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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 greatest 22nd overall picks in NBA history

By Jason Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: Jared Dudley #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: Jared Dudley #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Mason Plumlee, 2014, Brooklyn Nets

Mason Plumlee trails Jared Dudley in career win shares but it is close. Plumlee currently has 39.5 win shares in his career while Dudley has 43. Dudley, however, has been in the league six more years than Plumlee and has produced at the same rate. Plumlee’s win shares per 48 minutes is 41% higher than Dudley’s.

Plumlee is also somewhat connected to the Los Angeles Lakers, at least recently. Plumlee was on the Denver Nuggets team that lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals in 2020 and he will forever be part of Lakers highlight reels.

That is because Plumlee was the player who was supposed to defend Anthony Davis on his game-winning three-pointer in Game 2 of the series (keyword supposed). It is the signature moment of that title run and is the signature moment of Davis’ career thus far.

Seriously, what was Plumlee thinking? He was trailing AD and then ran right into LeBron James’ back.

Regardless of that head-scratching moment, Plumlee has been a solid big man throughout his career. This role is no longer appreciated in the NBA but he has made a career out of being a solid rim protector and scoring option at the basket.

He is not going to get you big numbers but he is someone who can fit into his role perfectly. It is ironically the exact thing the Los Angeles Lakers need this offseason. Plumlee has averaged 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game throughout his career and averaged 10.4 points and 9.3 rebounds last season.

Fun fact: Plumlee was one of just 14 players in the NBA this season to average over 12 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes with at least 1,000 minutes played.

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