How The Lakers Got 12 Teams to NOT DRAFT Kobe Bryant in 1996

Every team wants to get the best player in each draft, but sometimes you just don't have a realistic chance at the higher picks.
The loaded 1996 NBA Draft was an unforgettable one, not just because of the talent in it, but because of where one of the greatest of all time got picked. This is the story of how Kobe Bryant managed to fall all the way to #13, and not even remain on the team that picked him. Some greats were picked before him, and some greats were picked after, but Kobe ultimately wound up as the best of his draft once we saw what he was capable of in his prime. Ultimately, it paved the way for high school guards and perimeter players to make the jump and not be perceived as a terrible gamble anymore.
1 PHI Allen Iverson
2 TOR Marcus Camby
3 VAN Shareef Abdur-Rahim
4 MIL Stephon Marbury (Traded to acquire Ray Allen)
5 MIN Ray Allen
6 BOS Antoine Walker
7 LAC Lorenzen Wright
8 NJN Kerry Kittles
9 DAL Samaki Walker
10 IND Erick Dampier
11 GSW Todd Fuller (played 225 games total)
12 CLE Vitaly Potapenko
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Some books I read to learn more and get some content or quotes for my videos:
Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant
amzn.to/38CRZdR
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
amzn.to/3rwCmNx
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Any feedback/suggestions are always welcome. Leave it in the comments below.

[@tevitasitani2799]

Kobe obsessive? Damn right. I was at his interview when he stated they could of won 10 rings if Shaq had a stronger work ethic. He also said that in high school its more competitive. There not playing for money, just pure love. When he entered the NBA he noticed that was gone. Players got comfortable because they finally made the NBA. When he noticed that he stated, "It's like taking candy from a baby." Lol

[@FlipGz]

Tevita Sitani yeah but A.I worked him but he learned from him

[@kushkarma7081]

Wow

[@harvestmoon1033]

Could have*

[@jonmccormick8683]

It is not obsessive if you actually believe in yourself and do the things necessary to achieve your goals. = Kobe actually believed that both of his hands should have been full of NBA Championship rings. Thru injury, potentially being traded away from the Lakers, 2 years coming off the bench, marriage, constant media and even Laker's garbage, fellow players not wanting to work hard enough to achieve his goals. -Kobe had the faith to never give up. Most people give up at some time -Kobe does not-

[@iamLODD]

LEEMAN - X wrong.

[@timothyreff6750]

Jerry West - the best talent evaluator in the history of the NBA.

[@razkable]

everyone forgets how he got kobe shaq and drafted fisher the big three on a 15-1 playoff team 5 years later in basically 1 week in 96.....jerry west is so clutch....imagine drafting a starting backcourt on 4 title teams and 2 of your 3 best guards on all 5 title teams since the start of the 90's..people forget ron harper in 2000 fisher was only a backup...kobe and fish just fit so well together...

[@thespiralgoeson]

@@razkable "jerry west is so clutch" I mean, he is MR. CLUTCH after all :D. Seriously though, the Showtime Lakers of the 80s, the Kobe/Shaq Lakers of the 2000s, and most people also have no clue that he was instrumental in putting together the Warriors dynasty of the current era. That's 11 championships to his resume as an executive. If you wanna be cute you can also give him credit for the 2009 and 2010 Lakers titles, because as GM of the Grizzlies, he gave them Pau Gasol practically for free.

[@JSB-2Z-2K]

bulls management before 1998 did the greatest job ever

[@josecarranza7555]

@@thespiralgoeson The Memphis Grizzlies got Marc Gasol for the pick traded for Pau Gasol.

[@thespiralgoeson]

@@josecarranza7555 Yes, but Marc Gasol wasn't Marc Gasol yet. He was a totally unproven prospect. At the time, he had very little value. It was rightfully seen at the time as a completely lopsided trade. Other GMs were outraged because they didn't even know that Pau was avaiable, and many of them would easily have put together better trade packages.

[@alisalihue5220]

Man, Magic said that Jerry West told him that he witnessed the greatest workout he has ever seen.

[@Kil000999]

Ali Presents Duncan Kobe came after. Same animal (goats) but a different beast (Black mamba)

[@miguelramirez1582]

G O A T It's no secret. Kobe had always said He "did everything young" HS-2NBA, Marriage, NBA titles, everything and sadly passing on too. Love you Kobe RIP

[@KalmoK]

I could argue but I can't. You actually can argue that he is The GOAT, no denying of that, but I have my own opinion about it.. I respect your decision tho, may him rest in peace, plus it's stupid to fight about who is The GOAT tbh because someone will eventually surpass them in the future, mark my words!

