On Friday during the NBA's All-Star media availability, Western Conference starter Kobe Bryant was asked about Dirk Nowitzki. You can see Bryant's response in the video above -- thanks to the great D-Mavs account for pulling that and putting it up.
Here's the transcript of his answer:
"Dirk and I have always had a great relationship, just because we're both extremely competitive and also both extremely loyal to our teams. I'll tell you a story about Dirk, he was up for free agency, and I knew what his response was going to be, but just out of respect, I said, 'Dude, everybody's looking around at all these free agents. I thought I'd just shoot you a text (to see) if you wanna come to LA.' He said, 'Dude, I would love to play with you, but Dallas is my home, this is my team, I'm not leaving here.' He and I think a lot alike in those regards."
Of course this is true. Dirk Nowitzki has made Dallas his city, and after winning the ring in 2011, the slim chances of him going elsewhere for a year went to zero. But hey, give Kobe credit for at least asking!