Jayson Tatum speaks about his unfulfilled dream and admiration of Kobe Bryant / News - Basketnews.com

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The Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum opened up about how much he wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in a recent interview by ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne and Elizabeth Merrill.

Lonzo Ball

Team:Chicago BullsPosition:PGAge:24Height:198 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:California, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

In the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum was selected third overall by the Celtics but does not shy away from telling that he wanted and expected to be drafted by the Lakers, who had the second overall pick in that draft.

Tatum revealed his favorite team was the Lakers and his idol and favorite player was Kobe Bryant.

"The Lakers were my favorite team, and Kobe was my favorite player," said Tatum.

Tatum commented on how disappointed he was not getting picked by the Lakers.

"So it was crazy that the Lakers had the second pick and I was so close to a dream come true," added Tatum. "But it was just like they didn't want anything to do with me at the time."

Tatum also mentioned that he took it as a slight from the Lakers and used it as motivation.

No other player drafted in the top 12 from the 2017 NBA draft, other than Tatum, has made an All-Star appearance in their career so far. Tatum is also the only player from the 2017 draft to make an All-NBA Team.

Two players were drafted ahead of Tatum that year. With the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz, while the Lakers with the second overall pick have drafted Lonzo Ball.

Tatum and the Celtics will face the Golden State Warriors tonight in the NBA Finals Game 3. With the series tied at 1-1, the Celtics will try to regain the lead of the series with the help of the home crowd at TD Garden.

Tatum's performance in NBA Finals Game 2:

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