Kobe Bryant Draft Selection

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.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed quietly as the phone rang in the front office, cutting through the tension of the waiting room. A young man sat with his hands clasped tight, eyes fixed on the television screen where names were being called one by one. When his name echoed across the broadcast, a collective gasp filled the room before erupting into cheers that shook the walls. He stood up slowly, adjusting the collar of his suit, knowing nothing would ever be the same again.

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?

• Bryant was the sixth player and the first guard drafted in the first round directly from high school.
• 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.