In the present day, Jayson Tatum is the largest identify on the Boston Celtics’ roster and one of the common gamers on the earth.
However only a few years in the past, he was a younger prospect desirous to make his manner into the league.
Talking with the “Club 520” podcast, by way of The Athletic, Tatum talked about his want to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Within the early summer time of 2017, Tatum was on the verge of getting into the NBA and wasn’t positive the place he would go.
He knew he wouldn’t be the primary choice however he hoped the Lakers would select him with their second decide.
He admitted that it was “devastating” when LA didn’t select him however, finally, issues labored out for the most effective.
“That was kind of devastating… they never came to watch me work out.”
Tatum was finally named because the third decide within the draft, chosen by the Celtics.
On the time, he wasn’t positive if that was the proper transfer as a result of he knew the workforce was already fairly spectacular and didn’t see an opportunity for himself getting numerous time on the courtroom.
Clearly, that’s not how issues labored out.
Tatum grew up as a serious Kobe Bryant fan and idolized every little thing the late icon did.
It will have made him extremely pleased to play for the Lakers, however that wasn’t within the playing cards for him as a result of LA selected Lonzo Ball with the second decide.
Tatum had his issues in regards to the Celtics however he was in a position to work by means of them, show himself, and earn numerous minutes in video games.
He’s on a stellar, MVP-worthy run to this point this season, averaging 30.3 factors, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 48.2% from the ground.
Do the Lakers remorse their selection now?
They could, however Tatum may be very proud of the place he’s.