Kobe and Lebron Could Be Teammates.......In New York

Yes I know. I have got to be crazy for even dreaming up this scenario. But hear me out. While I confess, the likelihood of this scenario panning out might seem next to impossible, it provides a thought-provoking idea to consider.

First of all, you all might ask why on earth would Kobe even consider moving to New York when he has the disposal of the current best team in the NBA. I heavily favour the Lakers repeating a championship this season, again providing little reason for Kobe to leave. But, there are a bunch of external factors that might play a role.

Assuming the hypothetical that the Lakers win a championship this year, Kobe would claim 5 rings, and presumably 2 Finals-MVP awards. Phil Jackson, who I consider the greatest coach of all time has his contact expire after this season. Phil and Kobe have a strong relationship. If Phil decides to retire after this season, Kobe might want a change of scenery. If he considers Phil, which he does, as an integral part of the Lakers success, might not the thought of the Lakers emerging as a lesser power in the coming seasons cross his mind?

The second hypothetical would be Lebron signing with the Knicks. None other Magic Johnson, the legendary "Showtime" guard suggested that Lebron signs with the Knicks. Now if New York were to make an offer to Lebron, they would know they would need another marquee player of his calibre, of which only Kobe exceeds, in order to win a championship.

Sam Smith, the writer who covered the Jordan Era for the Chicago Tribune first put this idea into my head. But his suggestion had a different context. His had Lebron joining the Lakers through a sign-and trade. While remotely plausible, I do not see the Lakers willing to sign-and trade their young, promising centre Andrew Bynum (who they refused to part with for the like of Garnett, O'Neal and Kidd) for Lebron, that is if Lebron even wants to go to L.A.

But Kobe and Lebron teaming together, bringing a long-suffering team into the brink of a dynasty might be an opportunity both of them would cherish. As currently constructed Kobe's Lakers would be too old to compete 2-3 seasons from now. Even their main young player, Bynum, cannot seem to remain healthy over the course of a season, another fact Bryant will take into consideration.

Now I know many of you will jump on me for coming up with an "impossible scenario" that would qualify as a New Yorker's wet dream. But let me assure you I am not a New Yorker, and I don't support the Knicks, rather I am a Lakers fan. Another common criticism would be Kobe can't play with another superstar. That is a very wrong misconception. Kobe can, and Kobe will. He played with Shaq for 3 straight championships. Bickering and mistakes by both players split up that dynasty. But Kobe is more mature now, as evidenced by his leadership of his Lakers team and also at Beijing 2008. In coach Mike D'antoni's "7 seconds or less" system, Kobe would actually have even more offensive opportunities than the slower Triangle Offense.

I will be the first one to admit this is a very far-fetched scenario. But to quote Adidas, in the world of sports, "nothing is impossible."