17 People who turned their backs on the Los Angeles Lakers

14. DeAndre Jordan

Jordan was a star for the Clippers, but he did not join the Lakers until he was well past his prime. The 6’11 big man signed in 2021 and began the season as their starting center. Los Angeles won the championship in 2020 playing Anthony Davis at the four to start games, but things with Jordan did not work. He quickly lost his starting role and slipped from the rotation entirely.

The Lakers waived Jordan at the end of February. Many thought it was the team moving on, but the three-time All-NBA big man wanted out. He desired a larger role and thought he could find it on a contender. Jordan left the Lakers after a disappointing 32 games and played a similar role with the 76ers for the remainder of the season.

Los Angeles was crushed by injuries and failed to make the playoffs in 2022. The disappointing campaign got Frank Vogel fired just two years after winning a championship and was just the second time since 2006 that LeBron James did not qualify for the playoffs.

DeAndre Jordan turned his back on the Los Angeles Lakers and failed to see his one-year contract through. It may have been a mutually beneficial move but was still surprising when it happened.