According to Jayson Tatum, he had a fantasy of playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Tatum, who grew up as a huge Kobe Bryant fan, pictured himself in the purple and gold of the Lakers.
In an interview with Jeff Teague for the Club 520 Podcast, Tatum discussed his pre-draft aspirations that the Lakers, who had the No. 2 pick that year, would choose him. Jayson said : “I grew up a Kobe fan. I always wanted to play for the Lakers,”.
“For them to have the No. 2 pick, it wasn’t even thought that I was going to get drafted. That was kinda devastating. So, I never worked out for the Lakers. They never came to watch me work out.”
“I remember Coach K was like, ‘Boston wants you for a second workout; you should go.’ I’m like, ‘They just came off the Eastern Conference Finals.'”
Jayson Tatum adopted a role in Boston
His destiny, however, led him to the Boston Celtics, where he has cultivated close relationships with the team and its supporters, forming a bond with Boston that he never expected.
Tatum has gradually learned to completely accept his place in Boston. As a result of his journey, he has emerged as a pivotal player in the Celtics’ recent success, which was exemplified by their 18th championship victory last season, moving Boston ahead of the Lakers in terms of total NBA titles.
Tatum has thrived in Boston, helping to write new chapters in the legendary rivalry and solidifying his place in Celtics history, despite his early aspirations being centered around Los Angeles. He added : “I was drafted in 2017. My son was born [in Boston],”.
“I bought my first car here. For me, I admire and love the relationships I’ve built within the organization. All the coaches I’ve had, the front office, security guards, trainers, chefs, the fans, the people who work at the Garden, the ball boys who do our laundry.”
