The basketball world lost Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant earlier this year.
In the aftermath of his tragic death, multiple NBA players have shared amazing stories and hidden facts surrounding the Lakers great.
On a recent episode of the “All the Smoke” podcast, retired superstar Kevin Garnett revealed that he wanted to team up with Bryant in 2007.
“I’m just being honest with everybody. I wanted to link with Kobe,” Garnett admitted. “Kobe and I had a different connect. When Kobe-Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) went on their little thing, a lot of people went with Shaq. A lot of people didn’t even f— with Kob. You know, Kob, whatever. One of the very few to just stay with him. I was a neutral guy, anyway. I show everybody love.”
Garnett played with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first 11 seasons of his career. However, as his career continued, he began to survey his options elsewhere.
The 2004 MVP reached out to Bryant about joining forces, but never heard back from him.
“I tried to link with him, and I couldn’t get him on the line,” Garnett said.
The veteran ended up signing with the Boston Celtics. In his six seasons with Boston, Garnett became a franchise favorite.
Although Garnett and Bryant didn’t play together, they ended up competing against each other in the NBA Finals two times.
Garnett won his first and only championship against the Lakers in 2008, while Bryant captured his fifth and final ring against the Celtics in 2010.
Both stars are two of the best players at their positions. It’s certainly interesting to imagine how many championships they would have acquired if they had teamed up together.
Garnett has career averages of 17.8 points, 10.0 boards, 3.7 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. He is considered one of the best defensive generals and trash-talkers of his generation.
The Lakers legend concluded his career with averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest.
