relentless determination, leaving the New York crowd in awe.
For the Hall of Famer, the Knicks represented both temptation and inspiration. He reportedly fantasized about playing under the bright lights of Manhattan,
“He loved the Lakers, and he only ever really wanted to be there. He would fantasize about the Garden,” Wojnarowski said.
Kobe’s loyalty to Los Angeles never wavered, even as he contemplated other paths. His connection to the city, the fans, and the franchise ultimately outweighed any fleeting thoughts of leaving.