Draft quirk: Lakers pick Bryant, Celtics take Bird

The league's two most successful franchises got a little nostalgic on draft day and indirectly paid homage to two all-time greats.

The Los Angeles Lakers took Thomas Bryant with the 42nd pick, while the Boston Celtics drafted Jabari Bird 56th overall. They share no relation to Kobe Bryant and Larry Bird aside from the organizations they now play for - they don't even play the same positions.

Neither player is a sure bet to make the big club. Thomas is a low-post center who lacks mobility to exist in the modern game, while Jabari is a 23-year-old shooting guard who will be stuck behind Boston's overflowing abundance of backcourt talent. The draftees will likely spend the seasons honing their skills in the G-League if not stashed overseas.

Nevertheless, both players will have legendary legacies to uphold if for nothing else than utter triviality. Fans of both franchises would love nothing more than to see another Bryant succeed in the purple and gold, and another Bird dominate wearing the Celtic green.