Many people are talking about Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets today.
They are speaking of Bryant because today would be his 44th birthday.
And they are having conversations about Durant because his major drama with the Nets has come to an end and the superstar is staying in Brooklyn after months of demanding a trade.
In the end, Kevin Durant and the Nets played out in a similar way to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in 2007: A tumultuous summer after a trade request, talks with teams, no deal and ultimately a decision to return to the franchise.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 23, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski says Durant’s situation is actually a lot like one that Bryant himself experienced:
“In the end, Kevin Durant and the Nets played out in a similar way to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in 2007: A tumultuous summer after a trade request, talks with teams, no deal and ultimately a decision to return to the franchise.”
How similar were these two situations – and will Durant respond as Bryant did?
Bryant’s Request
Back in 2007, Bryant was at the height of his power and was considered the best player in the league.
But the rest of the Lakers roster was rather weak at the time and LA lost in the first round of the playoffs in both 2006 and 2007.
Bryant openly said he wanted to be traded and the NBA went nuts.
The Lakers had talked with the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and others while also trying to appease Bryant and convince him they could turn the team around.
Bryant would ultimately stick with his team although he sat out of practices in October.
Just a few months later, the Lakers traded for center Pau Gasol, and LA soon came back to life.
Bryant and the Lakers were able to successfully get back on track and experience greatness again, so will that happen with Durant and the Nets?
It’s very possible – there are many great players in Brooklyn.
It’s time for them to seize their fate and show what they can really accomplish now that the drama is, hopefully, behind them.
NEXT: Kevin Durant Saw His Leverage Fade Away This Summer