what team was kobe bryant drafted to
Kobe Bryant reminisces on his draft day by taking a swipe at the Hornets. Kobe Bryant in 1996. On July 1st, 1996, Charlotte Hornets draft pick Kobe Bryant was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. 18 years later, the five-time NBA champion reminded the Hornets of that decision. To be fair, the Hornets went from 41-41 to 54-28 with Divac, and Bryant played 15 minutes per game in his first season.