
Greatest free agency signings in Los Angeles Lakers history: 9. Ron Harper
Ron Harper was one of the most unique and exciting basketball players to watch at one time during his NBA career. He was a very integral part of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1989 where he played along with wonderful talents such as players Brad Daugherty, Craig Ehlo, Mark Price, and Larry Nance.
Harper was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers where he spent 5 seasons of his career before joining the Chicago Bulls where he was part of the dynasty that was Jackson, Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman and won titles with Bulls in 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98.
Harper was released by Chicago that September but was signed by the Lakers the next month. He would serve as a very important part of the team as new head coach Phil Jackson knew Harper quite well from their time in Chicago and therefore needed someone to help implement the great Triangle offense.
Of course, he now had a reduced role but he still started in 78 0f 80 games that season and averaged 7.0 points per game and helped the Lakers grab the first of three consecutive titles. Harper was part of the team the next season of course, as the Lakers once again cruised to their second consecutive NBA title.
He was a savvy and smart veteran that knew how to play within the triangle and most importantly had been a part of a wonderful and memorable Chicago Bulls team and therefore knew what it took to reach greatness.