In recent decades, the Los Angeles Lakers have been renowned for their ability to attract superstar players and establish a lasting basketball legacy. However, as Kobe Bryant’s career stalled, the team changed its strategy and focused on building through the NBA draft. In 2017, they had the possibility to take Jayson Tatum from Duke University with the second overall choice. Instead, they chose Lonzo Ball, who has deep ties to Los Angeles. The Boston Celtics selected Tatum as the next pick.In retrospect, Tatum has clearly matured into the better player, leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals, whilst Ball was subsequently dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans and is now with the Chicago Bulls. Tatum, who has publicly stated his respect for Kobe Bryant, revealed that he had hoped to be taken with the Lakers’ second overall choice. He explained that the Lakers “didn’t want anything to do with me at the time.”

Despite being a Lakers fan, Tatum has found success with the Celtics and has a chance to earn his first championship when they face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. A championship victory would boost Tatum’s standing in the NBA and confirm his role as a superstar player.

Looking ahead, while Tatum is now pleased with the Celtics, it is not difficult to envision him joining the Lakers in the future. If his tenure in Boston ends without a title, and the Lakers’ roster changes in the future years, Tatum may become a free agent in 2025. At that point, he would be 27 years old, and the Lakers, who are likely looking for a new face for the organisation after LeBron James retires, would be quite interested in signing him. Given Tatum’s fondness for the Lakers, the potential of him wearing the purple and gold jersey cannot be ruled out.