Only the Boston Celtics can rival the Los Angeles Lakers when it comes to the number of championships won (17) and iconic superstars who have come through their organization during the team’s illustrious history.
The Lakers have always had the ability to bring in talented young stars and proven superstars looking to win titles, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O. . ‘Neal, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
The list goes on and on when it comes to legendary players who have donned the purple and gold, but there was one player in particular who arguably stood out from the rest.
Nearly three decades ago today, the Lakers changed their franchise forever, bringing with them one of the most polarizing players the league has ever seen in superstar-turned-Kobe Bryant .
27 years ago today: The Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Shortly thereafter, Mamba was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. pic.twitter.com/IeZGe32wnd
— kobe highlights and inspiration (@kobehighlight) 26 June 2023
Before Bryant’s life tragically ended a few years ago, the Lakers legend went on to have an incredible career filled with remarkable accomplishments on and off the floor while representing the historic franchise.
During his 20-year career with the Lakers, Bryant played for the only team in the league in two decades to win five NBA titles alongside fellow legends O’Neal and Gasol.
As a result of his accomplishments on the hardwood, Bryant was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame along with some of the greats he competed against during his career, such as Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.
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