Kobe Bryant Could’ve Been A New York Legend
Kobe “Bean” Bryant the best SG in NBA history by a few fans including my best friend Cal could’ve been a Knick according to Carmelo Anthony and Woj on the 7PM In Brooklyn Podcast with Kid Metro.
Kobe Could’ve Been a New York Knick: Three Missed Opportunities
For basketball fans like myself who is a die hard Knick fan, few names carry the weight of Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant was one of the players I most hated growing up to be honest. He made me cry when the Sacramento Kings lost to them back in 2002, that was the night I hated Kobe Bryant.
The 18-time All-Star, 5-time NBA champion, and former MVP spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, Knicks fans have long wondered what might have been. Over the course of Kobe’s career, there were at least three pivotal moments where the Black Mamba could have ended up in New York. From the 1996 NBA Draft to trade rumors and amnesty clauses, the story of Kobe and the Knicks is one of tantalizing “what ifs.” Kobe Bryant is one of those guys, what the fuck if he was a New York Knick at any moment of his career?
1996: The Draft That Changed the NBA
The 1996 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the greatest draft classes in NBA history. With players like Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Steve Nash entering the league, the talent pool was deep. But Kobe Bryant, a 17-year-old high school star from Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, was a wildcard. Most teams were hesitant to draft a high school player, fearing the unknown of a raw but talented prospect.
The Knicks entered the draft with the 18th pick. After a disappointing playoff exit earlier that year, they were looking to reload with young talent to support Patrick Ewing and their veteran core. Kobe, however, was already gaining interest from higher up the draft board. The Charlotte Hornets selected him at 13 but had already agreed to trade him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. The Knicks had reportedly been inquiring about ways to move up in the draft to take Kobe, but without a pick in the lottery, they lacked the assets to make it happen. Even if they did, why didn’t the Knicks do everything in their power to get some a high value prospect in the building? You let the Charlotte Hornets trade Kobe to the Lakers? What the fuck is this The 70s all over again and the Knicks say no to Kareem and let him sign to the Lakers? Let me stop and continue with the good intellectual article I’m writing before I crash out.
Instead, the Knicks used their pick on John Wallace, a forward from Syracuse and I mean this with no disrespect
Wallace was a solid college player but never made a significant impact in the NBA, averaging just 7.6 points per game in his career. Meanwhile, Kobe went on to redefine the shooting guard position in Los Angeles.
Now getting back to Kobe, Kobe’s rookie year (1996-97), he averaged 7.6 points in 15.5 minutes per game, showing flashes of brilliance.
By his second season, he was already an All-Star, and by year three, he was averaging 19.9 points per game. The Knicks’ inability to secure Kobe during the draft became the first of several missed opportunities.
2007: Kobe Asks Out, the Knicks Miss Again
Fast forward to the summer of 2007. Kobe Bryant was at the peak of his powers, coming off a season where he averaged 31.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Despite his individual brilliance, the Lakers were struggling, having been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for two straight years. Frustrated with the direction of the franchise, Kobe publicly demanded a trade.
The Knicks, desperate for a superstar, were naturally interested. A deal would likely have centered around David Lee, Jamal Crawford, and future draft picks. While these players were talented, the Knicks lacked the star power or assets needed to entice the Lakers into a deal.
The trade talks gained steam but ultimately fell apart. Kobe nearly ended up with the Chicago Bulls instead, but he vetoed the trade, not wanting to join a team that had to gut its core to acquire him. The Lakers held onto him, and within a year, they had rebuilt around Kobe, acquiring Pau Gasol in 2008. That move led to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, further cementing Kobe’s legacy in L.A.
2012–2015: The Amnesty Rumors
By 2012, Kobe Bryant was a grizzled veteran but still among the league’s elite. The 2012-13 season saw Kobe average 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, carrying the Lakers to a playoff berth despite injuries and drama surrounding Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. However, tragedy struck late in the season when Kobe tore his Achilles tendon.
Kobe Bryant and the Amnesty Clause:
The amnesty clause, introduced in the 2011 NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, allowed teams to waive one player with a burdensome contract, removing their salary from the cap and luxury tax calculations. While the player would still be paid, the team would gain significant financial flexibility. For the Lakers, the amnesty provision became a looming consideration regarding Kobe Bryant during the 2012-2015 seasons.
