As a Laker fan, it can be frustrating to watch the San Antonio Spurs. We are not talking about wins and losses. We are talking about how the organization has been built. The organization has been successful for Tim Duncan‘s entire run for the past 15, going on 16 seasons.
The Lakers of the 1980’s and into the 1990’s were that team. It wasn’t about winning the lottery pick to acquire Magic Johnson in 1979 or James Worthy in 1983. It was the ability to draft well, regardless of drafting position.
Kobe Bryant expressed his opinion on ESPN.com
"“I’m extremely jealous of that,” Bryant said this week after his team’s loss in New Orleans. “I don’t know if I can express to you how jealous I am of the fact that Tim, Tony [Parker], Manu [Ginobili]and Pop [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] have all been together for all those years. Like, I can’t even … I can’t express to you how jealous I am of that. Not all this up-and-down stuff.” – Baxter Holmes | ESPN.com"
Let’s take a look back at the draft from decades ago.
- Michael Cooper – Drafted 60th in 1978. Defensive Player of the Year, multiple All-Defensive Teams. Back up point guard to Magic Johnson and key sixth man for the Lakers during their championship runs.
- Mike McGee – Drafted 19th in 1981. Career 9.6 points per game over a nine year career. He strengthened the bench and played up to 20 minutes per game for the Lakers averaging 10 points per game.
- A.C. Green – Drafted 23rd in 1985. Made the All-Star team in 1990, and was part of a power forward duo with Kurt Rambis. He was key to three championships for the Lakers.
- Vlade Divac – Drafted 26th in 1989. The replacement for Kareem added perimeter abilities and became a better finisher in the paint. He was solid enough to get the Lakers back to the Finals and had a series of playoff runs as a Sacramento King. He was an All-Star in 2001.
Out of the later picks in the draft, the Lakers were able to find two All-Star players, a multiple All-Defensive First team player, and a key role player off the bench. While Byron Scott, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were spearheading the team, they had great support around them to continue the longevity of the championship runs.