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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest free agent signings in franchise history

By Matt Leaman

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest free agent signings in franchise history
Karl Malone at Staples Center press conference to announce contract signing with the Lakers. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) /

Greatest Free Agent Signing All Time – Number Eight: Karl Malone

Malone will go down as one of the greatest players to never win an NBA title. He played 18 seasons for the Utah Jazz from 1985-2002. During this time, he had climbed all the way to the number two on the all time scoring list.

After three straight championships in Los Angeles, the Lakers failed to win the title in 2003. During that summer they were looking to add a proven experienced player. That player turned out to be Malone.

The Lakers signed Malone to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. It’s worth noting Malone turned down $17.7 million from the Jazz, in order to pursue his first title, with the Lakers. This was his last chance as he turned 40 that season.

Though his one season with the Lakers was injury riddled, as he missed 40 games, they still made it to the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons. Malone re-injured himself in game 5 of the 2004 NBA Finals and the Lakers ultimately lost the series.

Even though this signing didn’t pay off with a championship, it is still worth noting, as they acquired arguably the best power forward of all-time. Malone, now a member of the Hall of Fame, finished his short Lakers career averaging 13.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Those numbers are even more impressive when accounting for his age.

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