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.

Vlade Divac, a former Los Angeles Lakers center, recently underwent emergency surgery after suffering a hip fracture in a motorcycle accident in Montenegro. The 57-year-old Serbian was involved in the incident on a road near the Adriatic Sea coast. Hospital officials confirmed that he is in stable condition after having an artificial hip implanted during surgery.

Divac, who played for the Lakers from 1989 to 1996 and briefly returned in 2004, is remembered for his versatility as one of the early successful European players in the NBA. Known for his passing and scoring ability, he averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks over his career. He was instrumental in the Lakers' transition post-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and went on to have significant success with the Sacramento Kings.

Vlade Divac, the legendary former NBA center, is recovering after undergoing emergency surgery to repair a broken hip sustained from a motorcycle accident in Montenegro. The incident occurred on a road adjacent to the scenic Adriatic Sea coast, prompting immediate medical attention due to the severity of his injury.

At 57, Divac had an artificial hip implanted during the operation. Medical staff confirmed he is in stable condition and is currently under careful observation. Throughout his 16-year NBA career, Divac made significant contributions to teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings, where he was an All-Star in 2001. He was also a pioneering figure for European players in the NBA, being the first to play over 1,000 games in the league while being born and trained outside of the United States.

Vlade Divac, the former NBA center, recently underwent emergency surgery after suffering a hip fracture in a motorcycle accident in Montenegro. The incident took place along the picturesque Adriatic Sea coast, resulting in the installation of an artificial hip during the surgical procedure. Hospital representatives confirmed that Divac is currently in stable condition and receiving attentive care.

At 57 years old, Divac's 16-year NBA career was marked by significant achievements, including All-Star honors in 2001 and a Hall of Fame induction in 2019. He was a pioneer for European players in the NBA, having started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and also playing for the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings. In addition to his playing days, Divac has held notable administrative roles, such as general manager for the Kings and leadership positions within Serbia's Olympic Committee.