In a recent interview, NBA star Jayson Tatum opened up about the surreal twist of fate that nearly had him wearing the iconic purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, a childhood dream that ultimately eluded him.

Tatum, known for his dazzling performances with the Boston Celtics, revealed, “The Lakers were my favorite team, and Kobe was my favorite player. So it was crazy that the Lakers had the second pick in the draft, and I was so close to a dream come true. But it was like they didn’t want to have anything to do with me at that moment.”

These candid remarks by Tatum offer a glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of emotions that accompany the NBA draft process. In 2017, he was poised to enter the league, and the Lakers had a high draft pick. This was the perfect setup for a storybook beginning to his NBA journey, mirroring his childhood aspirations.

However, the Lakers went a different direction in the 2017 NBA Draft, selecting Lonzo Ball with their second overall pick. While this decision paved the way for Ball’s entry into the Lakers, it left Tatum on the outside, where he was eventually chosen by the Boston Celtics with the third overall pick.

Since then, Tatum has blossomed into a bona fide star with the Celtics, displaying his incredible scoring ability and becoming a cornerstone of the franchise. While he may not have landed with his childhood team, he’s carved out a successful career in the NBA, and his journey continues to be an exciting one.

Tatum’s comments serve as a reminder of the twists and turns that often define an athlete’s path in the highly competitive world of professional basketball. While his Lakers dream might have been delayed, his commitment to the game and undeniable talent have allowed him to shine brightly in the league, making a significant impact on the Celtics and earning respect from fans and peers alike.