Written by Eric Pincus at LATimes.com
In 2007, the Lakers engaged the Cleveland Cavaliers in talks, offering a disgruntled Kobe Bryant for LeBron James, according to a report on ESPN.com.
Bryant had demanded a trade before the 2007-2008 season, frustrated that the Lakers had stagnated and believing that the team was not properly prioritizing wining.
After winning three titles from 2000-2002, the team fell in the 2004 NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. That off-season, the Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat.
The Lakers missed the 2005 playoffs, then suffered two first-round knock-outs by the Phoenix Suns.
Soon after, Bryant publicly asked for a trade.
The Lakers tried to accommodate, searching the league for a suitable destination. One of the calls reportedly was to the Cavaliers.
James was already a three-time All-Star in just his fourth season in Cleveland. Three years later he would move on as a free agent to the Miami Heat, where he would win two NBA titles.
In 2014, James left the Heat as a free agent to return home to Cleveland and the Cavaliers.
Had the Lakers and Cavaliers agreed to a deal, Bryant would have needed to waive his no-trade clause to allow the blockbuster transaction.
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