Kobe for LeBron discussed in 2007

[Andrew]

An interesting story as Kobe and LeBron square off for the last time.

Report: Lakers once called Cavs about Kobe-for-LeBron mega-deal

Ahead of Wednesday night's meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers — the first of two matchups between the two clubs in the next month, and Kobe Bryant's final visit to Ohio before he retires at the end of this season — ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst dropped a what-if bombshell: in the summer of 2007, the Lakers called the Cavs to find out if trading Kobe to Cleveland could net them LeBron James.

According to multiple sources, as the Lakers went through their options, a call was placed to the Cavs. The intent of the call, sources said, was clear: Would the Cavs make James available in a potential deal for Bryant?

Those who worked in Cleveland's front office remember it for one reason: It was the only time a team had ever called and made an offer for James. He was considered an ultimate untouchable. Frankly, until that time, so was Bryant. [...]

"I believe it," James told ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin this week about the 2007 offer. "If you give up one big fish, you got to give a big fish too."
The Cavs said that James, indeed, was untouchable, sources said. Then they attempted to make the Lakers a different offer for Bryant, offering anyone else on their team in a package for him. The Lakers had no interest.

I'm not surprised the Cavs declined that offer, as there's no way they were giving up on LeBron so quickly; even with a player like Kobe on the table. Still, that would've been a hell of a trade, one of the few times a superstar is traded for another bona fide superstar, and not filler plus maybe a decent player or two.

[Bruce]

The key words here were 22 yr old just came out of the finals. No way this was going to happen unless the player demanded it. Seems more like a failed fishing expedition by the Lakers. If somehow the press got hold of every trade offers, we would probably see more stranger things.

[Andrew]

That's true. Of course, it was widely reported that Kobe wanted out, at least before the season began. A lot of scenarios were being discussed to either get him help, or move him elsewhere, especially with KG being open to leaving Minnesota (and ultimately being dealt to the Celtics). Then of course, Kwame Brown turned into Pau Gasol...

[benji]

Multiple sources tell me that teams have tried to acquire Tim Duncan from the San Antonio Spurs many times over the last 15 years.

[Andrew]

Of all of them, perhaps the Magic came the closest.