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, Magic Johnson, Bob McAdoo (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

15. Bob McAdoo

McAdoo was a seven-time All-Star and three-time scoring champion before arriving in Los Angeles. The 6’9 big man had dominated the NBA, but he needed one thing to cement his legendary resume. McAdoo was searching for a ring and what better place to do that than playing with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Lakers?

LA gave up a second-round pick to acquire McAdoo in 1981, and the 30-year-old was just exiting his prime. He was the Lakers’ sixth man during his four seasons in Los Angeles, and McAdoo helped them win two championships. It was the cherry on top of his legendary career, and the 6’9 big man was named to the NBA 75 in 2021.

The Lakers let the future Hall of Famer walk in 1985. He eventually signed with the Sixers and played just 29 more NBA games, but he did help Philadelphia in the playoffs in 1986. LA lost in the conference finals that year, and Bob McAdoo certainly would have helped their chances. The legend went on to play seven more years in Italy after his lone season with the 76ers.

The Los Angeles Lakers should have re-signed Bob McAdoo in 1985. His minutes would have trended down, but he could have been a key rotation piece for a couple more years.

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