re: Lonzo Balls dad says his son will only play for the Lakers

quote:

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don't think Kobe ever flat out demanded the Lakers or nothing but his agent did make a power play to force the Nets to not select him at #8 overall. Jerry West told Kobe's agent that if he could fall to Charotte, West would be able to work a trade with them to get Kobe to LA.

IIRC, a young John Calipari was dead set on drafting Kobe and his agent said Kobe flat out would not sign with New Jersey. Calipari fell for it and decided to draft Kerry Kittles lol

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This.

Kobes agent did call Calipari days before the draft ,he says, and warned him Kobe wanted to play in L.A only.


Drafting High School players was relatively new in 1996 & drafting a 17 year old kid who wouldn't seriously contribute immediately anyway. If ever.


It was Calipari's very 1st NBA draft & he did not want to risk his reputation taking a chance on a 17 year old when High Schoolers weren't drafted regularly. One that didn't want to be in Jersey.

Though Calipari wanted Kobe badly.





Calipari simply had cold feet & went for the safe pick with the 4 year College guy in Kittles.



I don't blame Calipari too much considering the era, his 1st NBA draft & all.


Guy knows talent & Calipari would be at the top of my list to at least give a call if I inherited an NBA franchise.

Only thing I remember about kittles is he made wearing ur socks high as possible a thing