Isiah Thomas Reveals Kobe Bryant's Desire to Win Without Shaquille O'Neal Led Him to Take a Significant Pay Cut

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Isiah Thomas recently appeared on the "All The Smoke" podcast and shared an interesting story about Kobe Bryant's desire to win without Shaquille O'Neal.

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Thomas claimed that Bryant was so desperate to win without O'Neal that he was willing to take a significant pay cut.

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In December 2003, Bryant flew to New York to meet with Thomas and discuss signing with the Knicks.

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The Knicks only had the mid-level exception to offer Bryant, which was worth less than $5 million per season.

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Despite his high value, Bryant did not care about the money and only wanted to win without O'Neal.

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Bryant believed that if he won with O'Neal, he would not be able to rise the way he wanted to.

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Ultimately, Bryant did not sign with the Knicks and O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat after the 2003-04 season.

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O'Neal went on to win the championship in 2006 with the Heat.

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Bryant continued his career with the Lakers and went on to win two more championships without O'Neal.

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