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Los Angeles Lakers: Rick Fox, The Ultimate Glue Guy

By George Middleton

6 Dec 2000: Rick Fox #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on the court during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the STAPELS Center in Los Angeles, California. The Sonics defeated the Lakers 103-95. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographsMandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport
6 Dec 2000: Rick Fox #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on the court during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at the STAPELS Center in Los Angeles, California. The Sonics defeated the Lakers 103-95. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographsMandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport /
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The late 1990s, early 2000s Los Angeles Lakers teams were highlighted by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. One player who was essential in that run was Rick Fox.

After spending his first six seasons with the Boston Celtics, Rick Fox signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 1997. Fox was surprisingly released by the Lakers’ rival despite having success with them.

In the 1995-96 season, Fox averaged 14 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. The following season, Fox averaged a career-high 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 rebounds.

Fox came to the Lakers with the reputation of a versatile wing who can pass, defend, and shoot it. Fox did all the little things and wasn’t afraid of the big moment. He was the trusted veteran the Lakers were missing.

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In year one with the Lakers, Fox played all 82 games, starting every game. Fox finished the season averaging 12 points and 4.4 rebounds. Despite his strong play, the Lakers fell in the Western Conference Finals against the Utah Jazz.

In his second year with the Lakers, he had a different role coming off the bench. Despite this Fox still had a big impact averaging 9 points and 2 assists. Again the Lakers fell short in the playoffs this time in the Conference Semifinals getting swept against San Antonio.

Everything changed for the Lakers in the 1999-2000 season. Fox playing time decreased (18 mpg), but was still a player ready to contribute. That season he averaged 6.4 points. Despite Fox’s struggles in the playoffs (4.3 ppg), the Lakers went on to beat the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. It was the first of three straight championships for the Lakers.

Their second title came against the Philadelphia 76ers. In that playoff run, Fox played some of his best basketball. The small forward averaged 10 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Fox made some huge defensive plays throughout the playoffs as he averaged two steals.

Fox proved to be huge on the biggest stage scoring 19 points in game one of the finals, and 20 points in game five.

After the three-peat, Fox would spend two more seasons with the purple and gold before retiring in 2004. Fox retired at the age of 35 as a three-time champion.

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Fox will forever be loved in the Lakers community as he was one of the most reliable glue players in team history.

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