A rare, pre-NBA draft workout tape of a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant in 1996 participating in drills has been uncovered by an NBA assistant after years of being locked away, and finally released for the world to see – amazing!
Never before seen Kobe Bryant pre-NBA draft workout tape discovered
Rex Kalamian was tasked with operating the video camera for the Los Angeles Clippers during a workout prior to the 1996 NBA draft. The subject captured on VHS tape was a then-17-year-old Kobe Bryant.
Normally, following the draft each year, Kalamian would tape over the old footage of players the team didn’t draft, as there was no need for them to keep it. But there was something about the workout of Bryant that prompted Kalamian to keep it.. The footage has been stored away for 26 years – until now. Kalamian gave an interview with the Los Angeles Times and handed the footage over and now this early pre-NBA video of Kobe Bryant is being seen by the world at large for the first time.
Amazing video of 17-year-old Kobe
Back in 1996, the high definition video we’re used to today wasn’t commonplace. So the video quality captured on VHS tape of 17-year-old Kobe Bryant working out isn’t the greatest.
But what is the greatest, is Kobe himself. The video shows Mamba going through a series of workouts, including making several layup attempts in a row.. The clippers ultimately did not draft Kobe Bryant and the number 7 pick in the 1996 draft, instead selecting Lorenzen Wright, who did have a productive 14-year career.. As for Bryant, well, we know the rest – he went on to play for the Lakers and make NBA history. But this amazing video gives us an early glimpse of his greatness.. See the video below: