Sports

Kobe Bryant Wonders Why Lakers Didn’t Draft Jayson Tatum Over Lonzo Ball

After wrapping up a tremendous rookie season, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum recently had the opportunity to train with his idol: Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Jeff Curry
Image via USA Today Sports
USA Today Sports

After wrapping up a tremendous rookie season, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum recently had the opportunity to train with his idol—Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant—along with skills coach Drew Hanlen.

The Lakers, who had the No. 2 pick in the 2017 Draft (and used it to select Lonzo Ball), had a chance at picking Tatum (who went No. 3 to Boston). Tatum patterned his game after Kobe, as Hanlen recently illustrated with a video.

After seeing that video, Kobe was left wondering why his former team passed on Tatum, as Hanlen relayed in an interview with FOX Sports.

"We actually showed Kobe (the video) yesterday, and he was like, 'Why didn't the Lakers draft him?'" Hanlen shared. "Which was pretty funny after seeing that. Jayson idolized Kobe."

Tatum averaged 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game as a rookie. Perhaps most impressively, he knocked down 43.4 percent of his three-point attempts.

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