Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant spoke out on recent #1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins, most notably the “all but official” trade that would send him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love.
"Kobe Bryant: “ Cleveland is making the same mistake that Charlotte made with me ”.– @2014MrBasket"
Bryant is referencing when he was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers and Jerry West convinced the Hornets to send Bryant to LA for Vlade Divac. The Hornets went with a sure thing over the potential of Wiggins, similar to what the Cavs are doing with Wiggins.
Unlike the Lakers-Hornets scenario, the Cavs are already contenders and are further solidifying their title chances. The Hornets made the playoffs with a 54-28 record, but were swept out of the playoffs. In a player-to-player comparison, Love is clearly better than Divac. Wiggins and Bryant are comparable, although Wiggins is likely more NBA-ready.
Obviously we know how Bryant’s career went, becoming one of the greatest NBA players of all-time. He’ll likely move into 3rd place on the all-time scoring list this season, passing Michael Jordan. He’s arguably the greatest Laker of all-time and will go down among the best of his generations.
What do you think, Lakers nation? Are the Cavs making a mistake by sending Wiggins to Minnesota? Let us know down below!