Dallas Mavericks Almost Secured Kobe Bryant, But Lakers GM Came to the Rescue: “I Thought It Was Done

In what could have been one of the most seismic shifts in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks were reportedly on the verge of acquiring Kobe Bryant in 2007, only for Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak to swoop in and save the day. The revelation, which has resurfaced in recent interviews, highlights how close the basketball world came to seeing the Black Mamba don a Mavericks jersey—a move that would have reshaped the league’s landscape.

The Trade That Almost Happened

In the summer of 2007, Kobe Bryant, then a three-time NBA champion with the Lakers, was frustrated with the team’s inability to build a competitive roster around him. After years of carrying the franchise, Bryant demanded a trade, sending shockwaves through the league. The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off a disappointing first-round playoff exit despite a 67-win season, emerged as a serious contender to land the superstar.

According to former Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson, the deal was nearly finalized. “I thought it was done,” Nelson revealed in a recent interview. The proposed trade would have sent multiple players and draft picks to the Lakers in exchange for Bryant, pairing him with Dirk Nowitzki to form one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history. For a brief moment, it seemed like the Mavericks were poised to become instant title favorites.

Mitch Kupchak’s Last-Minute Save

Just as the deal appeared imminent, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak intervened. Kupchak, determined to keep Bryant in Los Angeles, made a bold promise: he would rebuild the team around Kobe and return the Lakers to championship contention. Kupchak’s reassurance, coupled with Bryant’s deep connection to the Lakers organization, ultimately convinced the superstar to stay.

Kupchak’s decision proved to be a masterstroke. Within a year, he orchestrated a trade for Pau Gasol, who became the perfect complement to Bryant. The duo led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2008 to 2010, winning back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Bryant cemented his legacy as a Lakers legend, while Kupchak’s quick thinking saved the franchise from a potentially disastrous rebuild.

What Could Have Been

Had the trade gone through, the NBA’s history would look vastly different. The Mavericks, with Bryant and Nowitzki, would have been a juggernaut, potentially altering the trajectories of both franchises. Meanwhile, the Lakers might have struggled to remain relevant without their cornerstone player.

The near-miss serves as a reminder of how delicate team-building can be in professional sports. One decision can change the course of history, and in this case, Kupchak’s resolve ensured that Kobe Bryant’s legacy remained forever intertwined with the purple and gold. For Mavericks fans, it’s a tantalizing “what if” that will forever linger in NBA lore.