Prior to the 2007-08 season, Jerry Buss invited Kobe Bryant to his home and warned he had a deal to send the Los Angeles Lakers' star to the Detroit Pistons -- a team that wasn't one of Bryant's preferred destinations as part of his trade demand.

Bryant then realized he didn't want to waive his no-trade clause to leave the Lakers and, most importantly, his owner.

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

The Pistons' package for Bryant included a combination of their core players and draft picks, according to sources.

Buss passed away on Monday morning.