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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) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

14. Brad Davis

The Lakers drafted Davis 15th overall in 1977, but a hand injury forced him to slip behind fellow rookie Norm Nixon, who was selected 22nd. The 6’3 guard lasted just ten games into his second season before he was waived by LA. Davis played in just 38 games with the Lakers where he averaged 2.7 points and 2.4 assists in 10.5 minutes per game.

He bounced around for two seasons before signing with the expansion Dallas Mavericks in 1980. The 6’3 guard immediately took off. He was their starter over the next five years before being their backup point guard for seven more seasons. Davis helped Dallas reach the playoffs six times, including a run to the conference finals in 1988 where they lost to the Lakers.

Over his 12 seasons in Dallas, he averaged 8.6 points and 5.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per game. Davis helped the Mavericks go from an expansion franchise to a contender, and he had his jersey retired by the team in 1992. The current Mavs radio broadcaster was the first player in team history to have his number retired.

The Lakers let Brad Davis go too soon, but they likely do not have any regrets. They reached the playoffs in every year Davis played, including winning five championships and making nine conference finals appearances.

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