Kobe Bryant's former agent on how Nets almost took Bryant in NBA draft
Arn Tellem, Kobe Bryant's first agent, recalled how the Nets almost prevented the Lakers from pulling off the NBA's heist of the century.
In the summer of 1996, Los Angeles Lakers executive Jerry West sought to make an offer to Shaquille O'Neal by clearing enough salary cap space. He traded starting center Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for a high school player from Philadelphia named Kobe Bryant. West aimed to acquire a draft pick to use on Bryant, and found a buyer in the Hornets who held the No. 13 pick that year.
When draft day approached, the New Jersey Nets, who held the No. 8 pick, threatened to interfere with West's plan. Bryant's agent, Arn Tellem, recounted the events during an appearance on The Draymond Green Show. Tellem explained that West wanted Bryant to join the Lakers, as he had seen the best workout among teams. However, the Nets, with general manager John Nash, also wanted Bryant.
John Calipari, the Nets' head coach, had the final say and decided to select Kerry Kittles instead. Despite this setback, Tellem and West managed to secure Bryant at No. 13 for the Hornets, leading to a successful career for Bryant and the Lakers eventually winning three NBA championships.
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