Why Amnesty Was Considered for Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s five-year, $136 million contract extension signed in 2010 was justified at the time, as he was coming off back-to-back NBA titles (2009, 2010). However, by the 2012-13 season, the Lakers’ roster construction had backfired. The much-hyped acquisition of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash didn’t yield results. Injuries to Nash, Howard’s inconsistency, and coaching changes destabilized the team.
Kobe remained the centerpiece of the Lakers, and his performance during the 2012-13 season was nothing short of legendary. At age 34, Kobe averaged:
• 27.3 points per game
• 5.6 rebounds per game
• 6.0 assists per game
• 1.4 steals per game
• Shooting 46.3% from the field, including multiple clutch performances that dragged the Lakers into the playoffs.
However, tragedy struck in April 2013. In a game against the Golden State Warriors, Kobe tore his Achilles tendon, ending his season and casting doubt over the future of his career. Recovery from such an injury was daunting, especially for a player of his age with significant mileage.
2013 Offseason: Amnesty Talks Begin
During the 2013 offseason, speculation grew that the Lakers might use the amnesty clause on Kobe. His $30 million salary for the upcoming season was the highest in the NBA, and with his recovery uncertain, the Lakers faced a tough decision. Amnestying Kobe would have removed his salary from their books, giving them the flexibility to rebuild a roster around Dwight Howard or other free agents.
Howard’s departure to the Houston Rockets intensified the debate. The Lakers were entering a rebuilding phase, and some analysts argued that cutting ties with Kobe, despite his iconic status, was the pragmatic choice.
Kobe’s Contract Extension and Injuries
Instead of using the amnesty clause, the Lakers doubled down on their loyalty to Kobe. In November 2013, while he was still rehabbing his Achilles, the team signed him to a two-year, $48.5 million extension. The move was seen as a reward for his years of service and a statement of commitment to their franchise player. However, it tied up significant cap space, limiting the Lakers’ ability to add talent around him.
Kobe’s subsequent seasons were marred by injuries:
• 2013-14 Season:
• Played only 6 games due to a fractured lateral tibial plateau in his left knee.
• Averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in limited action.
• 2014-15 Season:
• Returned and showed flashes of his old self, including a triple-double against the Toronto Raptors.
• Averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 35 games before suffering a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder.
• 2015-16 Season (Final Year):
• Announced his retirement, turning the season into a farewell tour.
• Scored 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Why the Lakers Didn’t Amnesty Kobe
Despite the financial burden and the practical argument for using the amnesty clause, the Lakers never seriously considered waiving Kobe. For the franchise, Kobe wasn’t just a player; he was the face of the team and a global icon. His contributions to the Lakers—five championships, countless records, and his relentless work ethic—earned him a level of respect few players achieve.
Amnestying Kobe would have sent a message that loyalty had limits, potentially tarnishing the team’s reputation among players and fans alike. The Lakers opted to honor Kobe’s legacy, even at the cost of short-term success.
What If Kobe Was Amnestied?
Had the Lakers used the amnesty clause, Kobe would have become an unrestricted free agent. Multiple teams would have jumped at the opportunity to sign him, despite the uncertainty surrounding his health.
The Knicks, in particular, were viewed as a potential destination. With Carmelo Anthony leading the team, the Knicks had cap space during this period and were searching for another superstar to pair with Melo. Kobe had often spoken fondly of Madison Square Garden, calling it his favorite arena outside of Staples Center. In 2009, he famously scored 61 points at MSG, the highest-scoring game by a visiting player in the arena’s history.
A pairing of Kobe and Carmelo would have electrified New York. Even if Kobe wasn’t at his peak, his leadership and competitive fire could have injected new life into a Knicks franchise desperate for relevance.
Legacy Over Pragmatism
The Lakers’ decision to keep Kobe despite his declining health and high salary ultimately reflected their values as a franchise. They chose legacy and loyalty over cap flexibility and short-term gains. While the team struggled during Kobe’s final years, the decision cemented Kobe’s status as a lifelong Laker and preserved the bond between the player and the organization.
In hindsight, the amnesty clause was never truly an option for Kobe Bryant. His connection to the Lakers was too strong, and his impact on the game too profound. Knicks fans, however, can only imagine what might have been had the Black Mamba brought his talents to Madison Square Garden.
