Vanessa Bryant: Divorce Will Dictate Kobe's Future with Lakers

While Kobe and Vanessa Bryant's divorce won't affect the Black Mamba's play on the court, it could easily be a determining factor in whether or not Kobe wants out of LA.

While Bryant's got to give the team the go-ahead to trade him, Kobe's troubles off the court could make him see this as the perfect time to jump off the sinking ship that is the LA Lakers.

They tried to make moves to surround Kobe with talent and give him the tools to win another ring with the Lakers on the way out. But David Stern ensured that it wouldn't happen, vetoing the CP3 trade and putting the Lakers in a bind.

There is no Phil Jackson, championship-caliber team or wife to think about now. Those factors could have Kobe ready to demand a trade.

On the other hand, he's got his children to think about. Would he want to remain nearby for the few years he has remaining in the league?

Regardless of whether or not he chooses to try to stick it out with the Lakers, Kobe's divorce has to factor into his decision.

This would be the ideal time for a new beginning. The Lakers could get a slew of young talent in exchange for Kobe. A line would form around the building if the Lakers put Kobe on the block, and if a championship-caliber suitor approached them, Kobe's off-the-court situation is the only factor that would get in the way of No. 24 heading elsewhere.

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