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Kobe Bryant 5x Champion 2x Finals MVP 10x First Team All-NBA 12x All-Defense 2x Gold medal 🥇 🇺🇸 18x All-Star 2x led the NBA in points 2008 league MVP 4x All Star ⭐️ MVP 1997 All-Rookie

[@ZZ-uf4zv]

Dumisa Tony Johnson And got screwed multiple times out of league MVP by the league and Steve Nash...

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Azzie Blankenship 2003- Duncan 06-Nash I'm surprised that Kobe wasn't the MVP in 03 & 06.

[@strix5319]

RIP

[@Omotemisola]

Rest In perfect peace Kobe!

[@uriah9645]

Rip

[@miguelramirez1582]

@7:51 That beautiful smile on Kobe pictured next to Vlade Divac. Kobe for Life for Ever❤️

[@bettyjeanstokes360]

Kobe was right to go to Nba and get drafted by Jerry West who could smell talent a mile away. Kobe was gifted, talented, and was on his way to becoming a legend in this sport. I love Kobe Bean Bryant. Thank Rahul Presents Kobe for sharing with us, thank you. Jerry West the man with the big bucks, big heart, who knew talent when he saw it and that Kobe. Thank you God and Thank you Jerry West.

[@3serio]

if yall ever photoshop kobe in a clippers uniform again.........

[@TrumanStalls18]

AYO B lol! 😂

[@sdawg4834]

Well said!

[@niceecee9793]

This is warrrrrrr

[@tylerbedwell2998]

Facts

[@jvaldez5]

Especially now!

[@bryanordonez362]

I think if Kobe was with Iverson they would have won a few rings in Philly.

[@maxpain1942]

That would be a scary backcourt.

[@louisvelez40]

Wow he coulda been a Celtic or a Clipper. The brilliance of Jerry West and all those factors and damn it woulda been over for the league if Iverson and Kobe were teammates. Think about Kobe's first 2 years were on the bench and in year 2 managed to average 15.6 points to lead all bench players in scoring at age 19 and the youngest all 🌟 still in NBA history in the 97-98 who was the backup to all-star Eddie Jones who was an all star the year before and Coach Del Harris who stunted Kobe's growth. Imagine if Kobe was given the keys right away on another team

[@outer967]

Kobe showed flashes but was definitely not ready for a big load his rookie year, but was obvious he was ready by year 2 so West traded Eddie Jones to open up the back court for the Jelly.

[@Ozem_Israel]

Iverson sharing the ball.. picture that. And I am huge AI fan ,but that man didn't pass. He could have did real damage with stackhouse but ain't no passing.

[@Moneymaker600]

Magic Will Fix It nah dude right

[@bigsam_1007]

The Lakers didn’t care about starting Kobe Bryant the first couple of years. They knew he was going to be great. Theirs just something about stars ✨ that other people can sense it even if it’s overlooked at the given time when it’s finally presents itself early(prematurely) in the spotlight.

[@imyourhuckleberry4547]

Del Harris was a great coach. He didn't stunt Kobe at all. Kobe wasn't ready to start over Eddie Jones and that's all there is to it. The Lakers were a good playoff team. Kobe would've probably been a starter anywhere else but not on that Laker team. Back then Eddie Jones and Nick Van feel were being called the NBA's best backcourt.

[@chemaflores7412]

The best player I got to watch and enjoy .. RIP kobe . It's been a week and still cant believed..😥

[@chemaflores7412]

Man bothers me how Some people who say they Kobe fans , Try to profit out merchandise they own .. that's NOT A TRUE FAN . I'LL NEVER SELL MY JERSEYS . .... RIP KOBE.. 🙏

[@ardie77]

My Knicks had 3 1st rd picks that year- should've traded all 3 for Kobe

[@3serio]

Those Kerry Kittles era Villanova uniforms were fire!

[@matahari9950]

never ever underestimate a high school kid to a college player, because you don't know yet his skills and remember don't judge the book by its own cover, because he was the only gifted talented player with 5 championships 18x all-star with 30million votes in history 3x scoring in history 4 all-star MVP 2x final MVP, season MVP the legend who got 60 point's in the last game of his carrer that nobody does among other legend he is the GOAT on his draft class and nobody sad to say idol Kobe somebody robbed your 3 times MVP's trophy?

