Vanessa Bryant almost filed for divorce from Kobe four years ago because of his cheating, reports RadarOnline.
A source close to the couple revealed, "Vanessa almost threw in the towel four years ago. Kobe has always had a slew of girlfriends, and the cheating was almost blatant."
The insider added, "Vanessa had consulted with a divorce attorney, not Laura Wasser, who she has hired to represent her now. Kobe promised Vanessa he would stop cheating, and the two went to marriage counseling. Kobe did seem like a devoted husband, and Vanessa decided not to go through with filing at that time."
Mrs. Bryant stood by her man for over a decade, even when they faced difficult times in 2003 after Kobe was accused of sexually assaulting a Colorado woman. The Lakers shooting guard admitted to having intimate relations with the 19-year-old woman, but denied the sexual assault.
"Vanessa wanted to stay together for the children. Vanessa stood by Kobe during his darkest hour, and she believed him when he said there would be no more women," the source said. "Vanessa began to get suspicious again about 16 months ago about Kobe cheating on her -- he knew that if he wasn't faithful, she would leave him. Vanessa had no other choice."
Meanwhile, Kobe has already moved out of their Newport Beach mansion, and is reportedly focused on his kids and the upcoming season of basketball with the Lakers.
The 15 Most Expensive Divorces
1. Rupert and Anna Murdoch
In 1999, FOX/News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch divorced his wife, Anna, after 32 years of marriage. The total assets involved: $1.7 billion.
2. Michael and Juanita Jordan
NBA star Michael and Juanita Jordan divorced in 2007 after 17 years of marriage. The total assets involved: $168 million.
3. Neil Diamond and Marcia Murphey
Singer Neil Diamond divorced Marcia Murphey in 1994 after 25 years of marriage. The total assets involved: $150 million.
4. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
Golf champ Tiger Woods and model Elin Nordegren after six years of marriage. Total assets involved: $100 million.
5. Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving
Producer/director Steven Spielberg and actress Amy Irving divorced in 1989 after four years of marriage. Total assets involved: $100 million.
6. Sumner and Phyllis Redstone
Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone and wife Phyllis split in 1999 after 52 years of marriage. Total assets involved: $100 million.
7. Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Actress/singer Madonna and director Guy Ritchie divorced in 2008 after eight years of marriage. Total assets involved: Between $76 to $92 million.
8. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
Actor Harrison Ford divorced screenwriter Melissa Mathison in 2004 after 21 years of marriage. Total assets involved: $85 million.
9. Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva
Actor/director Kevin Costner divorced his college sweetheart Cindy Silva in 1994 after 16 years of marriage. Total assets involved: $80 million.
10. James Cameron and Linda Hamilton
Director James Cameron divorced his second wife, actress Linda Hamilton, in 1999 after only 17 months of marriage. Still, the total assets to divide between them was $50 million.
11. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
Beatles legend Paul McCartney and second wife, Heather Mills, engaged in a nasty divorce in 2008 after six years of marriage. Total assets involved: $48.5 million.
12. Michael and Diandra Douglas
Actor Michael Douglas split with his first wife, Diandra, in 1999 after 22 years of marriage. Total assets involved: $45 million.
13. Donald and Ivana Trump
Real estate mogul Donald Trump divorced his first wife, Ivana, in 1992 after 15 years of marriage. Total assets involved: $25 million.
14. Lionel and Diane Richie
Singer Lionel and Diane Richie divorced in 2004 after nine years of marriage. Total assets involved: $20 million.
15. Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall divorced in 1999 after nine years of marriage. Total assets involved: $15 and $25 million.
