The Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in some crazy trade rumors since the franchise became a professional team back in 1948.
Here, we'll take a look at some of the most insane Lakers trade rumors of all time.
Kobe Bryant for LeBron James
In 2007, the Lakers gauged the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ willingness to make a LeBron James-Kobe Bryant trade, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
The Cavs, of course, weren't interested.
Ironically, LeBron plays for the Lakers now.
Kobe Bryant to the Detroit Pistons
Kobe requested a trade from the Lakers in 2007. The Detroit Pistons were ready to offer L.A. Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and two first-round picks.
However, Bryant wound up staying with the Lakers and won two more titles in 2009 and 2010 with Pau Gasol.
Kobe Bryant to the Chicago Bulls
Bryant was looking at schools in Chicago. The Black Mamba wanted to play for the Bulls.
However, Kobe wanted Luol Deng to remain with the Bulls, while Los Angeles wanted Deng as part of the trade package for Bryant.
A trade was never able to be made.
Kevin Garnett to the Lakers
Before Kevin Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007 from the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was a target for the Lakers. Los Angeles was trying to pair Garnett with Kobe.
A deal built around Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum was a possibility for L.A. back then. However, the trade never went down.
Chris Paul to the Lakers
The Lakers acquired Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets, only to see the trade get nixed by David Stern.
Paul wound up getting traded to the Los Angeles Clippers instead.
Carmelo Anthony to the Lakers
When Anthony requested a trade from the Denver Nuggets, he was linked to Kobe and the LakeShow for a little bit. Melo wound up getting traded to the New York Knicks.
Carmelo was once again connected to the Lakers in the summer of 2014 before he re-signed with the Knicks in unrestricted free agency.
Damian Lillard to the Lakers
Lillard was linked to the Purple and Gold during the summer of 2018 after the Portland Trail Blazers got swept by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2018 playoffs.
Ultimately, the Blazers kept Lillard and wound up signing him to a lucrative contract extension in the summer of 2019. Dame isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
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