Ranking 24 worst Lakers starters of the Kobe Bryant era

6. Robert Sacre

Sacre was the final pick in the 2012 NBA Draft after five years at Gonzaga. The seven-footer played with Kobe Bryant over the Black Mamba’s final four years with the Lakers. He was known as a hard worker and became a fan favorite for his ability to hype up the bench and the players on the floor.

Sacre’s stats left plenty to be desired. He barely played as a rookie but made three starts. He earned just four minutes in the playoffs as the Lakers were bounced in the first round. Remember, Kobe tore his Achilles in 2013 trying to ensure the Lakers made the postseason, so he did not play in that series.

The Black Mamba was limited to six games the following season, but Sacre averaged 5.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks, which were all career-highs. The seven-footer brought energy, but little else. He played four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and averaged just 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.

The franchise went in a different direction after Bryant’s retirement. Robert Sacre played two more years in Japan, but his NBA days were over. He made 35 starts with the Lakers, but the seven-footer was undoubtedly one of the worst starters of the Kobe era.