Jayson Tatum’s Response To Lakers Getting Luka Doncic
Jayson Tatum's Response To Lakers Getting Luka Doncic
The NBA landscape has shifted dramatically with Luka Doncic joining the Los Angeles Lakers, marking one of the most significant trades in recent basketball history. The move has sparked reactions across the league, including from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who once idolized Lakers legend Kobe Bryant during his childhood years.
During a recent interview, Tatum was asked what it would mean for kids to watch a star like Doncic in L.A. the way he used to watch Bryant.
“I don’t know, I know a lot of kids watch the Celtics play,” Tatum replied.
The trade represents a new chapter in the storied Lakers-Celtics rivalry, with Doncic stepping into the purple and gold following his successful tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.
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While the Lakers aim to build their next championship contender around their newly acquired superstar, the Celtics continue their own pursuit of NBA glory, maintaining their position as one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams with a 38-16 record.
Jayson Tatum Wanted To Play For The Lakers Growing Up
Jayson Tatum‘s basketball journey took an unexpected turn during the 2017 NBA Draft. As a lifelong Kobe Bryant fan, his childhood dream centered on wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers held the second overall pick in that draft, creating what seemed like a perfect opportunity. The situation turned disappointing for Tatum when the Lakers showed zero interest in drafting him. They never scheduled a workout or sent scouts to evaluate his skills.
The Lakers’ decision to select Lonzo Ball with the second pick opened a different path for Tatum. The Boston Celtics seized the opportunity, drafting him and launching his professional career in green instead of purple.
Key Draft Details:
- Draft Year: 2017
- Lakers’ Pick: #2 (Lonzo Ball)
- Celtics’ Pick: #3 (Jayson Tatum)
Time has proven this twist of fate beneficial for both Tatum and the Celtics. His growth into an NBA superstar has made him the face of one of basketball’s most storied franchises. The once-disappointed Lakers fan now stands as a cornerstone of their greatest rival.
The young forward’s transformation from Lakers admirer to Celtics leader marks a significant chapter in the NBA’s most famous rivalry. His dedication to bringing championships to Boston shows how completely his allegiances have shifted since his childhood dreams of Los Angeles.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
