Jayson Tatum Says Lakers’ 2017 Draft Snub “Hurt”
jayson-tatum-says-lakers-2017-draft-snub-hurt
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum acknowledged on ESPN’s “First Take” that being bypassed by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft still stings.
“Kobe was my favorite player, and the Lakers were my favorite team growing up,” Tatum said during the interview. “You get so close to accomplishing your dream, and you see the Lakers have the second pick. That hurt a little, feeling like there was no consideration they wanted to draft me.”
The 2017 Draft Order
Los Angeles owned the No. 2 selection for a third straight year and had long targeted UCLA guard Lonzo Ball. Philadelphia traded up to No. 1 to take Markelle Fultz, while Boston moved down to No. 3, confident Tatum would still be available. The Lakers followed through on their plan and selected Ball, leaving Tatum for the Celtics.
Tatum, who openly professed his admiration for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers before the draft, has since become a franchise cornerstone in Boston and helped lead the team to an NBA championship. Ball spent two seasons in Los Angeles before being dealt to New Orleans in 2019.
ESPN’s NBA Rank Includes Three Lakers
In ESPN’s latest ranking of the NBA’s top 100 players entering the 2025-26 season, three Lakers made the list. Luka Doncic, acquired in a February blockbuster deal, placed No. 3. LeBron James checked in at No. 8, and Austin Reaves landed at No. 60.
The upcoming campaign marks Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles as the Lakers attempt to retool around their new core.
Source: Lakers Nation
