Nineteen years after the Lakers made a draft-night trade for him, they started Kobe Bryant in their season opener against the Timberwolves tonight.
That gives him the NBA record for seasons with one franchise – 20 – passing John Stockton (19 seasons with the Jazz).
Tim Duncan (19 seasons with the Spurs) is in striking distance if Kobe retires first.
This game also put Kobe atop a similar list – most seasons all with one franchise. Of course, Kobe would lose his place there by playing for another team, but he keeps insisting that won’t happen.