Only the Boston Celtics can rival the Los Angeles Lakers when it comes to championships won (17) and the number of superstars to come through their organization over the team’s illustrious history.
The Lakers have always had the ability to bring in the brightest young stars and famous stars looking to win with many names coming to mind, such as Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O. Neil, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
The list goes on and on when it comes to the legendary players who donned purple and gold, but there was one player in particular that stood out among the rest.
On this day nearly three decades ago, the Lakers changed their franchise forever, bringing to the team one of the league’s most polarizing players ever in superstar Kobe Bryant.
27 years ago today: The Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Soon after, Mamba was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. pic.twitter.com/IeZGe32wnd
Kobe lights and stimulation (kobehighlight) June 26, 2023
Before Bryant’s life ended tragically a few years ago, the Lakers legend put together a stellar career full of impressive accomplishments both on and off the field while representing the historic franchise.
During his 20-year career with the Lakers, the only team he has played for in two decades in the league, Bryant led the Lakers to five NBA titles while playing alongside fellow legends like O’Neal and Gasol.
As a result of his accomplishments on the hardwood, Bryant was recently enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame along with some of the greats he fought with during his career, such as Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.
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