Is Kobe Bryant’s 2007 Trade Demand the Same As LeBron James’ Decision?

In 2007, after a frustrating loss in the first round of the playoffs, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant demanded that Lakers' management trade him to a team who was willing to surround him with players capable of competing for championships.

Bryant was visibly frustrated when he made his remarks, although he would later back off his comments when center Andrew Bynum began to show progress in his development. Bynum was injured near the midpoint of the 2007-2008 season, and to preserve what had been a surprising start to the season, Lakers' general manager Mitch Kupchak orchestrated a trade that brought Pau Gasol into the Lakers' fold.

It's important to understand that this was a move made necessary because of Bynum's injury, and God must have smiled on the franchis...

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