[@YungNandoDdd]

Loved this statement

[@crazykayz3]

Seriously? Come on..it's always easy to say once it's all said and done. As an NBA Draft Scout, you gotta judge a book by it's cover, you gotta know what kinda player you're getting and how they'll look & last in your franchises future...bottomline: that players potential. It's not really other teams fault for not taking or 'seriously' not taking Kobe, Jerry West lied & manipulated that to happen.

[@Drea_A]

Jerry West is an absolute legend. So happy this happened 💜

[@johnnyb31]

Jerry West was the Architect of the best teams. They all past on the most cold blooded offensive assassin weapon that ever graced the hardwood. @ 1:07 he was doing things like that in high school that only Jordan would and could pull off.

[@blessedalways8350]

Damn if Kobe went to the 76ers his home town and fathers team imagine how diferent history would’ve been

[@xaviervega468]

It wouldn't have worked with Iverson. Him and Kobe would have been butting heads from the jump, and Larry Brown would have sided with Iverson (he tends to side with the older player)

[@greatomeister675]

Xavier Vega I think they would've worked great together.

[@FlipGz]

that opens up another parallel reality

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

no, wouldn't have worked out the same in Philly. Philly sport culture is very different. different basketball ideals too. Glad he went to the Lakers and I'm from Philly. Iverson did amazing on his own. #Lakernation.

[@davidallen3990]

It definitely wouldn’t have worked, 2 ball hogs on the same team Larry Brown would get a stroke.

[@bishanzheng9860]

Jerry West is amazing. He also threatened to quit his job for the warriors management if they traded Klay or Draymond before they become big. And now they have three championships...

[@kiwi8877]

This is fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

[@pournflakes3096]

Best trade in history

[@felixdiaz8678]

The best was by Bill Russell.

[@huongdieu6543]

Earl Monroe to the Knicks was the best.

[@Aggrofool]

Kwame for Gasol? 🙉

[@nonanimeprofilepic]

more like biggest robbery lol

[@razkable]

people don't realize the kobe domino started the entire 2000-2002 lakers dynasty...he was the first player they got that would be on the 2000 title team...in 1995 no one made it to 2000...it started with kobe shaq derek and travis knight of all people lol then they got horry fox and the rest...

[@mattgursky5703]

Damn bruh why u gotta throw shade at steph marbury by showing the pic of him eating vaseline lol

[@johnnyb31]

😅😂😭😂😅😂😅

[@fedfan3079]

I noticed that to😭💀

[@rperspective1]

Lmaooo

[@Afrimusican]

'Ol Truckhead lol

[@aarontan2197]

Already liked at 0:00

[@Mike1122.]

Everyone Kobe had worked out for knew his talent level was off the charts but were afraid invest so much money into a kid right from high school. I’m glad they picked other players. Philadelphia has watched Kobe play a lot and knew he had the potential to be great and still passed on him. The Lakers really got lucky that Charlotte didn’t have Kobe work out or they might have never traded him.

[@xaviervega468]

Lucky for Kobe as well. I don't think he would have had the same success with Charlotte and likely would have left to win somewhere else. Charlotte's management was kind of shitty.

[@vladimirjackson1272]

Ummmm, they didn't pass on him, they took Allen Iverson! I wouldn't consider AI passing! They still were trying to get Kobe and was gonna give up Stackhouse but, couldn't pull it off! Not saying AI is better than Kobe but, Philly did alright!

[@davedery06]

These videos are the best thing I ever watch in my life on basketball. Thank you

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

Thank you, I appreciate that

[@JCplays143]

Love the tweet by kobe! I Hope someday I will tweet something like that.

[@latestsports-viralsportscl3971]

I don't think that most GMs in the NBA really know what they're doing. The owners of teams are rich people who don't know basketball, and so they don't know a good GM from a bad one. So we end up with GMs who won't even offer Demarcus Cousins a league minimum contract. And so some teams consistently win championships, and others never do. You got GMs who insist on drafting point guards who shoot low 30% from 3 with 40% from the floor, and all star centers go late. Crazy league

[@jackdanielss]

Lakers robbed Charlotte BLIND

[@splashnskillz37]

They didn't even had a clue or wanted him lol

[@Jeff_Pryce]

@@splashnskillz37 And they got robbed BLIND. They passed up on a future Hall of Famer, MVP and five-time world champion, a global franchise player…for Vlade Divac. 😆 They got trolled hard.

