However unlikely, rumors continue to circulate about Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant being traded to the New York Knicks to reunite with Phil Jackson. Rick Fox, a former teammate of Bryant's, is the latest to suggest Bryant could end up in the Big Apple in pursuit of his sixth NBA title.
Fox, who played with Bryant from 1997 to 2004, said during an interview with Larry King he "wouldn't put it past" Bryant to leave Los Angeles for New York.
"If there is not a real opportunity for [Bryant] to win a championship there, the thought of him leaving may shock Lakers fans," Fox told King, according to FanSided. "But I wouldn't put it past him going in search of one or two more championships. Personally, I think it's going to get done in New York. I really do. I just believe in Phil. I've been around him. I know Kobe has had his greatest success with Phil in a leadership capacity. So the reuniting of the two is not an unrealistic thought."
Bryant has said before he wants to finish his career with the Lakers, regardless of whether it gives him the best chance to win a championship. Bryant, who hasn't ruled out playing beyond his current contract, is due $25 million this season and the next before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2016.
While the Lakers are unlikely to trade Bryant without his blessing, doing so would help the franchise collect assets for the future. Several NBA writers believe Bryant should go to the Knicks, while another believes Bryant should follow in Michael Jordan's footsteps and go to the Washington Wizards.
At this point, a Bryant trade seems unlikely. One thing, though, does lend credence to the rumors: Jordan left Chicago and played for another team. Bryant seems determined to finish his career with the Lakers, but if he decides winning a sixth NBA championship is more important, he can take solace in the fact his idol - MJ - did it too.
