Why I Wouldn't Trade for Kobe Bryant in the NBA

Several teams have been rumored lately to be making offers for Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star has been pursued by the Chicago Bulls, the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies. Teams have been offering multiple players and draft picks just to get Bryant on their team. Is Kobe really worth this much attention? Absolutely not! Here is why, if I were a GM, I would not trade for Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant has yet to truly prove himself. Sure he is a great player, sure he has won NBA championships, but what has he done since the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. Nothing. Bryant has yet to make a deep run into the playoffs as the leader of his team. He has had games where he has put up monster numbers but he has yet to prove he can play 'with' the players on his team. He has complained about the players he has even when they were more than adequate. Why would I trade for such a guy? Who is to say he is going to complain about the new team he has. Considering you will have to trade away have of your roster, he probably will.

Kobe is not a team guy. As mentioned earlier he has complained throughout his career about his teammates. Even when he had great talent around him, he couldn't get along with the players, forcing Shackle O'neal to leave back in 2005. Bryant has developed a reputation as a ball hog on the court. To make matters worse, he has then purposely not taken shots as to try to prove some sort of point.

Bryant is still immature. Even in this most recent season, Bryant has demonstrated that he needs to grow up. Appearing to be 'pouting' Bryant has been very much out of it during the opening of this season. Rumors even circulated that he cleaned out his locker as to make some sort of point. You would think for a guy who just got off on rape charges a few seasons ago, Bryant would be behaving a little more maturely. Not the case.

One player is not going to win you a championship. Unless you have some solid support to put around him, trading for Kobe Bryant won't get you a championship. You will have to go out and make other trades or build through the draft and that could take years. Acquiring Bryant will at best get you into the playoffs. As with his current team, the Lakers you can hope to make the 2nd round of the playoffs at best.

Talented? Yes! Worth a trade? Not if it's half your team. Considering his past, Bryant will bring more headaches than positives. Build your team trough making good draft picks or acquiring young talented players!