Kobe Bryant Thanks Hornets on Twitter for Trading Him After 1996 Draft

Eighteen years ago today, the Charlotte Hornets made a trade that they'd like to have back.

Kobe Bryant hasn't forgotten that trade.

Charlotte took Bryant out of high school with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft. Less than a week later, the Hornets traded the Black Mamba to the Los Angeles Lakers:

Juan Ocampo/Getty Images

The reasoning behind the trade, according to Bryant, is pretty shocking:

"No use" for Bryant? That doesn't look good now.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

All he has done since the trade is put together a Hall of Fame resume. Bryant has won an NBA Most Valuable Player award and five NBA championships, which includes two NBA Finals MVP awards. He has also been named to the All-Star team 16 times. Oh, he's also fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Bryant has accomplished all of that while wearing a Lakers uniform. 

Who knows how Bryant's career would have played out had Charlotte not traded him, but the Black Mamba and the Lakers are pretty pleased with how the last 18 years have played out.

[Kobe Bryant, h/t That NBA Lottery Pick]