Lake Show Life
Fansided

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

By Tyler Watts

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 22
Next
Los Angeles Lakers, Robert Horry
Los Angeles Lakers, Robert Horry Mandatory Credit: Jeff Gross /Allsport /

9. Robert Horry

Big Shot Rob was in his fifth NBA season and already had two championship rings before he arrived in Los Angeles. He started his career in Houston before being traded to the Suns as part of the package that brought Charles Barkley to the Rockets. Horry’s time in Phoenix did not last long and involved a wild incident where he threw a towel at then-head coach Danny Ainge.

The Suns traded him to the Lakers in 1997 for Cedric Ceballos. He was a key piece of LA’s rotation for the next seven seasons and helped them win three championships. Horry was known for making massive shots, and he hit some of the biggest ones during his time with the Lakers.

Horry departed in free agency in 2003 to join the Spurs. The Lakers had just lost in the second round of the playoffs to San Antonio, and the 6’7 talent would go on to win two more championships with the Spurs. Head coach Gregg Popovich reduced Horry’s role, and it was precisely what the 33-year-old needed. He kept hitting clutch shots in San Antonio.

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled by their standards during Robert Horry’s time with the Spurs. They missed the playoffs once and lost twice in the first round over those five years. They certainly could have used Horry in their two finals losses, but he decided to move on.

Home/Lakers All-Time Lists