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Chosen with the thirteenth total choose
Earlier than you go into battle Kobe Bryant Should you’re going after Antetokounmpo in these rankings, know that he is third right here as a result of there was quite a lot of expertise accessible after Bryant was chosen, together with three All-Stars (one among which was a two-time league MVP) within the 4 picks instantly after Kobe. Alternatively, the Antetokounmpo draft had a complete of three All-Stars: Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert And Victor Oladipo, who was now not on the board, the Milwaukee made its alternative. If the Lakers had missed on Bryant, there is a good probability they may have gotten a star with one of many picks after him. Peja Stojakovic, Steve Nash or Jermaine O’Neal. The identical cannot be mentioned for the Bucks in the event that they hadn’t drafted Antetokounmpo.
Anyway, initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the thirteenth total choose within the 1996 draft, Kobe noticed his draft rights traded to the Los Angeles Lakers the evening he was chosen by Charlotte in trade for a giant man. Vlade Divac.
The remainder, as they are saying, is historical past, as Bryant would go on to have the second best profession the NBA has ever seen as a taking pictures guard, successful the league’s MVP as soon as, bringing LA 5 championships, one Finals MVP received and earned 11 1st Staff All. -NBAs and 18 All-Star appearances whereas successful two scoring championships throughout his 20-year profession. Bryant additionally ranks fourth all-time in NBA historical past in factors scored (33,643) and holds quite a few Lakers franchise data.
The Lakers, led by Jerry West had been enamored with Bryant on the time after drafting him within the pre-draft and had been in the end capable of purchase the then-high college prospect by way of draft-night commerce with Charlotte. With a legacy just like the one Bryant has created in Los Angeles, there isn’t a doubt that he is likely one of the finest draft picks in NBA historical past.
Gamers chosen simply forward of him: Samaki Walker, Erick Dampier, Todd Fuller, Vitaly Potapenko
Gamers chosen instantly after him: Peja Stojakovic, Steve Nash, Tony Delk, Jermaine O’Neal