Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft on June 26, 1996. Shortly after, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his entire 20-year career.

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Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the thirteenth pick in 1996 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Answered from Tom Rakauskas

Upon graduation, he declared for the 1996 NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick; the Hornets then traded him to the Lakers.

Answered from Ajith Choudhary

When Did Kobe Enter The N. B. A.?

As an NBA historian and lifelong Kobe Bryant fan, I’m often asked about the specifics of Kobe's landmark entry into the league directly from high school. Kobe's journey to NBA stardom started with becoming the 13th overall draft pick in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets before being swiftly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This FAQ will provide a deep dive into Kobe’s trailblazing transition to the NBA.

What made Kobe a top NBA prospect out of high school?

After a stellar career at Lower Merion H.S. in Ardmore, PA, the 17-year-old Kobe averaged 30.8 points per game his senior year, earning national accolades and attention from NBA scouts. His advanced skills and athleticism were clear NBA material.

How common was skipping college for the NBA draft in 1996?

Extremely rare – Kevin Garnett become the first high school draftee in 20 years just a year prior in 1995. Kobe helped prove future potential for prep stars like LeBron James.

When did Kobe decide to declare for the 1996 NBA draft?

After graduating high school in June 1996, Kobe announced his decision to go directly into the NBA draft that same year rather than play college basketball.

What NBA teams showed interest in drafting Kobe?

Kobe impressed in pre-draft workouts. The Lakers arranged to draft him after Charlotte unexpectedly took him at #13 per a draft night deal.

How did analysts rate 18-year-old Kobe as an NBA prospect?

Considered a huge risk due to age and raw skill development, Kobe was still projected mid-first round. His upside was clear if he could transition from schoolboy to pro.

When did the Charlotte Hornets draft Kobe #13 in 1996?

The Hornets picked Kobe 13th overall on June 26, 1996. However, his preference had been to join the Lakers, so the trade had been pre-arranged.

How soon was Kobe traded to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Mere weeks after Charlotte picked Kobe at #13, his rights were traded to the Lakers on July 11, 1996 for veteran center Vlade Divac. It was always intended to be a draft day maneuver.

Did Kobe immediately become a starter for Los Angeles?

No, as a rookie, Kobe came off the bench behind starters Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel, averaging just 15 minutes per game in his Laker debut season.

How did Kobe fare in his first NBA season?

In his 1996-97 rookie year, Kobe averaged 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

When did Kobe become a full-time Lakers starter?

In his second season after gaining experience, Kobe moved into a starting role in 1998, never looking back. The rest is Hall of Fame history!

Conclusion

Thanks to standout high school play showcasing advanced skills, Kobe seized the extraordinary chance to go straight from graduation to the NBA as the #13 draft pick in 1996 at just 18 years old. His destiny with the Lakers began immediately after Charlotte selected him, trading Kobe's rights and launching his iconic 20-year career in purple and gold.