Top-5 places Kobe Bryant could play other than L.A.
By Robert Judin
2. Chicago Bulls
Do I think the Chicago Bulls would give Bryant a better chance to win a championship than the Spurs? Of course not, but there’s a magical quality about the Bulls. They still carry the aroma of Jordan.
Players dream of putting on a Bulls jersey and walking into the United Center because it’s where No. 23 played. They imagine knocking down jumpers where MJ once did the same. They play with the thought of having a banner raised next to the six banners Jordan helped capture.
Even though he’s the owner of a competitor, Jordan will forever be a recruiting tool for the Bulls. Bryant is not immune to the allure.
Remember: the Lakers and Bulls almost had a trade completed that would have sent Bryant to Chicago in exchange for some guys like Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Kirk Heinrich and some draft picks. Bryant rejected the trade because he didn’t want to gut the Bulls’ roster and have nothing to work with. That was a smart move.
Could the Bulls win with Bryant now? Yes, it’s very possible. Derrick Rose looked better than most thought he would last season, and it seems as though he’s finally getting comfortable on the court. Jimmy Butler has evolved into a lockdown defender and a go-to scoring option. If Joakim Noah can stay healthy, the Bulls would definitely be a contender.
Aside from the ability to play where his hero starred, Bryant has one more factor that could draw him to the Windy City. He became very close with Pau Gasol when the two were in L.A. Bryant considers Gasol to be a brother, and having the opportunity to win a third ring together would be enticing.
Noah is a free agent after this year, but it’s expected he’ll be brought back. Instead, Taj Gibson has been mentioned as a possible trade chip to clear some cap room. Mike Dunleavy could also be expendable if Bryant entertained the idea of joining the Bulls.
It sure would be fun to watch.
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