Power of Veto

Despite all that’s been happening, Kobe Bryant still has the ball in his court. His no-trade clause allows him to reject any trade deal. Kobe absolutely can not be traded by the Lakers without his full consent. He acquired the no-trade clause in his contract by having more than eight seasons and having played for the same team for at least four seasons. These are only a couple of the reasons why Kobe is just one of a handful of NBA players with these no-trade provisions. And Buss would do well in remembering how fickle Kobe has been lately, keeping in mind that a team cannot reacquire a player they’ve traded during the same season unless the player has been waived.
This no-trade clause is one of New York Knicks president and coach Isiah Thomas’ biggest concerns. There’s no doubt he’d like to put together a superstar package with a big ol’ ribbon on it and snatch up Kobe. But apparently he’s been working the phones, maintaining communication, and attempting to keep offer-pipelines full. “It’s safe to say we’re active on the phones, trying to improve our team, whatever ways we can,” Thomas said. He also commented on his first-round pick, “My intention is to keep it, but if I could find a way to make our team better, move the pick and get a better player, I’m not hesitant to do that…I haven’t seen anything [offered] to move it.” Don’t miss out on next season’s action. Get your Los Angeles Lakers tickets from StubHub.com today.

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