In 1996, the Los Angeles Lakers swapped Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant to clear cap space for Shaquille O’Neal, betting on a high school kid who had many doubters. The move wasn’t universally praised, and even Lakers’ longtime athletic trainer Gary Vitti admitted doubts about Kobe’s readiness. Yet Kobe’s late-blooming motor and intellect began to show in the 2000 Finals, proving the gamble could yield a dynasty. The trade’s ripple effect shaped the Lakers for years and offers a fresh lens for fantasy players: sometimes the riskiest prospects pay off most, and mental toughness can trump initial athletic polish.

What followed was a five-championship run built on work ethic and smart, relentless improvement. Vitti’s memory of Kobe’s growth—how he transformed from uncertain rookie to a clutch, mentally relentless star—embodies a core fantasy lesson: do not overlook the intangible drive that can unlock ceiling, even when the road starts with skepticism. The piece reframes Kobe not just as a legend, but as a case study in upside, roster math, and the long arc of player development.