[@tongdak.]

jerry west goat gm

[@yusufali2402]

Justin Kim I will give you that logo is the man who built Lakers warriors teams watch the clippers be stacked team in the couple yrs to come quote me on that. Jerry please be back Lakers needs you. Why don't you be the Owner?

[@melvinsprewel8287]

@@yusufali2402 Damm you were right

[@yusufali2402]

Melvin Sprewel bro is funny how my comments were made 12 months ago which was roughly 1 year when logo sign with cli but yes he signs two Years ago. But end up bring pG and Kahwi am not cli fan but I will tell you this, trust me they will get close to winning 1st championship if not win all

[@melvinsprewel8287]

@@yusufali2402 I need to take you to Vegas bro 😂

[@yusufali2402]

Melvin Sprewel hahahaha lol preciate the offer but NO 👿

[@kratos2343]

3:41 you put r.i.p on kobe bryant your some kind of time traveler.. rest in peace kobe and gianna still one of the greatest

[@smart_klick_media_8891]

I know right I thought that was strange

[@boosiebinladen617]

@onlyhalfgood Yeah we know what he meant it's just crazy that outta anywhere he chose to put it on Kobe. Mind blowing.

[@miguelramirez1582]

@3:41 Three-peat ,,, and ,,, he was 41

[@aarontan2197]

Just when you think you know kobe well enough, rahul comes up with a video

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

don't worry I've got a lot more coming!

[@aarontan2197]

RahulPresentsKobe awesome stuff!

[@ZhangtheGreat]

Fear might be why so many NBA teams ultimately passed on him. As a kid coming straight out of high school (rare at the time), he was far more raw than other players, and teams picking at the top more often than not would rather take an established product than a raw high school kid who needed to mature.

[@Connect662]

You failed to mention that Kobe refused to play for the other teams, and his family told the Nets he would go play in Italy if they drafted him.

[@tmac20031]

The clipper shade was hilarious. And Calipari HAD to be pissed he didn't get Kobe

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

LakerNation, Kobe ONLY belonged on the Lakers. Nuff said! No other team need be mentioned, lol.

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

@si Markeyan Jerry West is no God of mine, but merely a man. But he did a great job with that. Kobe ended up where he was meant to be all along. LOL

[@genesisb1074]

Exactly

[@berendoballbomber5977]

Jerry West seen raw talent in Kobe Bryant at 6'8 slim slasher at 17 out of high school. The potential is their especially landing on a World Championship team like the Lakers. In 2003-4 You give him Shaq, in the middle in his prime,Walton, Grant,Fisher Horry, Malone, Fox, the Glove Payton, in the Triangle offense where Phil Jackson has the blue print of Micheal Jordan. It doesn't take a rocket scientist Kobe becomes the next Micheal Jordan.

[@bbagwapo9729]

Kobe 's 6'6"

[@eggz9167]

Damn, I feel sorry for those teams not picking Kobe.. #RIPKobeBryant #8/24 #MambaOut

[@clementine3218]

That picture of Antoine Walker at 2:05 surrounded by all those gold diggers is funny as hell.

[@knickstape5585]

Also early on the biggest eye opener was that Antoine Walker breakdown. YIKES!!!!

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

Yeah after his career things got really tragic for Antoine

[@BEMGANG]

great video

[@chitownmo]

This was spoken about years ago. It was an arranged deal. Kobe's dad stated he would only play for the Knicks or the Lakers due to the market values. Even Philly was not considered. Kobe worked out for the Lakers and blew the staff away. West made the deal with Charlotte for Divac, who was a quality center, to secure him.

[@diocletian607]

I dont know how ppl forget about this stuff!!! Thats why he dropped in the draft nobody was dumb everybody knew how great he was even then. But Kobe made it clear who he was gonna play for.

[@AlAmin-nq7zy]

Jerry West is the man, it was his spot on evaluation that made this a reality for LA :) its no better franchise to play for. That chess game that they played was also brilliant!

[@ceemichaels1877]

Kobe was truly felt like an underdog at the beginning of his NBA Career when you look at it!

