Why did Kobe defect to the Hornets?

Kobe Bryant was selected by Charlotte Hornets in the first round 1996. However, according to Arn Tellem, Kobe Bryant's agent at that time, it was "impossible" for him to play for the Charlotte Hornets, so Bill Branch, then the Hornets' chief scout, said that the Hornets were the top pick in the draft. The Lakers didn't tell the Hornets about their pick until the first five minutes of the draft. So Kobe didn't play for the Hornets, so it's not a defect.