Jayson Tatum Reveals His Childhood Dream of Playing for the Lakers Before Celtics Came Calling
Jayson Tatum, one of the Boston Celtics’ brightest stars, recently shared a surprising revelation: before being drafted in 2017, he dreamed of donning the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers. A lifelong Kobe Bryant fan, Tatum always saw himself playing for the Lakers. However, fate took a different turn, leading him to a successful career with the Celtics, where he has since become a franchise cornerstone. Here’s a look into Tatum’s journey, his connection with Boston, and his growing legacy in the NBA.
Jayson Tatum’s Dream of Playing for the Lakers
Growing up with immense admiration for Kobe Bryant, Tatum envisioned himself playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. His childhood dream was to follow in the footsteps of his idol, creating moments reminiscent of Kobe’s iconic performances. Tatum’s Lakers aspirations seemed realistic in 2017, with Los Angeles holding the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft. However, Tatum noted that he was never on the Lakers’ radar. Speaking on the Club 520 Podcast with former NBA player Jeff Teague, Tatum shared, “I grew up a Kobe fan. I always wanted to play for the Lakers.”
Tatum further explained his disappointment in not being considered by the Lakers. “For them to have the No. 2 pick, it wasn’t even a thought that I was going to get drafted by them,” he revealed. “It was kinda devastating. So, I never worked out for the Lakers. They never came to watch me work out.” Ultimately, the Lakers chose Lonzo Ball as the No. 2 pick, leaving Tatum available for the Celtics at No. 3. This moment reshaped Tatum’s career path, setting him on a course to become one of the Celtics’ all-time greats.
The Influence of Coach K and Boston’s Interest
In addition to the Lakers, Tatum considered other options, including the Phoenix Suns. However, his college coach, the legendary Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), encouraged him to give the Celtics a chance. Coach K advised Tatum to attend a second workout in Boston, noting that the Celtics were highly interested.
Recalling his initial hesitation, Tatum said, “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. They got a veteran team. I’m probably not going to play.’” However, Coach K’s words about Celtics coach Brad Stevens stuck with him: “Brad is one of the best coaches in the league.” Tatum returned to Boston for a second workout just three days before the draft, and the rest, as he puts it, “is history.”
Building a Deep Connection with Boston and the Celtics
Since joining the Celtics in 2017, Tatum has developed a strong attachment to the city of Boston and its passionate fan base. This connection goes beyond basketball, as he feels rooted in Boston, both personally and professionally. “I was drafted in 2017… My son was born [in Boston]. I bought my first car here,” Tatum said, highlighting moments that have bonded him to the city.
Tatum also expressed appreciation for the relationships he’s built within the Celtics 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,” Tatum shared. These connections have made him feel like part of the Boston family, and he can hardly imagine leaving them or starting fresh in another city.
Tatum’s Vision of a Lasting Legacy
With several years under his belt, Tatum is already thinking about the legacy he wants to leave behind. Inspired by Celtics legends like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Larry Bird, he hopes to secure his place in Boston’s storied history. Tatum dreams of returning to the Celtics’ TD Garden in the future with the same sense of pride that former Celtics greats feel. “You see when Paul Pierce, [Kevin Garnett], all those guys come back, the pride they have because they are ingrained in history,” Tatum said. “You can just feel the energy when those guys return. They know they did something special.”
Achieving a championship would solidify Tatum’s status as one of the Celtics’ all-time greats, and he’s fully aware of what that would mean for his legacy. “I know with a championship, I’ll be in that room. I understand the energy they feel when they come back. It’s a sense of pride, a sense of joy, like you accomplished something special,” he explained.
The Next Chapter for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics
As Tatum continues to lead the Celtics, he carries both the weight of his childhood dreams and his current aspirations. While his path diverged from his original Lakers ambitions, Boston has become a place where he envisions building a legacy that endures. As Celtics fans cheer him on, Tatum is focused on achieving greatness in Boston, aiming to one day stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends who have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
In his eighth season, Jayson Tatum’s journey has only just begun, and Celtics fans eagerly await what lies ahead. From Lakers fan to Celtics hero, Tatum’s story is a reminder of the unexpected paths that can lead to greatness.
