22. Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel was flashy. Nick Van Exel was cool. For some kids growing up in the 1990’s Nick Van Exel was the reason they wanted to play basketball.
Even though he only played five of his 13 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, NVE had a profound impact on the Los Angeles fans. Alongside Eddie Jones, both men represented Lakers’ basketball in the mid to late 90’s.
There is something about left handed players that just looks so right, and Van Exel was no exception. Hovering just around 16 points and 7 assists during his tenure in Los Angeles, it was not his stats, but his persona that drew fans in.
Drawing the nickname “Nick the Quick,” for his blinding speed paired with his ability to stop on a dime, Van Exel was a streaky shooter armed with smooth handles, who had a knack for hitting shots at the most opportune times.
Drafted 37th overall by the Lakers in the 1993 Draft, Van Exel further adds to the Lakers’ legacy of picking up steals in the second round. Van Exel never won a championship with the Lakers, or ever for that matter, and was only selected to one NBA All-Star team in 1998, but he will always be a fan favorite of many Lakers faithful.
Next: No. 21 Eddie Jones