HoopsVibe

Get this- Detroit called L.A. about trading for Kobe Bryant. Fox Sports and the Detroit media have both reported on a trade rumor, where Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Amir Johnson would head west for Bryant ... Each day during the 2007-08 season, HoopsVibe The Blog will highlight one ’Must-See’ NBA game. The ’Must-See’ game is our pick as the days’ best match-up.

Of course, we’re tuning in to all the day’s action and want to know what games interest you, so hit us up in the comment box below with your NBA plans for this evening.

NBA Schedule For November 16th, 2007

• Portland @ Philadelphia

• Indiana @ Toronto

• Seattle @ Atlanta

• Miami @ Boston

• Utah @ Cleveland

• Orlando @ New Jersey

• Washington @ Minnesota

• Houston @ San Antonio

• New Orleans @ Memphis

• N.Y. Knicks @ Sacramento

• L.A. Clipper @ Golden State

• Detroit @ L.A. Lakers

Our pick as 'Must-See' game: Detroit @ L.A. Lakers.

Why: Get this- Detroit called L.A. about trading for Kobe Bryant. Fox Sports and the Detroit media have both reported on a trade rumor, where Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Amir Johnson would head west for Bryant. 

Even Piston players are familiar with this rumor:

• "Yeah, I heard that, too," Chauncey Billups said before the Pistons beat the Wizards, 104-85, at The Palace Wednesday night. ( Rob Parker, Detroit News )
  

• "He's one of the best players in the league," said guard Lindsey Hunter, who played with Bryant in L.A. "Either Tim Duncan or Kobe are the best in the NBA. It's Kobe if you're talking skill-wise."  ( Rob Parker, Detroit News)
  

But the talks never became serious because Bryant wasn’t interested in going to Detroit and threatened to veto the deal with his no-trade clause.

Still, this story sets-up tonight’s game; Pistons versus Lakers, a classic match-up.

Detroit’s veterans will try to prove they don’t need Bryant. This bunch has a long memory. Remember, two years ago, after coach Larry Brown left Motown for The Big Apple, the players wanted to win an NBA Title to show up their former sideline boss.

So far, the Lakers have been better than expected, posting a respectable 4-3 record. L.A.’s getting contributions from a number of sources; seven players are averaging nine points or more per game.

Will you watch Detroit play L.A.? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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