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1996 NBA Draft
After a legendary pre-draft workout against Lakers legend Michael Cooper, in front of then general manager Jerry West, the Los Angeles Lakers made a push to acquire the skillful teenager from the Philadelphia suburbs. With the arrival of prized free agent Shaquille O’Neal, the Los Angeles Lakers suddenly had an expendable asset in Vlade Divac. With that in mind, the Lakers made a surprising 1996 NBA Draft Day trade as they sent the aforementioned Divac to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Bryant’s draft rights.