7PM in Brooklyn: Honoring Kobe and New York Basketball
As we reflect on Kobe’s near-miss with the Knicks, it’s worth highlighting the work of the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, hosted by Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero. Over the past few years, they’ve brought fresh perspectives to basketball and New York culture, often discussing the Knicks’ storied history and moments like the ones we’ve explored here. Their blend of humor, insight, and passion for the game mirrors the same qualities that made Kobe Bryant such an icon.
In the end, Kobe Bryant’s legacy is one of loyalty and greatness. While he never played for the Knicks, his impact on the city and the Garden will never be forgotten. Knicks fans can only dream of what might have been had one of those three opportunities worked out. But as Kobe himself might say, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
Now just reflecting on What If Kobe Bryant was a Knick in general Carmelo Anthony’s prime years with the New York Knicks were marked by individual brilliance and team dysfunction. Despite being one of the most prolific scorers of his era, Melo never had the consistent support needed to bring a championship to New York. The idea of pairing him with Kobe Bryant a proven winner with five championships and an unmatched competitive edge remains one of the great “what ifs” in Knicks history. What if Melo and Kobe teamed up at Madison Square Garden, particularly in the mid-2010s, when the Knicks also had rising star Kristaps Porziņģis?
The Teammates Who Fell Short
Throughout his time in New York, Melo rarely had the supporting cast needed to compete with the NBA’s elite teams. Some of his notable teammates included:
• Amar’e Stoudemire: Injuries derailed his career shortly after Melo’s arrival.
• Tyson Chandler: A defensive anchor but limited offensively.
• J.R. Smith: A streaky scorer who could be brilliant but inconsistent.
• Raymond Felton: A serviceable point guard but not a star.
• Kristaps Porziņģis: A promising rookie in 2015-16 but too young to contribute to title contention.
Why It Could Have Worked:
1. Offensive Firepower: Kobe and Melo were two of the most skilled scorers in NBA history. Together, they could have overwhelmed defenses with a combination of mid-range mastery, post-ups, and three-point shooting.
2. Leadership: Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” could have instilled a culture of accountability in a Knicks locker room often criticized for its lack of discipline.
3. Fit with Porziņģis: By 2015, Porziņģis’ unique skill set as a 7’3” shooter and rim protector would have created space for Kobe and Melo to operate.
Kobe’s Stats During the Hypothetical Partnership (2013-15):
• 2012-13 (Pre-Achilles Injury): 27.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.6 RPG
• 2013-14 (Injured): 13.8 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.3 RPG (6 games played)
• 2014-15: 22.3 PPG, 5.6 APG, 5.7 RPG
Even an aging Kobe would have brought invaluable experience and a championship mindset to the Knicks.
The Phil Jackson Factor
Phil Jackson was hired as Knicks president in 2014 with high expectations. However, his tenure is widely regarded as a failure. Key mistakes included:
• Forcing the Triangle Offense: Jackson insisted on running his outdated offensive system, which clashed with Melo’s playstyle and limited the team’s potential.
• Toxic Relationships: Public feuds with Melo and Porziņģis created unnecessary drama.
• Poor Free-Agent Signings: Overpaying for players like Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose backfired, leaving the team with limited flexibility.
Phil’s refusal to adapt to the modern NBA and his mismanagement of the roster wasted the prime years of Melo’s career.
Would Things Have Been Different with Kobe, Melo, and Porziņģis?
The short answer is yes. A core of Kobe, Melo, and Porziņģis could have been a formidable trio, especially in the Eastern Conference, which was less competitive than the West during those years. Kobe’s presence would have alleviated pressure on Melo and provided mentorship to Porziņģis.
Defensively, the trio would have had challenges, but Tyson Chandler’s presence (if retained) could have helped shore up the backline. Offensively, they would have been a nightmare to guard, with three players capable of scoring from anywhere on the court.
Conclusion
The pairing of Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant remains one of the greatest “what ifs” in NBA history. Both players had the talent and mindset to thrive together, especially with a young Kristaps Porziņģis providing a modern stretch-big element. Unfortunately, mismanagement by Phil Jackson and the Lakers’ decision to remain loyal to Kobe prevented this dream scenario from becoming reality.
For Knicks fans, the thought of Melo and Kobe dominating Madison Square Garden is bittersweet. It’s a reminder of what could have been but also a testament to the enduring legacy of two of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen.