17-Year-Old Rookie Kobe Bryant Believed That He Was the Lakers’ “Star Player” Over Shaquille O’Neal and Other Veterans

Coming into the league at the mere age of 17, Kobe Bryant had unreal expectations. The Lakers drafted a high school player, as Jerry West saw potential in young talent. At the time, Lakers had just signed Shaquille O’Neal, who was already one of the best big man in the league.

When Kobe was drafted to the Lakers, most players and fans expected little from him. Bryant was a star player in high school, but the NBA was a league full of experienced players. With Shaq, who was already a spotlight of the roster; Kobe had a different viewpoint of himself.

Kobe expected himself to be the main focus of the team

Mike Sielski, Kobe’s ally, expected Bryant to help the team where he could. Though that was not a part of Kobe’s plan. 

“He talks very explicitly on these tapes about how ‘I’m gonna be there with Shaq and we’re not gonna settle for one championship or two. We want three championships, four championships, five. You know we should win the championship the first year.”

17-year-old Kobe was definitely an optimistic teen with grand ambitions. As for anyone as young as Kobe, to even think about leading a well-known NBA organization would be a dream. 

“And Kobe’s expectation for himself is that he’s gonna be the star player on a championship-caliber team. And you think about it and retrospect and it’s crazy. He was 17 or 18 years old.” said Sielski

Even though Kobe was full of talent, he was already on a championship contender team. It was clear that Kobe would come off the bench, rather than being a part of the starting lineup.

“You know, who… what player was gonna step into the NBA at that age and dominate and lead his team to an NBA championship. But, Kobe really thought that.”

Kobe Bryant’s rookie season

Bryant averaged 7 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound a game in his rookie season. As he improved his game drastically, putting up 15 points, dishing out 2 dimes, and grabbing 3 rebounds a game in his sophomore year.

READ MORE: Kobe Bryant Inspires F1 Sensation to Choose #24 on His Car: “I Want to Carry His Energy, His Mentality With Me in My Journey in Formula 1.”

Kobe won his first championship in his 4th NBA season. He paired up pretty well with Shaq and delivered one of the most epic seasons for the fans to watch.

WATCH THIS STORY: Stephen Curry Reveals 5 Words From Kobe Bryant That Made Him Feel Like an NBA Great: “Somebody Asked Him About Me. And He Mentioned…”

Well, Kobe did not exactly lead the team in his first couple of seasons. Though still, he improved his game quite fast and won 5 championships for the Lakers.