Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki as teammates with the Mavericks? ‘It was pretty close’ to happening, Dirk says

Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant nearly became teammates with the Dallas Mavericks in 2007, as the Lakers considered trading Bryant for Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and draft picks. Nowitzki revealed that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban kept him informed about the potential deal, which ultimately fell through. Despite never playing together, both players admired each other’s competitiveness and skills, with Bryant expressing interest in having Nowitzki join the Lakers at one point. Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020, spent his entire career with the Lakers, winning five championships, while Nowitzki led the Mavericks to their only title in 2011.

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