“Why Did Magic Johnson and the Lakers Pass on Jayson Tatum? The Celtics Star Opens Up”
Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Reflects on Lakers Passing Him Up in the 2017 NBA Draft and His Lifelong Admiration for Kobe Bryant
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum recently opened up about his feelings regarding the Los Angeles Lakers passing on him in the 2017 NBA Draft. As a lifelong fan of Kobe Bryant, Tatum grew up dreaming of wearing the Lakers’ purple and gold and even paid tribute to the late legend by donning his iconic number during the 2024 Olympics. Despite his admiration for the team, Tatum remains perplexed about why Magic Johnson and the Lakers showed no interest in drafting him.
Speaking to the Boston Globe, Tatum revealed that he was initially upset by the lack of consideration he received from the Lakers, who instead chose Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick. This decision allowed the Celtics, holding the first pick, to trade down and select Tatum at No. 3 while also securing a future first-round pick.
Reflecting on the experience, Tatum explained that Magic Johnson, then the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, justified the decision by pointing out the team’s depth at the forward position. Although disappointed at the time, Tatum has no animosity toward Johnson or the Lakers, acknowledging that everything worked out for the best.
“I grew up the biggest Kobe fan and wanted to play for the Lakers. It was a lifelong dream,” Tatum said. “But I understand their reasoning. It’s just something that didn’t work out the way I envisioned as a kid. Ultimately, it turned out to be a best-case scenario, and I’m grateful for where I am today.”
Now a Celtics superstar and one of the league’s top players, Tatum reflects on the experience with gratitude and perspective, acknowledging that the twists and turns of the NBA Draft often shape players’ careers in unexpec
ted ways.
