Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum admitted he once hoped to begin his NBA career in Los Angeles rather than Boston.
In his first in-depth comments since suffering a torn Achilles during last season’s NBA playoffs, Tatum joined ESPN’s First Take to discuss his rehab and upcoming shoe release. The 27-year-old also reflected on the 2017 NBA Draft, when he was selected third overall by the Celtics.
While much of the focus in hindsight has been on the Philadelphia 76ers trading up to take Markelle Fultz at No. 1 instead of Tatum, the Celtics star said the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision at No. 2 stung just as much.
“Kobe was my favorite player, and the Lakers were my favorite team growing up,” Tatum said. “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.”
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Tatum said his admiration for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers made him envision playing in Los Angeles, though he acknowledged Boston ultimately gave him the opportunity to carve out his own historic path.
“I wanted to be the number one pick, and I felt like I was the best player, so I was upset a little at first,” Tatum said. He added that the memory fueled him, noting that he has eliminated Philadelphia in all three of their postseason meetings.
History has not been favorable to the 76ers’ decision. The franchise traded up to select Fultz, who struggled to stay healthy and productive in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Tatum has developed into one of the NBA’s top forwards, leading the Celtics to multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances and one NBA title.
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Before his injury, Tatum was in the middle of another standout season. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 72 games in 2024-25 and earned his sixth All-Star selection.
Tatum also credited Bryant as a direct mentor during the early stages of his career, something he said he will always carry with him. Though he once imagined being drafted to the Lakers and continuing Bryant’s legacy, he said wearing Boston green has proven to be the next best scenario.
“Playing for the Celtics gave me the chance to represent another historic franchise,” Tatum said. “If I couldn’t wear the purple and gold, suiting up for their rival and crafting my own legacy was the next best thing.”
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