How old was Kobe when he was drafted?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 10, 2026
Since Bryant was still 17 at the time, his parents had to cosign his contract with the Lakers until he was able to sign his own when he turned 18 before the season began. Bryant signed a three-year rookie contract totaling $3.5 million.
Did Kobe play in the NBA at 17?
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was the first guard drafted into the NBA out of high school and had a lot to prove. In 1996, the then-17-year-old (wearing No. 32) dropped 36 points in a game versus the Phoenix Suns to lead the Lakers to a 107-100 victory.
Who was the youngest NBA player ever drafted?
The youngest player ever to play in the NBA was Andrew Bynum, who played his first game only six days after his 18th birthday. The oldest active player is Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem, who is currently 41 years old.
At what age was Kobe drafted?
02 Kobe Bryant – 1996 Draft
At the age of 17, Kobe was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft before being traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers.
How old was Kobe when he was first drafted?
He was the 13th player taken in the 1996 draft. The Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe, but immediately traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac. Kobe was only 17 years old when he was drafted. He had turned 18 by the time his first NBA season started.
38 related questions foundWhen was LeBron born?
LeBron James, in full LeBron Raymone James, byname King James, (born December 30, 1984, Akron, Ohio, U.S.), American professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around players of all time and who won National Basketball Association (NBA) championships with the Miami Heat (2012 and ...
What were Kobe's last words?
Kobe shared some last words of wisdom and motivation before his heartbreaking death. “Hello everyone, I'm so sorry can't be with you tonight,” he said in a video posted on Twitter.
What age did Kobe retired?
Kobe Bryant on retiring at age 35: "That's still probab…
Kobe Bryant on retiring at age 35: “That's still probably accurate. When I'm 35 it will be my 18th year in the League, that's a long time to be playing. That will be the last year of my contract… I' don't know.
How long did Kobe play for the Hornets?
Kobe Bryant spent 16 days as a Charlotte Hornet. Long enough to develop resentment for the Hornets. Charlotte drafted Bryant No. 13 in 1996 to trade him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.
How old is bronny?
Bronny James is a 17-year-old point guard for Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California and is considered one of the country's best prospects in his age group. He would be eligible for the NBA draft in 2024 when his father will be 39.
Who is the oldest NBA basketball player?
Who is the oldest player in the NBA 2022? The oldest active NBA player is power forward Udonis Haslem of the Heat at 41 years old. In contrast, the youngest active NBA player is Joshua Primo, a San Antonio Spurs guard.
How old was Kobe in 1996?
In 1996, Bryant took R&B singer Brandy to his senior prom. Ultimately, the 17-year-old Bryant made the decision to go directly into the NBA, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to do so.
How old was LeBron when drafted?
Never before in the history of the National Basketball Association had so much been expected from one player—let alone an eighteen-year-old kid, as it when LeBron James entered the NBA Draft in 2003.
What age is Michael Jordan retire?
Michael Jordan retires at the age of 40 for the third and final time after an illustrious basketball career.
When did Michael Jordan retire?
He retired for the third and final time on April 16, 2003. Jordan's time on the Bulls was the subject of a docuseries The Last Dance on ESPN in 2020.
What are Gigi's last words?
Gigi's last word was to her father. She said, “I don't want to die”.
Why did Kobe wear 8?
The reason for Bryant getting the No 8 jersey is also an interesting one. His 1st jersey number came from Adidas ABCD Camp, #143. The digits add up to 8. Also, it is the number he wore in Italy during his playing time there.
How old is curry?
Age – 29 years old
Curry was born on March 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio when his father, Dell, played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He grew up in Charlotte, N.C., after his father was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA expansion draft.