Arn Tellem reveals how the Nets almost drafted Kobe Bryant

During the 1996 NBA draft process, Kobe Bryant nearly joined the New Jersey Nets with the eighth overall pick. Agent Arn Tellem sought to steer Bryant away from the Nets, claiming the player wished to avoid being drafted close to his hometown. While Nets general manager John Nash expressed interest in Bryant, coach John Calipari held final authority and ultimately selected Kerry Kittles. Jerry West, then an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers, worked to acquire a mid-round pick to secure Bryant as part of a larger plan that included signing free agent Shaquille O'Neal. Bryant was eventually taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick before being traded to Los Angeles. The resulting duo of Bryant and O'Neal went on to lead the team to three consecutive NBA championships.

• 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — Kobe Bryant's former agent on how Nets almost took Bryant in NBA draft