Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kobe Bryant almost join the Chicago Bulls?
Kobe Bryant almost joined the Chicago Bulls in 2004 after the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. He was a free agent at the time and was seriously considering leaving Los Angeles.
Why didn't Kobe Bryant end up signing with the Bulls?
Kobe didn't sign with the Bulls because Shaquille O'Neal requested a trade while Kobe was on vacation in Italy. The Lakers decided they couldn't afford to lose both superstars in the same year, so they traded Shaq to the Heat and re-signed Kobe to a $136 million contract.
How serious was Kobe about moving to Chicago?
Kobe was very serious about the move - he and his wife Vanessa were actively looking for homes and researching schools in the Chicago area. They had meetings scheduled with Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and executive John Paxson, and were planning to move to Lake Forest.
Why did Kobe want to leave the Lakers in 2004?
Kobe wanted to prove he could win championships without Shaquille O'Neal because he was frustrated with people saying he only won because of Shaq. He didn't want his legacy to be diminished by that argument, even though he acknowledged other greats like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan also had great teammates.
Did Kobe's wife support his potential move to Chicago?
Yes, Vanessa Bryant fully supported the potential move to Chicago. Kobe specifically mentioned that "Vanessa signed off" on the decision and they were planning to relocate to Lake Forest together.