The New York Knicks have already made their first major move under the Phil Jackson era on Monday after firing Mike Woodson and his entire coaching staff. After years of futility, the Knicks are all set to make some noise around the association, and it will all start with their pursuit of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

In an article by NY Times reporter William Rhoden , he cited a potential deal that would change the landscape in the league. He talked about a trade that would send superstar small forward Carmelo Anthony to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Jackson's go-to-guy back when he was with the purple-and-gold - Kobe Bryant.

In perhaps the unlikeliest trade to happen this offseason, Rhoden provided several reasons why Jackson should convince Bryant to waive his no-trade clause and join him in New York to have a shot at another NBA title.

"Now, in his first attempt to be a front-office executive, Jackson will need at least one player with an indomitable will to win, one capable of transforming the culture of an organization and a fan base that has become too accustomed to mediocrity and frustration. That player would be Bryant," NY Times reported last week.

"Jackson needs to talk Bryant into somehow joining him in New York for one last great mission in both of their careers: setting the table for the Knicks to win another championship."

"One way that can happen is for the Knicks to work out the trade of all trades - Bryant for Carmelo Anthony."

Don't Ever Underestimate the Zen Master

Bryant signed a massive two-year, $48.5-million deal contract extension this year, 2014, which would probably locked him with the Lakers for the remainder of his basketball days. However, the future is certainly bleak for the once dominant franchise.

After the death of Jerry Buss, the Lakers turned from a championship contender to a cellar-dwelling franchise stacked with injury-prone veterans and NBA journeymen. Buss' heirs, Jim and Jeanie, are still learning around the ropes, while general manager Mitch Kupchak surprisingly is clueless of what to do with their assets.

Perhaps, the only thing that could bump the Lakers back to championship contention is a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star power forward Kevin Love. However, that would remain a big question mark because the T-Wolves are expected to tap all their options to re-sign him or get a nice trade compensation for their best big men. Unfortunately, the Lakers don't have any valuable trade asset but a first-round pick in this year's draft.

Bryant is an ultimate competitor. He hates losing and loathes rebuilding process. Will he be a Laker for life? No one knows. Only the Mamba knows what's next. However, the Zen Master should be given a great dose of attention every now and then, because an earth-shaking trade could be just around the corner.