THE STORY
In the 1996 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected 17-year-old Kobe Bryant with the 13th overall pick. Prior to the draft, the Hornets had agreed to trade Bryant's rights to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for veteran center Vlade Divac. The trade was finalized on July 11, 1996, after initial concerns about Divac's potential retirement were resolved.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Charlotte Hornets, Kobe Bryant
WHY IT MATTERS
This trade is notable for sending Bryant, who would become an NBA legend, to the Lakers, where he won five championships and earned numerous accolades.