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

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BOSTON – 1987: Kurt Rambis #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers boxes out against the Boston Celtics during the 1987 NBA Finals at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 to win the NBA Championship. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1987 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Greatest Free Agent Signing All Time – Number Six: Kurt Rambis

Another overlooked player for most of his Los Angeles career, Kurt Rambis was a big part of the Showtime Lakers. In 1981, after a short stint with the New York Knicks, the Lakers signed him. At the time, nobody thought this would turn out to be a good signing.

Just like Shaw, mentioned previously, Rambis was never a player that would put up big numbers; he did all the little things a team could ask for. Rambis played seven seasons for the Lakers from 1981-1987. He won titles during the 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988 seasons. The Lakers also won the Pacific division every year he was apart of the team.

The moment during Rambis’ career that will always be remembered is during the 1984 NBA Finals when Kevin McHale close-lined and knocked him to the floor. Rambis immediately got up and got into McHale’s face. He always had his teammates backs and brought intensity to the team.

Overall, during his Lakers career, he averaged just 4.9 points, along with 5.5 rebounds a game. Time and time again he would get key offensive rebounds to change the momentum of games. He also shot 55 percent from the floor during his career with the Lakers.

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