[@Jeff_Pryce]

Whoever authorized that trade in Charlotte should never be allowed to even LOOK at a basketball again under penalty of an ass-whipping. 😆

[@TheRealNicoFreeze]

2:08 Why this pic of Stephon Marbury tho 😭😭😭😭 I'm weakkkk

[@DjWarp79]

If the lakers don't built a Kobe statue at Staples center someday, i will built it myself. Nobody will stop me even Kobe himself.

[@Zamppa86]

I think it could have worked if Kobe went to Indiana in the draft at number 10. Imagine a roster with young Kobe, Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, Antonio Davis, Dale Davis, Rik Smits, Jalen Rose...

[@xaviervega468]

That might have actually worked pretty well, the Pacers would have probably started Kobe in the 3 spot over Jalen by his second year.

[@svenshrempf]

Nasty line up, he could start at pg too, Kobe always said, he'll do anything just to win..

[@aceboogie2021]

Pacers are my squad. That woulda been sick!

[@thegospelthegameaman1649]

I remember the Thoroughbred Secretariat,. Not to associate a human being with an animal, but when the horse we born it stood up, fresh out of his mother's womb. Jerry West Could see the fight and determination in Kobe Bryant, even at the age of 17 Jerry West saw Kobe's Spirit, and Will To Win!!!!! R.I.P. #Kobe You Left this place better than you found it!!!!

[@cookiebetts6341]

Lol the pictures for Antoine, Starbury and O’Neal

[@DeeGunners]

That tweet from Kobe tho! RIP Mamba! Thanks for your legacy!

[@yongwilson7859]

Great pick for the Lakers! West was a genius in the art of deals n trades! He always made it happen!

[@mqmoreno2368]

One of the greatest move in nba draft night ever no one will ever come closer to pull something like this jerry west is a genius for doing this types of moves but kobe was a great talent coming out of high school i really don't know why so many teams pass on him to end up being the 14 pick

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

1:37 Antoine Walker-Forward 1st round pick by Boston in 1996 NCAA champion at Kentucky in his second year 2006 NBA champion in Miami 3x All Star ⭐️ 1997 All Rookie

[@razkable]

funny how people shit on walker yet he won a ring in college and the nba

[@seoulting28]

2:15 Does anyone know why AI wasn't part of this picture? I've wondered to this day.

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

I've wondered too, but all I know is he wasn't there that day. Also, Kobe had a cast on his left arm and hid it in the photo.

[@thepokecrafter7915]

He was too short for anyone to see him

[@2ndchancer382]

He was probably to busy kickin it, that was his problem he just couldn't stay away from the hood. He kept to way too real for the NBA

[@nicholassage2076]

Dude didnt come to practice, you think he going to come to fucking photoshoot ?

[@xdavidliu]

any one else die of laughter when he put up Jermaine o neal at 2:11?

[@Afrimusican]

Me lol

[@user-ex8tp9uo7i]

Much respect for great Jerry West!!!

[@jtudawest]

Why did you have to do Jermaine O'Neal like that?? Tears!! lmaoo

[@edirib2004]

Rest in peace Champ! My goat! I miss you on and off court

[@thejjb14]

That Jermaine Oneal photo 😂😂😂

[@lmastonharris]

Kobe ❤❤❤

[@monzon529]

Jerry west is the man.

[@razkable]

jerry west is why wilt ended up in la and guys like kareem magic worthy scott nixon cooper wilkes shaq kobe fisher fox horry harper shaw a.c. knight salley george lue and he helped get the grizzlies started off right when they were garbage too and then made the warriors and now the clippers great teams lol ...hes so good at his job

[@mrsinister8943]

I remember when Kobe was drafted. He definetly had potential but so did everyone else. At the time there weren't many great shooting guards. MJ was in a class of his own,Clyde Drexler,Reggie Miller and i know im forgetting a few others but my point is after MJ and Drexler there wasnt many great SG's. So i can definetly see how teams were leary to draft a highschool kid at that position. West is just amazing as a talent evaluator.

[@trakeespree]

It's crazy seeing Kobe in other teams uniform.

[@momusu17]

I always think its funny when people act like it was obvious what kind of player Kobe would be at 17, when in reality tons of players with lots of talent end up as bust cause you can never really know how they well handle the pressure of the NBA till they actually there.

[@covix5940]

Who's the guy at 3:02 playing basketball with kobe and where did you get that video???

[@chikeokjr24]

Miss ur vids G, it’s been too long

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

Planning on making more soon!

