Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers History > This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Selected 13th Overall By Hornets In 1996 NBA Draft
Lakers History

This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Selected 13th Overall By Hornets In 1996 NBA Draft

Corey Hansford
Published: 06/26/2025
3 Min Read
Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Hornets
SHARE

After early playoff exits in consecutive years, the Los Angeles Lakers went into the 1996 offseason looking to make some major moves to help get them over the hump. One way to do so was through the 1996 NBA Draft, where the front office had their eyes on a 17-year old high school phenom by the name of Kobe Bryant.

No guard had ever made the leap from high school straight to the NBA, but Kobe had seriously impressed during his pre-draft workouts. In particular, then-general manager Jerry West was convinced he was a future star after he destroyed former Defensive Player of the Year Michael Cooper one-on-one. But the Lakers had the 24th pick and knew there was no way Bryant would last until then.

The Lakers were also looking to sign superstar center Shaquille O’Neal in free agency and thus, were trying to trade away starting center Vlade Divac. The day before the draft, the Lakers agreed to deal Divac to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the 13th overall pick and on June 26, that pick was used to take Kobe Bryant.

Officially it will go down as the Hornets selecting Bryant with the trade itself becoming official on July 9, but the Lakers obviously told them who to select, and didn’t reveal their choice until minutes before it was time to make the pick.

That 1996 NBA Draft is considered to be one of the greatest of all-time with four Hall of Famers in Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen and Steve Nash. There were also multiple All-Stars with the likes of Peja Stojakovic, Jermaine O’Neal, Stephon Marbury and Antoine Walker along with some excellent role players such as former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby and five-time NBA Champion Derek Fisher.

Kobe Bryant trade to Lakers almost fell through

Following the selection, the trade almost fell through as Divac did not like the idea of being trade and threatened to retire, but ultimately relented and agreed. Not long after, the Lakers would indeed sign O’Neal and put together arguably the greatest duo in NBA history.

But the first step in everything coming together was on this day as the greatest player in Lakers history, and one of the best to ever step foot on an NBA floor, was officially drafted.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Charlotte HornetsKobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?