Kobe Bryant: Jealous of What the Spurs Have, What the Lakers Had

Mar 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Derek Fisher (6) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers power forward Ryan Kelly (4) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

But like all great championship teams, the Lakers had to rebuild as well.  They did even better in the draft for the next decade.

1. Elden Campbell – Drafted 27th in 1990, he turned from a high-flying, energetic bigman into a consistent post threat and starting center for the playoff team, Charlotte Hornets.
2. Anthony Peeler – Drafted 15th in 1991, played heavy minutes as a shooting guard as a rookie player and showed his knock out three-point shot along with finishing through contact in the paint.
3. Nick Van Exel – Drafted 37th in 1992, eventual All-Star, showed moxie during clutch moments for the Lakers.
4. George Lynch – Drafted 12th in 1991, the combo forward played solid minute on both ends of the floor and began his rookie campaign with 9.6 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game in 24.8 minutes.
5. Eddie Jones – Drafted 10th in 1994, few were sure about his abilities into the draft, except Jerry West.  He was an explosive finisher, among the league leaders in steals, and a great second or third option on offense.
6. Derek Fisher – Drafted 24th in 1996, showed moxie on the defensive end, toughness on both ends of the floor, and grew to be a leader on the Lakers championship teams.

So, why mention all of these draft picks?  Not every player stayed as a Laker throughout their entire career.  However, each player was integral into advancing the team goals leading up to a championship.

The Spurs drafted well just the same.  They grabbed Tim Duncan as a #1 pick.  They grabbed Manu Ginobili at #57 two years later.  They grabbed Tony Parker as the #28 pick in 2001.  Ginobili played in Europe for a couple seasons after being drafted.  The Spurs won the championship in 1999.  Tony Parker had speed and the crafty ability to finish in the paint, even if his decision-making seemed wreckless early on. 

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Who else did the Spurs draft?

Leandro Barbosa, John Salmons, Tiago Splitter, Goran Dragic, DeJuan Blair, Cory Joseph, and Luis Scola.  Only Tiago Splitter and Cory Joseph remain on the team, but each of those players have had a long, successful NBA career and Dragic is an All-Star.  Cory Joseph is still in development.