Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has confirmed he will retire as a Laker after this season, but that do not stop trade rumors directed at the Black Mamba.
Chris Mannix discussed in Sports Illustrated a fan-proposed deal that would send Bryant to the New York Knicks to Carmelo Anthony, and former Lakers comrades Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson.
The trade scenario did not suggest any pieces involved in the deal, but it pointed at another chance for Bryant to compete at the playoffs for a potential matchup against Lebron James.
According to Mannix, if a trade does indeed go down, there is a chance Jackson would probably take Bryant in.
But there are several reasons why this king of scene will not ever happen.
With the Lakers dwelling at the bottom of the Western Conference standings on a 3-16 record, it is highly unlikely LA will get into the playoffs this year, so Bryant's chance for one last postseason run is on another team.
New York poses a better chance of cracking a playoff spot in a weaker Eastern Conference, but the Knicks look like they are doing just fine and is in no need of another superstar, with Kristaps Porzingis and Melo taking over.
However, Bryant has already insisted he will retire a Laker and the Knicks would probably not need an aging superstar in their lineup.
The Knicks are not even guaranteed to make the playoffs this season or even face LBJ's Cleveland Cavaliers in April, so chances of Bryant wearing a blue and orange jersey is very slim to none.
Moreover, Bryant is at peace with just having five championship rings, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
The five-time NBA champ probably wanted to have more championships than Tim Duncan, or tie Michael Jordan's six rings. But Bryant knows this is the end of the road for him, after a grueling 20 years of basketball greatness.
The Lakers have already enjoyed a multitude of success in Bryant's era. This will be his farewell tour with the Lakers and the franchise would certainly like to keep it that way.