Los Angeles Lakers: Greatest free-agent signings in franchise history

LeBron James responds to questions at his press conference on the Los Angeles Lakers' Media Day in Los Angeles, California, September 24, 2018. - The Lakers open their 2018 NBA season in Portland on October 18th. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
LeBron James responds to questions at his press conference on the Los Angeles Lakers' Media Day in Los Angeles, California, September 24, 2018. - The Lakers open their 2018 NBA season in Portland on October 18th. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by HECTOR MATA / AFP) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by HECTOR MATA / AFP) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Greatest free agency signings in Los Angeles Lakers history: 6. Rick Fox

Easily one of the most cerebral and tough players that the Lakers ever brought to the team. He gave them something they needed. Every team needs a player like Fox if they hope to be successful. He’s that guy that is sort of the backbone of the team in many ways.

Talented, fearless, and selfless. Fox was an integral part of the North Carolina Tarheels where he went to college. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991. The Lakers now had Shaq and Kobe and were doing well but couldn’t seem to get over the hump to win a chip. They still needed some very important integral parts. Rick Fox was one of those parts.

MORE: 30 greatest scorers in Lakers history

The Lakers signed him in 1997-98 and he averaged 12.0 points per game playing an overall important part of the team. When the team came together to go on to win three titles, Fox was one of the most fascinating players during that time. He may not have led the team in scoring but he was an ultra-important player for them.

Fox was fearless and played the game with intensity. Full of heart and hustle, he never backed down to anyone. It was exactly what the team needed in order to be victorious. Rick Fox was such a well-rounded player in that he could shoot, pass, play defense and all-out hustle. Most importantly, he was a very smart player that knew his role well as well as the flow of the team.