Kobe was drafted on June 26, 1996, in the first round of the NBA Draft, 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, who then traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Draft detail

  • Team: Charlotte Hornets.
  • Pick: 13th overall.
  • Year: 1996.

Quick note

He never actually played for Charlotte; the draft-night trade sent him to the Lakers almost immediately.