The Lakers had a trade in place and wanted to act quickly before their disgruntled star carried into training camp. Shaquille O’Neal had won three rings prior with Bryant, but Shaq was entering his fourth year with the Miami Heat, having won a ring with Dwyane Wade. Pistons history:What made the Goin' to Work Pistons enjoyable to watchĪfter consecutive first-round exits in the Western Conference playoffs in 20, Bryant demanded a trade with a rebuild around Andrew Bynum on the horizon. 716, 3 NBA championships) had a better run during that stretch. It was a run that reached its pinnacle in 2004, hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, followed by a Finals appearance in 2005 and included four other trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. It compiled a 384-190 record, winning two-thirds of games from 2001-08. Though Vincent Goodwill, then of the Detroit News, reported that it was for Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Amir Johnson with a first-round pick.ĭetroit was on the verge of become the NBA’s premier dynasty. Ken Berger, formerly of CBS, reported that the Pistons would have sent Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and two first-round picks. There are different accounts of what the trade would have been. So much to the point that he demanded a trade and nearly became a Piston. A star that fit in Hollywood wanted to win more than anything.
He will fittingly be inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame this year, as announced on Monday, with his famous Lakers colors. 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. Bryant tragically died Sunday in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others.