Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest shooting guards in franchise history

By Ed Schrenzel

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 23: Kobe Bryant #24 and Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers is seen during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 23, 2016 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 23: Kobe Bryant #24 and Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers is seen during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 23, 2016 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images /

2. Jerry West

Fans constantly debate whether “Zeke” was a shooting guard or point guard. In reality, he is the greatest “combo guard” the NBA has ever seen, switching seamlessly depending on who his backcourt mate was. Accordingly, he will be ranked at both positions.

For readers too young to have watched “Mr. Clutch” in action, you missed seeing someone very special. West excelled at every aspect of the game. He is probably best known as a shooter, and was one of the finest in league history, displaying such flawless form that his likeness was used for the NBA logo.

But Jerry was far more than just a shooter. He also drove to the basket fearlessly, was an outstanding ballhandler and passer, was one of the best defenders in basketball, and was an excellent rebounder for his size.

If the NBA received media attention in West’s day the way it does today, he and his equally great teammate Elgin Baylor would be featured nightly on Sportscenter.

Here are some of Jerry’s accolades:
• He was voted onto the All-NBA team 12 times in his 14 seasons (11 times on the first team), missing out only in his rookie and final years
• Although he was never voted regular season MVP, he finished 2nd four times and 3rd once
• In 1969, the season he “only” made the 2nd all-league team, he was voted MVP of the playoffs- even though he played on the losing team!
• He was voted onto the NBA All-Defensive team for its first 5 years of existence before missing out in his injury-shortened final season
• Naturally, he is in the Basketball Hall of Fame, his Lakers jersey No. 44 was retired, and a statue in his honor stands outside Staples Center

A statistical summary is equally as impressive. In the regular season, Jerry averaged over 30 points per game four times, and for his career averaged 27 points per game (tied for 2nd in Lakers history), scored 25,192 points (2nd), passed for 6.7 assists (4th), played 932 games (3rd), and even snared 5.8 rebounds.

We can only imagine what West’s totals would have been had the 3-point shot existed in his day.
The playoffs, unfortunately, caused him the most grief as his Laker teams were only able to capture the crown once, in 1972. But he turned it on more when it counted the most.

In the postseason, West ranked first on the Lakers in points per game (29.1, topping 30 points seven times including an incredible 40.6 point average in 1965) and 2nd in postseason points (4,457). And he still averaged 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

On most other franchises, Jerry West would be recognized as their greatest player in history. The Lakers, of course, are not just any franchise, so despite his amazing career, West ranks runner-up among shooting guards.

Home/Lakers News