http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2512763-kobes-pitch-to-lamarcus-aldridge-reveals-why-free-agents-are-rebuffing-lakers

Kobe Bryant could only say what he knew.

He had lost faith in the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant told LaMarcus Aldridge.

Bryant did not believe the franchise could help him win again. Until, much to his awe and delight, Bryant said, the Lakers turned it all around in 2008, getting him Pau Gasol and two more titles.

Bryant didn't stop there: He brought up the blocked Chris Paul trade to Aldridge as even greater proof of Mitch Kupchak's team-building brilliance.

Bryant suggested to Aldridge that attempting to land Paul wasn't just paving the way for even more championships; the Lakers were set to save a ton of money in that deal in an even more extraordinary victory. Although the Paul trade wasn't allowed to go down, Bryant said, it just goes to show that you can count on Kupchak and the Lakers to find a way to get you the help you need.

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