ESPN.com · Jan 31, 2021
How Kobe Bryant almost became Boston Celtic
Editor's note: This story was originally published on Dec. 30, 2015. The Boston Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
SITTING ACROSS FROM a reporter in a Denver hotel ballroom recently, Kobe Bryant listens to a story that is nearly two decades old but is new to his ears. As the story unfolds, Bryant's eyes widen. When it is finished, he calls it "the coolest f---ing story ever -- 'cause I haven't heard that story yet."
He then repeats this message -- sparing vulgarity this time -- to drive home the point.
"That's like the coolest thing I've ever heard, dude, because I grew up watching Red! You know what I'm saying? I read books about Red.
