Apparently, Kobe “Yellow Messiah” Bryant doesn’t like the idea of playing in Motown. It was reported last night on ESPN’s broadcast of the LA Lakers/Houston Rockets game that number 24 vetoed a trade that would’ve sent him to the Detroit Pistons for Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Amir Johnson, a first round pick, a sack of magic beans, and a bag of basketballs.

Bryant has a no-trade clause in his contract and used that power to veto the trade both sides had apparently agreed upon.

One has to wonder what’s going on inside the head of Mr. “I Want To Be Like Mike.” He famously bitches about having to play on a Laker team featuring Andrew Bynum and when he gets an opportunity to join one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, he balks. Is it Chicago or bust, Kobe? Do you really want to play in the shadow of Number 23’s statue that adorns the Untied Center?

If that is the case, then perhaps Colorado is the least of your worries. It sounds like you need to find an identity that isn’t so wrapped-up in being or outdoing Michael Jordan (the Nike contract, the wearing of number 24 so you can be the “next one,” rumors of buying Jordan’s Chicago home).

I changed this to Kobe’s wife because she’s easier on the eyes. MUCH easier.

For what it’s worth, I think this would’ve been a bad trade for Detroit. I’m not sure letting two of the franchise’s cornerstone players go for a talented, yet highly temperamental player is the wisest move a successful NBA team can make.

Tags: Detroit Pistons, Kobe Bryant, Trade Rumors

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