Los Angeles Lakers: The five best trades in franchise history

1. Kobe Bryant trade:

Is Kobe Bryant the greatest Los Angeles Laker in the history of the franchise? Probably, it is between him or Magic Johson. Was trading for Kobe Bryant the best trade the Los Angeles Lakers have ever done? Without a doubt, absolutely.

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Coming straight out of Lower Merion High School, Bryant was one of the most intriguing draft prospects, well, ever. The overall buzz around Bryant was that of Lonzo Ball before he was drafted. Bryant certainly had the tools to be an All-Star at the NBA level, however, the jump from high school to the NBA was like going from tee-ball to high school.

Many believed you need the in-between experience. That in-between experience, of course, was college. The greatest player in basketball history, Michael Jordan, went to college. It was as close as a necessity as one could have to make the league.

Not Kobe Bryant.

12 picks passed before the Charlotte Hornets were on the clock in the 1996 NBA Draft. Legends such as Allen Iverson, Ray Allen and Stephon Marbury were already selected; all guards. The Charlotte Hornets had no intentions of drafting Bryant, however, the Los Angeles Lakers were interested.

Next: Trade suitors for Julius Randle

Thus, the best trade in Lakers’ history (and maybe NBA history) happened. Los Angeles sent their starting center, Vlade Divac, to the Hornets on the agreement that Charlotte would draft Bryant. They drafted Bryant and the Lakers got their franchise player who led them to five championships. Now, the picture of Kobe Bryant in a Hornets’ hat lives on in infamy.