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Global SportsJayson Tatum’s Heartbreak: The Lakers’ Missed Opportunity Before the 2017 Draft
Jayson Tatum’s Heartbreak: The Lakers’ Missed Opportunity Before the 2017 Draft
The Celtics star reflects on his desire to don the purple and gold, revealing the emotional impact of the Lakers’ disinterest.
In the world of basketball, few players have had as profound an influence as Kobe Bryant, particularly on the younger generation. Jayson Tatum, a standout player who has made waves in the NBA, is among those who idolized the late Lakers legend. As the 2017 NBA Draft approached, Tatum had dreams of following in Kobe's footsteps and becoming a Laker. However, his hopes were dashed when the team showed no interest in him, a revelation he shared on the Club 520 Podcast. This moment not only highlights the complexities of the draft process but also underscores the emotional stakes for a player who grew up wanting to play for one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The Weight of Expectations
Growing up in St. Louis, Tatum was heavily influenced by Kobe Bryant’s work ethic and competitive spirit. His admiration for the Lakers icon fueled his ambition to reach the NBA, and when he had a phenomenal season at Duke, the stage was set for his entry into the professional league. The Lakers, holding the second overall pick, seemed like the ideal destination for Tatum. He had envisioned himself wearing the iconic purple and gold, but the reality of the situation was starkly different.
Tatum expressed his disappointment candidly, stating that it was “kind of devastating” to know that the Lakers had no interest in bringing him in for a workout. This lack of engagement from a franchise he had long admired left a lasting emotional impact on him.
A Missed Opportunity for the Lakers
The decision not to evaluate Tatum before the draft was a pivotal moment for the Lakers. With the franchise looking to rebuild, passing on a player of Tatum's caliber was a significant oversight. Instead, the Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the second pick, while Tatum was picked third by the Boston Celtics. In hindsight, this decision may haunt the Lakers, especially as Tatum has blossomed into one of the league’s premier talents, consistently performing at an elite level.
In Tatum’s own words during the podcast, he remarked, “I wanted to go to the Lakers. I grew up a Kobe fan. I thought I had a good chance, but when I found out they weren’t interested, it was kind of devastating.” This quote encapsulates the emotional weight of the situation and reflects the dreams that many young players carry into the draft.
The Silver Lining
While Tatum’s hopes to join the Lakers were dashed, his journey took him to Boston, where he has become a key player for the Celtics. His growth as a player and leader has been remarkable, and he has established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. In a twist of fate, Tatum’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, missed opportunities can lead to greater paths.
Jayson Tatum’s revelation about the Lakers' disinterest before the 2017 Draft sheds light on the emotional intricacies of the NBA draft process and the dreams that players hold. While it was a devastating moment for Tatum, it ultimately paved the way for a successful career in Boston. As fans, we can only wonder how different the landscape of the NBA might have been had the Lakers recognized Tatum’s potential. His journey is a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of sports, showing that sometimes, the path less traveled can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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