9 Los Angeles Lakers that never played a single minute
By Tyler Watts
7. B.J. Armstrong
Armstrong was drafted by the Bulls in the first round in 1989 and quickly became a key role player next to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Chicago reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1990 before winning three straight championships. Armstrong became a starter on their 1993 title squad and led the league in 3-point percentage.
Jordan decided to play baseball in 1994, which opened the door for Armstrong to make his first and only All-Star appearance. He spent one more year in Chicago before being taken by the Raptors in the 1995 expansion draft. Toronto traded Armstrong to Golden State, and the 6’2 guard bounced around the league over his final five years.
The Hornets traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999 in a five-player deal, but Armstrong was just a piece to make the salaries work. The Lakers dumped Eddie Jones to get Glen Rice and J.R. Reid. They waived the 31-year-old guard on the same day he was acquired. Armstrong was past his prime, and there was no use for him in LA as the Lakers tried to win the championship.
B.J. Armstrong finished the season with the Magic before returning to the Bulls for one final campaign. The three-time NBA champion retired in 2000. He spent some time working in the Bulls front office and as an analyst after his playing career concluded.