[@chikeokjr24]

RahulPresentsKobe dope glad to hear it 👌🏿

[@anekilaworld7483]

Peanut head, you are the son from my heart . Forever in my mind. 🍃💜KOBE 💛🍃

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

1:47 Kerry Kittles 1st round pick by the New Jersey Nets 1997 All Rookie 1st team All America & All Big East at Villanova

[@nov3m472]

Bryant and Iverson in one team wouldve been AMAZING

[@migzzzercia238]

thank you jerry west

[@streetsmartdrumming9567]

That R.I.P on pic of Kobe and A.I. 😥😥😥

[@thekingpug8281]

Kobe Bryant it’s the best we will missed him jerry West help him to be part of the team missed him and Gianna Bryant

[@golfguy1313]

RIP Kobe 🙏🏽

[@brandonbartrum5288]

Would Bn cool to see Kobe and Iverson play together. Siixers had Mutombo as center as well 🔥🔥🔥

[@AllenRemo]

3:42 it's a picture of Kobe & Iverson that says R.I.P. Man that is so Erie. Did you add that to this video recently? Or did you mean those two would have killed the game together?

[@Slipknot5301]

i think he's saying they would have killed it together...basically saying "R.I.P." to the rest of the NBA if they had teamed up

[@ChrisKimDMD]

No other ordinary GM wanted to gamble on a 17 year old phenom, and West is not an ordinary GM

[@betamax1623]

13th pick . his daughter was 13 years old. was drafted from '96 retired in '16 died on January 26.

[@boosiebinladen617]

81 points in 06

[@rishisyal6027]

Can someone tell me where this beat is from

[@Sweetdaddy415]

The golden state warriors drafted todd fuller in this draft. Out of all the talent in this draft, we picked Todd freaking Fuller.SMH😡🖕

[@dontblink3042]

Imagine if he didn't sit Kobe the first two years he would have perhaps had the most points all time

[@Seankey21]

happy kobe day💛💜

[@HypeManZ]

West should be GM of the year '96

[@razkable]

shaq fisher kobe

[@pauldangvu9720]

Kobe said it himself he wasn't an athletic kid at all when first moving to the states. Kids were windmilling dunks while Kobe was lucky enough to touch the backboard. It's not genetics even though his dad played in NBA. It's 99 percent hard work

[@jheiyz6813]

Rest in Peace idol Kobe "Black Mamba Bryant #8 #24

[@Mikethenikeguy]

R.I.P KOBE MAMBA OIT 🙏🏼😥

[@acekingson2758]

Where ever he went he's a star (Rip Black Mamba baby Jordan)

[@candied42]

without some sources the obsessiveness statement loses a lot of weight, although it could be immensely impactful when understanding Kobe Bryant.

[@MrPrizziceless]

Providence - it wasn't to be. All hail the logo for bring us the goat!!!!!

[@cianreyes8820]

Kobe must of had the greatest workout of his life!

[@t4tzki399]

Lol'd when saw Jermaine O'Neal photo show. Why you do him like that? Hahaha

[@RahulPresentsKobe]

LOL

[@Dollakas]

Facts 💯 #Boss #Dollakas 👻

[@BigMac785]

Kobe Bryant and his agent told every team he was only going to play for the Lakers and not to waste a draft pick on him. He even threatened to play in Europe if he was drafted by any team not the Lakers. Let’s not forget this fact.

[@kaynetinnermon7638]

Kobe didn't go higher because he was out of high school period. Wasn't because of the talent.

[@shanajennifer9955]

It would be interesting to see mitch Richmond and Kobe in the backcourt in Sacramento at the time

[@mareksaltberg1484]

Jermaine O'neal represented by pic of Malice at the Palace :DDDDDD

[@Afrimusican]

Wonder what he up to these days

[@mikesmith9368]

Baloney, All Baloney. I was there. This is what really happened and why 12 teams passed on KB. He stated that he would only play for the LAKERS. Period. If another team were to draft him, they would waste a high pick, because he would simply play in Italy. That's why 12 teams passed on him.

[@shonuff4323]

LOL. The picture of Jernain Oneil

[@crosscourtpass]

What's the background music called?

[@hilpha]

2:10 Jermaine O'neal - surely you could have found a better picture

[@carolynstrozier3179]

They had the best GM in the league. Jerry West it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out just a great player himself. Jerry West deserve a trophy 🏆 for his brilliance.

[@kevinkim9620]

Kobe and Iverson on the same team? 🤯🤯🤯 That would not be fair..