In the wake of Kobe Bryant's shocking death in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles on Sunday, memories poured forth across the sports world and the general public.

At the Free Press, it brought to mind the time Bryant was almost traded to the Pistons.

As originally reported by WXYT-AM (1270) in 2007, the Lakers agreed to trade Bryant to the Pistons for Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Amir Johnson and a first-round pick.

Bryant said in 2015 he used his no-trade clause to kill the deal.

[ Kobe Bryant soared beyond basketball: He was showing what else is possible ]

At the time, the Pistons denied the rumor, but it regained life in a 2013 Yahoo Sports profile on the death of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss.

The profile confirmed the original report of Bryant to the Pistons. The Free Press also confirmed it in 2015.

More:Kobe Bryant dies: Detroit sports community reacts to his tragic passing

"It hit me that I didn't really want to walk out on Dr. Buss," Bryant told Yahoo Sports.

Bryant and the Lakers went on to win the NBA title in 2009 and 2010.

Bryant faced the Pistons 33 times during his career in the regular season, averaging 22.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. In his 35.1 minutes a game against Detroit, he shot 44.2% from the field and 31.4% from 3-point range, fairly close to his overall career percentages of 44.7% and 32.9%, respectively.