Kobe Bryant is the reason I fell in love with basketball – Jayson Tatum

Throughout the last several decades, the Los Angeles Lakers have been successful in attracting superstar players and building a legacy. However, after Kobe Bryant’s decline, the team attempted to shift their strategy and focus on building through the draft. In 2017, they had the opportunity to select Jayson Tatum from Duke with the No. 2 overall pick but instead chose Lonzo Ball, who had strong ties to Los Angeles. Tatum was subsequently picked by the Boston Celtics with the next selection.

In hindsight, it is clear that Tatum has developed into the better player, leading the Celtics to an NBA Finals appearance while Ball was eventually traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and is now with the Chicago Bulls. Tatum, who has openly expressed his admiration for Kobe Bryant, revealed that he had hoped to be selected by the Lakers with that No. 2 pick. He stated that the Lakers “didn’t want anything to do with me at the time.”

Despite being a Lakers fan, Tatum has found success with the Celtics and could potentially win his first championship as they compete against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. A championship victory would elevate his status in the league and solidify his superstar credentials.

Looking ahead, although Tatum is currently content with the Celtics, it is not entirely implausible that his future could involve the Lakers. If his time in Boston concludes without a championship, and with the Lakers undergoing changes in the coming years, Tatum could become a free agent in 2025. At that point, he would be 27 years old, and the Lakers, likely seeking a new face of the franchise after LeBron James’ retirement, would be highly interested in acquiring him. Given Tatum’s affinity for the Lakers, the possibility of him donning the purple and gold jersey cannot be completely disregarded.