Kobe Bryant Almost Became A New York Knick, Former Insider Recalls

Kobe Bryant could have been a New York Knickerbocker. A new episode of 7PM in Brooklyn released on Thursday (Dec. 5) and featured an appearance from former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who recently retired from ESPN.

The acclaimed information sleuth shared a story with Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, recalling a moment that could’ve changed NBA history on both coasts: Kobe to the Knicks. Shock washed over the men’s faces as they attempted to comprehend what they heard, with Melo, who was playing for the Knicks during this time, remembering that Bryant fantasized about Madison Square Garden. Wojnarowski let off his signature “Woj Bomb” as he expounded upon his huge revelation.

“It’s funny, Kobe always thought, he was convinced he was going to end up with the Knicks,” he told the men. “He goes, ‘They’re going to amnesty me, and no one gonna claim me on waivers, and I’m gonna go sign with the Knicks.’ I said, ‘They’re not gonna amnesty you—they’ll burn this city down.’ He loved the Lakers and he only ever wanted to be there. [But], he would fantasize about [Madison Square] Garden.”

As he continued, Wojnarowski explained to Melo how much Bryant cared and looked out for him. Adrian remembered a particular conversation where he pleaded with him to tell Anthony to “just play his way” and “f**k” what Phil Jackson had in mind for him on the court.

“He loved [Carmelo Anthony]. I remember standing with him at the Staples Center, I would always talk to him on the way to his car. He was defending you and he was like, ‘I told Melo, stop apologizing. Play the way you play.’ It was in the middle of all the Phil [Jackson] stuff.”

Kobe Bryant told The Athletica similar story back in 2019. During an interview recalling his passion for basketball and his career, the Hall of Fame talent admitted that he always “dreamed of playing in New York.”

“I always kind of dreamed about playing in New York and what that would have been like. It’s true. As a fan, the Garden was the historical arena,” he told Frank Isola, gushing about the idea of becoming a Knick. “It’s like the last one left. So, when I came into the NBA there used to be Chicago Stadium. It’s crazy to think that you guys probably don’t know what Chicago Stadium is. But it was Chicago Stadium and there was the Boston Garden where Tiny did a lot of his damage. Then there is Madison Square Garden.”

“So, there is like three historical arenas. Chicago Stadium and Boston Garden were torn down. The only thing left was MSG. So, I always wanted to be a part of that history and play in it. So, New York was a team…it would have been pretty good to play in that city.”