‘Sh*t Franchise’: Twitter Reacts to Unseen Footage of Kobe Bryant’s Pre-Draft Workout With LA Clippers
Follow Us
The Lakers are probably the biggest franchise out there. In their rich history, the Purple and Gold have had players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but perhaps the biggest superstar who called the Staples Center his home was Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, who came straight out of high school, had his fair share of doubters. Given that he was only 18-years-old and, unlike many others, preferred to skip college, many analysts were skeptical whether Kobe would succeed or not.
While opportunities were rather sparse for a young Bryant, he eventually became a household name and formed an incredible duo with Shaquille O’Neal. After a 20-year-career and five NBA titles later, the Lakers and Kobe have become synonymous.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Kobe Bryant worked out with the Clippers before the 1996 draft
The ‘Black Mamba’ might be the most influential Laker ever, but things could have been very different. While many know that Kobe was drafted as the 13th overall pick by Charlotte Hornets, many other teams had the chance to take the 18-year-old.
One of them was cross-town rivals LA Clippers. Ahead of the draft, the Clippers did give Bryant a pre-draft workout session. Knocking down jumpers and dunking the ball effortlessly, ‘Mamba’ had a great workout.
Trending
Why Did Caleb Love Leave UNC? Is Ex-Teammate’s Girlfriend The Reason Behind This Move?
November 11, 2023 03:27 PM EST
Allen Iverson Takes a Backseat in $10 Billion Company’s Decisions While Leaving It to the “Smartest” Shaquille O’Neal
March 28, 2024 07:57 PM EDT
Draymond Green’s Eyes Reveal Warriors’ Tricks Admits LeBron James, 7 Days After Best Friends Stood at Odds
March 27, 2024 02:02 PM EDT
Nuggets Vs Timberwolves Injury Report: Are Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards Playing In The Battle For West #1?
March 29, 2024 02:35 AM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Footage from Kobe’s workout with the LA Clippers before the 1996 NBA Draft
(The Clippers drafted Lorenzen Wright with the 7th pick) pic.twitter.com/p4X5DK20dU
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) October 10, 2021
Given how comfortable Kobe looked in the footage, drafting him looked like a no-brainer. But the Clippers had a different plan altogether. Although they were missing a quality shooting guard in their lineup, the Clippers opted to add another center in Lorenzen Wright.
While Wright ended up having a decent NBA career, he never was the franchise cornerstone Clips hoped for rather resorted to being a role player. Given how the addition of Kobe Bryant transformed the Lakers’ it is absolutely crazy to imagine how different the Clippers’ journey would have been.
WATCH THIS STORY: Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets & Other Big Three’s watching Out for in Upcoming Season 2021-22
Twitter reacts to Kobe’s workout with Clippers
NBA Twitter went absolutely berserk as Kobe’s pre-draft workout footage with Clippers re-surfaced. While many fans were destroying the Clippers for passing up on a generational talent some defended the team’s actions.
Proof they’re a basement franchise
— Ty @1:00am 🍒 (@EbFlesruoy) October 10, 2021
They had a bad owner at the time. They won 13 championships before they moved to Buffalo.
— Crackhead YB (@KevinDurfraud) October 10, 2021
How do we know Kobe becomes Kobe on the Clippers? No Phil Jackson and no Shaq. He likely doesn’t win any rings especially not as early in his career as he did. Also 12 other teams passed on him so it wasn’t just the Clippers.
— GL (@ProbNotThatGuy) October 10, 2021
The Clippers deserve everything that happened to them since smh
— Backwards (@Backwardsman99) October 10, 2021
Lmao shit franchise
— Shaizon 🎃 (@NewarkDemonShai) October 10, 2021
Dam that sucks lol
— KingJorge2nd (@jorge1018ocasio) October 10, 2021
Kobe was a risky pick coming out of HS, that’s why most teams didn’t take a risk and Kobe ended up being the greatest non lottery pick ever. No one could have expected him to have that crazy work ethic. Had he done a year in college, he would easily go top 7 in 1997 draft
— bobby (@blaze_420_boy) October 11, 2021
i would have drafted him after he made that left-handed 3 pointer
— Sal Magluta (@BrainsonBrian) October 11, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Let’s be honest. No matter how you feel about the Clippers organization. No one, except Jerry West, saw what Kobe would become.
— Aaron (@pjlove10) October 11, 2021
Elgin Baylor can’t spot talent right in front of him. Thanks Elgin for being a true Laker at heart.
— christian mendoza (@chrismen320) October 10, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While many might diss the Clippers for missing out on Kobe, drafting players coming out of high school was a huge risk. While they might have potential, they are usually raw and need ideal circumstances to thrive. Do you think Kobe would have thrived with the Clippers?