Lakers News: Dr. Jerry Buss persuaded Kobe Bryant to stay in LA

According to Lakers Nation in recent Lakers news, Rob Pelinka shares how the late Dr. Jerry Buss persuaded Kobe Bryant to stay in LA.

The latest Lakers news reveals the Kobe Bryant, otherwise known as the Black Mamba, nearly left the organization he called home in 2007. However, it does make sense in hindsight to see why he may have wanted to leave LA.

Dr. Jerry Buss, Rob Pelinka, and Bryant are who will truly understand why Bryant wanted to leave. It is possible he wanted to leave because he was on a team that hadn’t won a championship in five years. He was hungry for another championship. Bryant already had three as a Los Angeles Laker.

Bryant requested a trade in 2007, but before the Lakers made any moves, Dr. Buss sent him a message. According to Lakers Nation, Rob Pelinka shared this moment with ESPN LA as he was Bryant’s agent at the time.

The message from Dr. Buss read, “Kobe never bet against me on winning championships.” LA didn’t trade him instantly and Kobe after seeing this message decided to stay with LA. Bryant had faith in the journey.

Kobe played nearly the entire games because he was their franchise player. Throughout his career, he averaged 25 points, four assists, and five rebounds per game. Additionally, he had monster record-setting performances during his time as a Laker.

For example, his last game in the purple and gold was memorable as he single-handedly carried the team to a victory as he scored sixty points in forty minutes on the court.

They needed other athletes on the team who could assist in carrying the team while Kobe was on the bench.

In order for the Lakers to assist the Black Mamba to win a championship, they needed more talent. What they needed they received. LA would go on to win back to back championships in 2009-2010.

By staying he added two more rings to his resume winning five championships with the Lakers. Also, he became one of the all-time greatest Lakers to ever play in the purple and gold.

He ended up being loyal playing there for 20 years winning five rings, the 2008 NBA MVP and was an all-star 18 times. During both NBA Finals victories in 2009/2010, he earned Finals MVP both times.

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It is safe to say that Buss saved not only the Lakers but may have saved Kobe Bryants’ career and legacy on the game as well.