I think pretty much everybody predicted something like this would eventually happen when Shaquille O'Neal left the Lakers three years ago. But could the script have been written any more dramatically?
A rising star, a dominant force, and a basketball genius come together in Los Angeles; this combination proves to be spectacular and wins three consecutive championship rings. The rising star clashes with the dominant force which results in 2 relatively unsuccessful seasons. Locker room squaffles, discontent among players, random rape allegations, and all the drama that makes Los Angeles what it is end up eating away at the team. Star player convinces the owner that he's their guy and the organization removes one of the greatest players ever to accomodate him. Star player also has a squaffle with the legendary coach that results in his leaving as well. In his first season alone, the star can't even reach the preliminary stages of the main event - the playoffs. Star player realizes he needs help and ends up reuniting with the previously estranged coach. Success comes but pales in comparison to what the star has already tasted - championships. Two years of relative mediocrity convince the star that having another star alongside him wasn't that bad after all. Meanwhile, the old dominant force that once won with the star ends up meeting a new rising star and he manages to win again.
Kobe had it all only to push it all away in the pursuit for more. Now it looks like he just wants back what he had. Odds are though, it ain't happening. Poetic justice I suppose...