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Kobe Bryant & Chris Paul: The Trade That Was Promised
- 2024/12/27
- 再生時間： 40 分
- ポッドキャスト
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サマリー
あらすじ・解説
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers championship window closed the day this trade got vetoed. Mitch Kupchak opens up about one of the most controversial moments in NBA history—the 2011 Chris Paul trade. Kupchak, who was then the Lakers' general manager, was on the verge of securing a deal to bring the star point guard to LA, only for the league to step in and veto the trade. Mitch shares his frustration with the decision, asserting that the trade was fully supported by both general managers and should have gone through. The world will never know how the legendary duo of Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant would have panned out. Mitch reflects on the impact that veto had on the Lakers, including how it changed the trajectory for players like Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. He talks candidly about whether it felt like the league had it out for the Lakers, especially when it came to potential dynasties. But that’s just the start of the conversation—Mitch dives into his transition from NBA player to front office executive, his time working alongside Jerry West, and the invaluable lessons he learned about trusting his instincts. The episode also touches on Mitch’s deep connection with Kobe Bryant, how he watched him grow up in the league, and what made Kobe so special. He also discusses the Celtics' current rise under Brad Stevens, shares his thoughts on the 2010 Lakers-Celtics Finals, and even reflects on the legacy of Michael Jordan—his first encounter with MJ, and how Jordan would dominate the modern game. Mitch’s perspective on the evolution of the game is fascinating, as he compares the physical, pre-3-point days to today’s high-skill, perimeter-oriented NBA. He shares his admiration for the game's growth and its popularity today, despite some of the changes that long-time fans might find difficult. Don’t miss this inside look at one of the most dramatic moments in NBA history and a legendary career, all on Hold My Banner with hosts Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn 3:20 – Mitch recalls his 1986 fight with Hakeem Olajuwon and defending the Lakers' title. 5:50 – Jerry West offers Mitch a role in the Lakers front office. 7:10 – What Mitch learned from Jerry West’s instinctive approach. 9:15 – Kupchak dives deep into the infamous 2011 Chris Paul trade veto. 14:00 – Did the league have it out for the Lakers? Kupchak shares his thoughts. 16:00 – Winning Time and its portrayal of the Lakers dynasty. 18:52 – Mitch on his relationship with Kobe Bryant. 22:45 – Kupchak speaks on Brad Stevens’ leadership of the Boston Celtics. 25:55 – Mitch’s favorite championship wins—1985 vs. the Celtics and 2010 as an executive. 27:56 – Michael Jordan: From shy freshman to basketball legend. 35:00 – Mitch’s thoughts on the modern NBA and the new era of basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices