Lakers fans around the world were glued to their TV screens as D’Angelo Russell was taken second overall . One person in particular is nowhere to be found.
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Kobe, at least according to Byron Scott. This, via ESPN’s Baxter Holmes:
Byron said Kobe wasn’t made aware of this pick before the Lakers made it: “Kobe’s out of the country, I think."
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 26, 2015
We’ve known all along that Kobe wouldn’t been taken into account for tonight’s decision, but that Byron can’t get a hold of him is a little weird.
Either way, though, it’s summer and Kobe has more than earned a nice, long rest. You have to imagine he’s anxious to play alongside to uber-talented Russell. We just have to hope he’s so much so that he doesn’t go on a tirade the first time Russell doesn’t pass him the ball.
In no way am I saying it’s worrisome Kobe is out of touch tonight. Just a little weird that, on the most important night in recent memory for the entire Lakers organization, it’s fairly telling Kobe can’t be reached.