Kobe Bryant – 2004
The wheels completely fell off for the Shaq and Kobe Lakers dynasty during the 2003-2004 season. After losing in the finals to the Pistons, Kobe weighed his potential free agency options. He wanted Shaq traded or he was going to join the Clippers.
Kobe would have been a great addition to pair with All-Star Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, supplemented by prospects Chris Kaman and Shaun Livingston. Kobe wanted to be a Laker. But if Shaq was going to be there, Kobe did not want any part of it. He wanted to headline his own team and the Clippers offered an opportunity to join a team who despite not being very good at the time, could be elevated several tiers by a player of Kobe’s caliber.