The nostalgia continues for Kobe Bryant as he winds down the season. As the trend continues, there are always stories to tell, both bad and good.

The latest visit was against the Cleveland Cavaliers where Kobe plays for the final time against LeBron James. The Cavs did win that one as expected (120-111) but it was more of the ‘what could have beens’ that are worth talking about.

In this case, there was a significant one that dates back to 2007 where a blockbuster trade would have been pulled off if the Cavs and the Lakers came to terms.

According to ESPN, the Lakers made a call to the Cavs to inquire about a possible trade involving a 22-year-old LeBron James and a 28-year-old Kobe Bryant. It was memorable since it was the only one that the front office claims was ever made on behalf of James.

Both Bryant and James were untouchable at the time though the Cavs star forward believes it could have happened.

"I believe it," said James in connection with the 2007 offer. "If you give up one big fish, you got to give a big fish, too."

It should be noted that Bryant also had a no-trade clause during that period, but did ask for a trade out of frustration.

The Lakers were in rebuilding mode at that time and were unable to make it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, Bryant was getting tired of it and the Lakers tried to pull some strings. He was eventually persuaded to stay.

There were no notable suitors at that time until the surprise revelation made recently.

However, according to Bryant who had the last say, he would have never approved it. In fact, he reveals the teams that were on his list at that time.

"I never would've approved it. Never. The trade to go to Cleveland? Never," said Bryant. "That wasn't one of the teams that was on my list. It was Chicago, San Antonio (or) Phoenix."

Had that gone down, it would have ranked as one of the biggest trades ever to go down in the NBA, as pointed out by CBS Sports.

Thus, the pondering goes on as to how it could have been for the Lakers had they pulled it off.

One can just imagine how James’ popularity would have turned out. In fact, the Lakers may not be in a struggling position right now.

The Lakers play the San Antonio Spurs next. Aside from the Kawhi Leonard mentoring angle, could there be more stories to tell?