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.