Kobe Bryant Draft Selection
From high school to Lakers legend: Kobe Bryant's draft story.
Kobe Bean Bryant (KOH-bee; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player who played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
Quick Facts
- Draft year
- 1996
- Selection rank
- 13th Overall
- Selecting franchise
- Charlotte Hornets
- Primary team
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Pre-draft school
- Lower Merion High School
- Career span
- 20 Seasons
Lore & Background
Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft and then traded to the Lakers. He was the sixth player and the first guard drafted in the first round directly from high school. The Lakers retired both his jersey numbers (8 and 24) in 2017, making him the only player in NBA history to have two jersey numbers retired by the same franchise.
Reader's Guide
Bryant's draft selection was part of a trade: the Hornets agreed to select him at the Lakers' request in exchange for Vlade Divac. The trade was finalized after Divac initially threatened to retire but relented.
Did You Know?
- The Lakers retired his jersey numbers 8 and 24 on December 18, 2017, before his death.
- He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and won the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest after his rookie season.
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