Los Angeles Lakers Home 1996-97 Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant 1996/1997 hardwood classic Mitchell and ness jersey The 1996 NBA Draft marked the debut of an icon. Fresh off leading Lower Merion High School to a state championship, Kobe Bryant was eager to take his talents to the NBA. After being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to his childhood dream team, the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant would become the youngest player to ever start in an NBA game. Showcasing his swagger, athleticism, and limitless ability to entertain; Kobe won the 1997 NBA Dunk Contest and made his arrival to the league known. Bryant would face his first big moments in the NBA playoffs against the Utah Jazz. What resulted in the series loss would push Kobe to another level for the rest of his career, with a fearless and unrelenting tenacity to perfect his game. Kobe Bryant would finish the season earning himself an NBA All-Rookie Second Team award in 1997.