Kevin Garnett hoped to join Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles when he was ready to move on from Minnesota back in the summer of 2007.
Garnett says he and Bryant had a special relationship, and the blockbuster deal nearly came together for the Lakers.
Ultimately, the Timberwolves sent KG to Boston where he won his lone NBA title with the Celtics in 2008.
Per NESN:
“I’m just being honest with everybody, I wanted to link with Kob (Kobe Bryant),” Garnett told Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on the “All The Smoke” podcast. “Kob’ and I had a different connect. When Kob’ and (Shaquille O’Neal) went on their little thing, a lot of people went with Shaq. A lot of people didn’t even (expletive) with Kob’. I’m one of the very few that just stayed with him.
“I was a neutral guy anyway. I show everybody love. But Kob’ respect dogs,” Garnett continued. “Well, I tried to link with him, and I couldn’t get him on the line.”
The fact Garnett couldn’t get in touch with Bryant caused things to change.
“So, I had to make a decision coming down,” Garnett said. “Danny Ainge flew in and he just got right to it, showed the vision. You ever have somebody talk to you and as they’re talking to you, you can see what they’re seeing? That’s how he (Ainge) was painting it. He was a Picasso,” Garnett said. “And this is Danny Ainge’s greatness, him being able to lure you in. His charming (expletive).
“So, I just sat on it and like, ‘No, I’m going to Beantown,’” Garnett said.
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