Lakers greatest role players: 9. Devean George
George was the 23rd overall pick by the Lakers in 1999, and he arrived in Los Angeles just as the Lakers were about to begin their three-peat with Kobe and Shaq.
The 6’8 forward played a bit part in those first two championships before playing a 20-minute per-game role on the final title team. George had 11 points and six rebounds in Game 4 of the NBA Finals as the Lakers secured the sweep over the Nets and their 14th championship in franchise history.
George played his first seven seasons with the Lakers where he averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. The 6’8 forward had a close relationship with Kobe, and the Lakers superstar pushed him to be better every day. Bryant knew he would need George as he did for this game-winner against the Jazz in 2003.
George played four seasons in the NBA after leaving Los Angeles before retiring from basketball at 32 years old. He averaged just 5.6 points per game for his career, but Lakers fans will never forget number three, who helped them win three championships and was a key contributor off the bench during the Kobe and Shaq era in LA.