In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers held the second pick in the first round.
Kobe Bryant, who had retired at the time, had publicly suggested several times that Tatum was the best choice and had the potential to become a star.
However, Johnson, the magician who was the president of the Lakers at the time, did not listen to his opinion.
After the draft night began, he did not hesitate to pick up Bauer with the eye pick, and finally Tatum was selected by the Green Army.
So the problem is, Kobe Bryant's strong recommendation has not been able to convince the Lakers executives.
What was the reason why Magic Johnson chose Ball Brother instead of Tatum at that time?
In fact, there have been detailed reports on this matter.
In the 19-20 season, the year Ball was traded to the Pelicans, journalist Bill Oram revealed the inside story.
According to him, it's not that Magic Johnson didn't want to choose Tatum, but he never put it under consideration for the second pick.
He believes that the latter will only be selected with the fifth or sixth pick and is not worthy of the list at all...
The reason why Bauer chose Ball in the second place, the magician also made a decision after layers of analysis.
First, he believes that Ingram has gained a foothold and that his physique and ability to adapt to the game are constantly evolving.
Then use the eye to select the third position, and there will be a conflict of positions.
Second, Bauer's talent at the time was very attractive, a tall organizer and shooter, who could have a chemical reaction with Ingram.
One last and most important point:
Magic Johnson believes that Bauer can not only do a lot of things now, but will create more imaginative plots in the future.
This is also the main reason why he ignored Tatum and also missed Fox, Mitchell.
It was a pity to miss Tatum, but fortunately, the Lakers later used Ball as a chip to "exchange" for a championship.
Although the competitiveness lasted only one year, at least the process was sweet.
Well, even if you work hard to achieve the recovery of the team, the championship is far greater than the future and expectations.
Even if the Lakers selected Tatum that year, judging by his performance in the first two years of playing for the Green Army, there was no wave in Los Angeles.
In this case, in the end, it is also impossible to escape the fate of being traded.
What the fans lamented afterwards was nothing more than regretting the dream that had not happened.