On Tuesday, Kobe Bryant said he considered joining the Chicago Bulls in 2004.

"We were looking at houses, we were looking at schools. We already were talking about a sign-and-trade," said Bryant. "I liked the Bulls' direction."

Bulls sources confirm Bryant's agent did ask the Bulls if they would agree to a sign-and-trade deal, and Bryant sent word he would approach the Lakers to make the deal or threaten to leave for nothing.

A few days later Shaquille O'Neal requested a trade and Bryant eventually re-signed with the Lakers.