Right this moment, Jayson Tatum is the most important identify on the Boston Celtics’ roster and one of the crucial well-liked gamers on the planet.
However just some years in the past, he was a younger prospect desirous to make his approach into the league.
Talking with the “Club 520” podcast, by way of The Athletic, Tatum talked about his want to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Within the early summer season of 2017, Tatum was on the verge of coming into the NBA and wasn’t positive the place he would go.
He knew he wouldn’t be the primary choice however he hoped the Lakers would select him with their second decide.
He admitted that it was “devastating” when LA didn’t select him however, in the end, issues labored out for the most effective.
Jayson Tatum spoke on @club520podcast about rising up a Kobe Bryant fan and discovering out the Lakers had no real interest in drafting him.
“That was kind of devastating… they never came to watch me work out.”
🎥 @wellssssssssss | @club520podcast pic.twitter.com/UFcbL2QTmM
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 4, 2024
Tatum was ultimately named because the third decide within the draft, chosen by the Celtics.
On the time, he wasn’t positive if that was the best transfer as a result of he knew the staff was already fairly spectacular and didn’t see an opportunity for himself getting lots of time on the courtroom.
Clearly, that’s not how issues labored out.
Tatum grew up as a significant Kobe Bryant fan and idolized the whole lot the late icon did.
It will have made him extremely comfortable to play for the Lakers, however that wasn’t within the playing cards for him as a result of LA selected Lonzo Ball with the second decide.
Tatum had his considerations in regards to the Celtics however he was capable of work by way of them, show himself, and earn lots of minutes in video games.
He’s on a stellar, MVP-worthy run thus far this season, averaging 30.3 factors, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 48.2% from the ground.
Do the Lakers remorse their alternative now?
They may, however Tatum could be very pleased with the place he’s.
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Anthony Davis Is Off To Historic Begin With Lakers
