Top-5 places Kobe Bryant could play other than L.A.
By Robert Judin
1. New York Knicks
It’s a match made in heaven, isn’t it? Bryant has always stated his love for playing in Madison Square Garden. If he went to the Knicks, he would be reunited with Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher.
Fisher and Bryant came into the league together in 1996. Both were first-round picks by the Lakers (Bryant was selected by the Hornets, but his draft rights were traded to L.A. for Vlade Divac) when Jerry West was running the show. Just as Bryant considers Gasol a brother, he may consider Fisher to be his other half — no offense to Vanessa Bryant.
Bryant could walk in on day one and instantly help the Knicks adjust to the triangle offense. He has a fantastic relationship with Carmelo Anthony, and that may be where Bryant’s services would prove most effective.
Anthony carries the same persona as Bryant. Both are seen as “ball hogs.” Even though Bryant and Anthony both have great court vision, their lack of capable teammates at times has instead been perceived as a lack of desire to share the basketball.
Well, I guarantee neither Bryant nor Anthony would have a problem sharing the basketball if the Black Mamba went to New York. He could tutor Anthony in the ways of the triangle and even ease the transition for rookie Kristaps Porzingis.
If Bryant were to leave the Lakers, the Knicks seem like the obvious destination. It wouldn’t make sense as far as winning a championship. There are a few teams better suited to help Bryant accomplish that. But he would definitely fit right in, and the Knicks could very well contend in a weak Eastern Conference.