Dec 10, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks small forward Metta World Peace reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are vulnerable at the small forward position as they prepare to open training camp later this month. At the moment, it looks like Kobe Bryant will be moved to the wing to try and fill that hole.
Bryant is not expected to play every game and his minutes will be reduced when he does. Nick Young is slated as the backup and rookie Anthony Brown is expected to get time throughout the season.
Recent reports have the Lakers signing Metta World Peace, but his NBA career was thought to be coming to a close two years ago.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the 16 Lakers championship teams is dominant centers and superstar guards. From George Mikan to Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers have never won a title without a dominant big man. Those championship teams also featured Hall-of-Fame guards the like of Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Magic Johnson, and Bryant.
What about the small forwards on those teams?
Here is a list of the top five players at the three position in Lakers history. Three of the selections are obvious, but two are open to debate.
Next: Jim Pollard