- NBA scouts racked up the frequent flyer miles in 1996 to observe a 17-year-old senior at Lower Merion (Pa.) High School named Kobe Bryant, the son of former NBA journeyman Joe (Jelly Bean) Bryant. Kobe was capable of playing all five positions at Lower Merion, where he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most points scored in southeast Pennsylvania history. “Do I think he could make it in the NBA right now? Yes, I think he has the skills,” then-Nets player personnel chief Hal Wissel told The New York Times. - With eyes on the biggest free-agent prize, Shaquille O’Neal, Lakers GM Jerry West shipped starting center Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets in a draft-night trade in 1996. In return, the Lakers received the 13th pick: Kobe Bryant. The deal gave the Lakers an additional $3.3 million, which they used as part of the contract that lured O’Neal away from Orlando. Continue reading..
