10 Former players that have excelled since leaving the Los Angles Lakers

10. Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic

In the spirit of players whom the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on before anything could materialize, Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner has emerged as a quality big. Wagner, selected by the Lakers at No. 25 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, is a low-usage, high-volume type of player.

While Los Angeles may have wanted more out of a first-round draft pick, Wagner has gone on to become the type of player who would fit the team's needs.

Following the conclusion of his rookie season, Wagner was included in the three-team trade that ultimately sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. He played 45 games for the Washington Wizards in 2019-20 before bouncing around between three different franchises in 2020-21.

Since joining the Orlando Magic in 2021, the former Michigan Wolverines standout has found his niche as an energy player off the bench.

Wagner finished the 2023-24 regular season with averages of 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, and 1.2 assists per game. Those figures may not jump off the screen, but they translate to averages of 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 offensive boards, and 2.4 assists per 36 minutes.

Not every player is going to become an All-Star or even a starter, but Wagner is an example of someone who found a role and has committed to it. An admirable trait in any role player.