Hornets vs Lakers Kobe Visit

Lore & Background

Bryant was drafted by the Hornets at the Lakers' request as part of a pre-arranged trade for Vlade Divac. The Hornets had never considered drafting Bryant before the agreement. He went on to become a five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players in league history.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed with the familiar buzz of a regular Tuesday night game, but the air felt heavier than usual. Fans whispered about the upcoming matchup against the Lakers, hoping to see Kobe Bryant in action. Yet, as the teams took the court for warm-ups on the hardwood floor, it became clear that this was just another chapter in a long rivalry, not a singular historic event destined for the annals of time. There was no special 'visit,' only the grind of the NBA schedule.

Reader's Guide

The source confirms that Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft and then traded to the Lakers. It does not provide details of any specific games between the Hornets and Lakers featuring Bryant, but it states he played his entire career with the Lakers, which would include games against the Hornets.

Did You Know?

• Kobe Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft.
• The Hornets traded Bryant to the Lakers for Vlade Divac on draft day.
• Bryant played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
• He was the first guard to enter the NBA draft directly from high school.