A lot of professional basketball players don't get much publicity when playing for their high school team, but every now and then the media latches on someone that makes headlines every single week for incredible performances. Even though Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has gotten comparisons to Michael Jordan and has won five NBA titles, during his time playing for Lower Merion High School he wasn't considered to be someone that could turn into one of the greatest NBA players of all-time.
When the Miami Heat's LeBron James was playing for St. Vincent-St.Mary High School he was already being dubbed the next Michael Jordan. This kid was so talented and a freak in terms of his physical presence, that he seemed to be the next big thing in the NBA. Fortunately for LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was the next big thing, but it didn't result in championships or a dynasty in Cleveland.
Kobe Bryant on the other hand didn't get the hype that high school players get these days, but was still drafted with the 13th pick in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Shortly thereafter, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers straight up for starting center Vlade Divac. The deal was agreed upon one day before the NBA Draft.
The rest is history as Kobe Bryant has gone on to be one of the greatest NBA players of all-time. Despite not getting the LeBron-like hype in high school, Kobe led the Lower Merion Aces to a State Championship in his senior year (1996).
Check out the video on the left-hand side of this post for a look at Kobe during his journey to the State Championship for Lower Merion High School in 1996.
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