Hornets Trade Away Their Future
Even after all these years, the 1996 NBA Draft class still ranks among the best. Four Hall of Famers, including Kobe Bryant, were drafted in the top 15 picks.
Basketball historians are quick to remember that Bryant wasn't actually drafted by the Lakers. In fact, the Charlotte Hornets passed up on keeping Bryant, trading him away to Los Angeles for Vlade Divac.
There's no belaboring what Bryant meant to the Lakers. He spearheaded their latest dynasty and transformed the organization back into a top contender.
In exchange, the Hornets got 121 starts and 11.7 points per game out of Divac.
Bryant left an immeasurable legacy in LA, but it was the Hornets to lose.
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