"I would trade myself for Kobe" - Vlade Divac reflects on being traded for a 17-year-old high school kid

Vlade Divac was the big man whom Jerry West sent to the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 in exchange for the legendary Kobe Bryant. Understandably, Divac, then the starting center of the Los Angeles Lakers, was heated when he heard that he was leaving the Purple and Gold, and to make things worse, he was traded for a teenager.

But hindsight made him realize that it was all for the better, as Kobe did not just transform the franchise but also the entire league.

Happy for Kobe

Speaking on this fortunate turn of events for the storied LA franchise, the Serbian center shared his two cents.

"Now, from this distance, I'm very happy that he went to LA and had the career that he had and became one of the greatest players," Divac said, per ESPN . "I have a lot of respect for him. I think he brought to the league something special. We're all thankful for the career he's had."

"I didn't like it in the beginning, but later on, if I was in Jerry West's shoes, I would do the same thing," he added with a laugh. "I would trade myself for Kobe, no-brainer."

The Serbian threatened to retire upon discovering that he’d be shipped to the Hornets. This placed the team in a dire spot, as they would’ve swapped the young Kobe for nothing. Fortunately, Vlade rescinded his threats and even developed a good relationship with Hornets coach Dave Cowens.

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Divac’s trusted The Logo

Perhaps Vlade changed his mind because of the way West—then the Lakers' general manager—treated him throughout his stint with the Purple and Gold. Unlike other general managers who would swap players without warning, West had a thoughtful conversation with Divac.

"Me and Jerry had a very good relationship,” West said . “He was the guy who was waiting for me at the airport [after being drafted in 1989]. It was an emotional meeting for both of us. And I trust him so much. He is the best basketball mind in the world. When Jerry tells you something, you believe it."

As the Serbian legend said, everything worked out for both parties. He became a critical player for all the teams he played for, and after his playing career, Vlade became a successful executive and an important figure in Serbian basketball.

Meanwhile, the Lakers cleared enough cap space to sign Shaquille O’Neal , then one of the best big men in the NBA. It took Shaq and Kobe a couple of years to develop their chemistry. And once they did, it was electric.

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