10 NBA players who have played with a single franchise throughout their career
At a time when NBA is increasingly becoming a business with players being treated more like commodities, to look at players who have served with one team for the entire duration of their careers makes for an eye-opening experience. LeBron James, widely regarded as the best contemporary NBA player, moved from Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat, which offered him a far more lucrative deal. But, he returned to the Cavaliers following a four-year stint with Heat. Let us now take a look at ten NBA players, who have resisted more promising offers from other teams and have spent their entire careers with one franchise. Note: * indicates that the player mentioned is currently playing.
#1 Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers (19*)
the youngest to score 30,000 points.
In 2012, Kobe Bryant, aged 34 years and 104 days, became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points. Bryant has been the bedrock of the Los Angeles Lakers team for over a decade.
Following Shaquille ONeals exit from the team, following a dispute between him and Bryant in 2004, the latter has been the guiding force of the Lakers. Following the loss in the 2008 NBA finals to the Boston Celtics, Bryant inspired the Lakers to two successive NBA finals win in 2009 and 10.
Bryant has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice and was also awarded the NBA Finals MVP award in both 09 and 10, for his exemplary performances in the two games.
Before ONeals departure from Los Angeles Lakers, the Bryant-ONeal duo had played a vital role in taking the Lakers to two NBA Championships in 2001 and 02.
Bryant, who is the son of former NBA player Joe, was earmarked for great feats at the Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he garnered the recognition as the best High School player in the country.
Having joined the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 in 1996, Bryant has spent his entire NBA career with the franchise.