22 Players the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts | Mar 25, 2023

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers, Doug Christie (Photo credit should read LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Images) /

12. Doug Christie

Before Christie was a thorn in the Lakers’ sides in the early 2000s, he actually wore the purple and gold. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1992, but the two sides could not work out a deal, so the 6’6 wing was traded to LA with Benoit Benjamin for Sam Perkins.

Christie last two seasons with the Lakers, but he played sparingly as he averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 21.0 minutes per game. He showed promise in his second season in LA before the Lakers traded him to the Knicks in 1994.

Christie did not find his stride until arriving in Toronto as he entered his prime, but he is most known for his run with the Kings that gave Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal all they could handle in the early 2000s. Christie went on to be a four-time All-Defensive selection and a key starter on four straight playoff teams.

Yes, the Lakers won three championships with Kobe and Shaq, but they would have loved to have Christie’s defense and shot-making wearing purple and gold. The 6’7 wing was one of the best defenders of his era, and the Los Angeles Lakers just gave up on Doug Christie way too quickly.

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