Kobe Bryant (Part 2)

Before the 1996 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant made a significant impression during his workout in Los Angeles. He faced off against former Lakers players Larry Drew and Michael Cooper, impressing then-Laker general manager Jerry West with his skills and dominance on the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers had their sights set on acquiring Bryant, aiming to trade their starting center Vlade Divac to clear salary cap space for a potential offer to free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal. The Charlotte Hornets held the 13th overall pick in the draft, and the Lakers struck a deal with them to acquire Bryant's draft rights. Interestingly, the Hornets had not initially considered drafting Bryant, but the Lakers orchestrated the trade moments before the draft, instructing the Hornets whom to select with their pick.


Bryant's selection marked a historic moment as he became the first guard to be drafted directly out of high school. However, complications arose after the draft when Vlade Divac expressed reluctance to be traded from the Lakers. Divac even threatened to retire rather than leave Los Angeles. Nevertheless, Divac eventually relented, and the trade was finalized on July 9, 1996, after the league's off-season moratorium ended.
Due to his age, Bryant's parents had to cosign his contract with the Lakers until he turned 18, allowing him to sign his own contract before the season began. Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract worth $3.5 million, officially beginning his journey in the NBA.


Kobe Bryant made a remarkable debut in the Summer Pro League, showcasing his talent by scoring 25 points in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Throughout the event, defenders struggled to contain him, and his performance garnered praise from Lakers general manager Jerry West and head coach Del Harris. Bryant's scoring prowess was further demonstrated in the finale, where he dropped 36 points, finishing with impressive averages of 24.5 points and 5.3 rebounds over four games.
In his rookie season with the Lakers in 1996–97, Bryant initially came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. However, he quickly proved himself and became the second-youngest player in NBA history to step onto the court, showcasing his talent and versatility. Despite limited minutes early on, Bryant's playing time gradually increased as the season progressed.


Bryant's standout performance earned him a spot in the Rookie Challenge during the All-Star weekend, where he also won the Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the youngest dunk champion at just 18 years old. His contributions throughout the season led to his inclusion in the NBA All-Rookie Second Team alongside teammate Travis Knight.
As the playoffs arrived, Bryant found himself thrust into a lead role during a crucial moment in Game 5 against the Utah Jazz. Despite his valiant efforts, including attempting game-winning shots, the Lakers ultimately fell short, losing to the Jazz in overtime and ending their playoff run.
In his second season, Bryant's playing time increased significantly, allowing him to showcase his talents as a talented young guard. His scoring average more than doubled, and he played a pivotal role for the Lakers, even earning consideration for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award. Additionally, Bryant's performance earned him a spot as a starter in the All-Star Game, making him the youngest starter in NBA history at the time.


The 1998–99 season marked Bryant's emergence as one of the premier guards in the league. With starting guards Van Exel and Jones traded, Bryant became a permanent fixture in the Lakers' starting lineup. He also signed a lucrative contract extension, solidifying his future with the team. Despite his individual success, the Lakers faced playoff disappointment, being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals. Nevertheless, Bryant's talent and potential were undeniable, drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson even at this early stage of his career.


Under the coaching of Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant's career trajectory took a significant upward turn in 1999. With Jackson's guidance, Bryant evolved into one of the league's premier shooting guards, earning multiple All-NBA, All-Star, and All-Defensive team selections. The Lakers, led by the formidable duo of Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, emerged as championship contenders, winning three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 to 2002.
During the 1999–2000 season, Bryant's development continued despite a brief setback due to a hand injury. He demonstrated improvement in all statistical categories and played a crucial role in the Lakers' success, helping them win 67 games. Bryant's contributions earned him recognition on the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Defensive Team, making him the youngest player to receive All-Defensive honors at the time. In the playoffs, although he played second fiddle to O'Neal, Bryant showcased his clutch performances, notably in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers and in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.


The following season, Bryant's scoring output increased significantly, averaging 28.5 points per game, and tensions between him and O'Neal began to surface. Despite a drop in regular-season wins, the Lakers dominated the playoffs with a remarkable 15–1 record, culminating in their second consecutive NBA championship. Bryant's stellar playoff performances earned him praise from teammates and opponents alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's best players.
In the 2001–02 season, Bryant continued to excel, playing in all 80 games for the first time in his career. He recorded a career-high 56 points in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies and earned his first All-Star MVP trophy. Bryant's exceptional play led to his selection to the All-NBA First Team and All-NBA Defensive Team. Despite facing tougher competition in the playoffs, the Lakers overcame challenges to reach their third consecutive NBA Finals. Bryant's outstanding performance in the Finals against the New Jersey Nets earned him his third championship ring and further established his legacy as a clutch player at just 23 years old.

References

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