There's no place like home unless you're from Philadelphia

By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia 76ers have three first round picks in next month's NBA Draft.

Billy King and Larry Brown can play Pat Gilick (Stand Pat) and grab players like Spencer Hawes, Tiago Splitter and Arron Afflalo or try and trade up for an Al Horford or a Yi Jianlian. Either way, don't be planning any parades down Broad Street on the Sixers' behalf.

Of course that could all change if King and Company break tradition and actually do something innovative -- come hell or high water -- bring an actual NBA savior back to town.

Yep, Kobe Bryant has asked to be moved from the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I would like to be traded," Bryant told ESPN Radio's Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday. "As tough as it is to say that, as tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there's no other alternative. They obviously want to move in a different direction in terms of rebuilding. I wish they would have told me that prior to re-signing me."

The 28-year-old Bryant still has four years and nearly $89 million left on a seven-year contract he signed in 2004, but has butted heads with Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak over the inability to garner more talent for the franchise.

"I could have went to a team like the Los Angeles Clippers that had a lot more talent," Bryant continued. "I chose to stay here because of the promises that they made in terms of building the team. If I knew that they weren't going to be aggressive in getting a Baron Davis, in getting a Carlos Boozer. That would have changed things drastically, but I didn't ask for this, certainly no."

Bryant's dissension is fueled by the Lakers failure to win a playoff series since trading Shaquille O'Neal in July of 2004. So, Kobe wants out but, to be moved, Bryant would have to waive a no-trade clause. That's something he would gladly do for say, the New York Knicks. But, how about the Sixers? They are in his home town and his father, Joe Bryant, toiled for the club back in the day.

"At this point I'll go play on Pluto right now," Bryant said. "I just want to work hard. I just want to play, enjoy the game of basketball."

Unfortunately, "Pluto" will probably not include Philly after the way the locals treated Bryant in recent years...

And Kobe will be just another missed opportunity -- something that is uniquely Philadelphia.