Did This NBA Star Play For The Lakers, Celtics, Or Both?
- by Chris Roberts
- – on
- in Sports
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the biggest rivals in professional sports. They are two drastically different franchises representing different fan bases - Boston has been known as a working-class city while Los Angeles is anything but - and they have clashed on the court countless times. The rivalry has been primarily fueled, however, due to the success of both teams. They have combined to win 33 championships in the league's 70-year history, which is pretty remarkable when you think about it. And because of that success, the two teams have often met in the NBA Finals - 12 times since 1959, to be exact. The rivalry was at its peak during the 1980s, when, after decades of intense battles, the two teams' respective superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had their own personal on-court rivalry. Bird has even been quoted as saying, "The first thing I would do every morning was look at the box scores to see what Magic did. I didn't care about anything else."
There have been fan-related incidents on both sides, which shouldn't be surprising, especially for the Celtics. In 1996, a pair of Celtics fans kidnapped Lewis Scott of the Utah Jazz in hopes of forcing him to miss Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Wait... That was the plot of a comedy starring Dan Aykroyd and Damon Wayans and not real life. But fans on both sides are that crazy that it seems slightly plausible. The rivalry is so intense that few players would ever play for both teams throughout their career. Can you guess which ones?
Did Kobe Bryant play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
One of the best players and most prolific scorers in league history, Kobe Bryant was actually drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. The team traded him before the start of his rookie season, but obviously wouldn't have done so had they known he would become an 18-time NBA All-Star, one-time MVP, five-time NBA champion, and two-time Finals MVP. Bryant retired following the 2015-16 season with a career average of 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Did Kevin Garnett play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of South Carolina, "The Big Ticket" Kevin Garnett was the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft and spent the better part of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. A dominant scorer and rebounder in his prime, he led the league in rebounds per game in four consecutive seasons from 2003 to 2007. Like Bryant, Garnett retired following the 2015-16 season as a 15-time NBA All-Star, 12-time All-Defensive team member, nine-time All-NBA team member, and one-time MVP.
Did Luke Walton play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A current coach in the league and former assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, Luke Walton is a two-time NBA champion as a player. The native of San Diego, California played college ball with the University of Arizona and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft. He was primarily a bench player throughout his 10-year career, but had a memorable season in 2006-07 when he started 60 games and averaged 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Did Jumaine Jones play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Jumaine Jones has the distinction of being the only player ever in the NBA with the first name of Jumaine. That's about all he accomplished during his eight-year career in which he played for six different teams. The University of Georgia alumnus was unable to find a team that would keep him for longer than two seasons, but he did have a productive year in 2005-06, when he averaged a career-high 10.5 points in 76 games with the Charlotte Bobcats. He was out of a job by the following season, however.
Did Jerry West play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
An inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Jerry West played college ball with West Virginia University before being selected second overall way back in the 1960 NBA Draft. The 14-time NBA All-Star averaged over 20 points per game in every season but his rookie year, when he averaged 17.6 points per game. He led the league in scoring with an average of 31.2 points per game in the 1969-70 season and retired in 1974 as a 14-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive team member.
Did Al Horford play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of the Dominican Republic, Al Horford is a 6-foot-10 center who played for the University of Florida before becoming the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He began his career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he was a member of the 2007-08 All-Rookie team and eventually became a four-time All-Star. His best season came in 2012-13, when he averaged 17.4 points and a career-high 10.2 rebounds per game. Now in his 11th season in the league, he has career averages of 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
Did Travis Knight play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A 7-foot, 235-pound center out of the University of Connecticut, Travis Knight was the 29th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and was named to the All-Rookie team the following season after averaging 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game that season - it was a poor year for rookie big men, obviously. He won a championship in 2000 and played three more seasons as a member of the New York Knicks, but was often at the far end of the bench; in fact, he only played 287 minutes in 2002-03 and was out of the league the following year.
Did Derek Strong play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of Los Angeles, Derek Strong is a 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward who was drafted in the second round of the 1990 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He played for six teams during his 10-year NBA career and averaged 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. Primarily a bench player, he only started in 72 of the 456 games in which he played. His most productive season came in 1997-98, when, as a member of the Orlando Magic, he averaged 12.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Did James Worthy play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
The first overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy is a University of North Carolina alumnus who became a three-time NBA champion, seven-time All-Star, and MVP of the 1988 NBA Finals. He averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists throughout his 12-year career and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. He had the best season of his career in 1990-91, when he averaged a career-high 21.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Did Jaylen Brown play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Now in his second season in the league, Jaylen Brown was named to the 2016-17 All-Rookie team after averaging 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. He's thriving in his second season with an average of 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. A native of Marietta, Georgia, the 6-foot-7 small forward was drafted third overall in 2006 after an impressive career with the University of California. If he continues his improved play, he could become one of the game's premier players in short time.
Did Julius Randle play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of Dallas, Texas, Julius Randle is a 22 year old power forward who was selected seventh overall in the 2014 NBA Draft following one season at the University of Kentucky. He was injured for the duration of his rookie season, but has become a valuable player in the past three seasons, proving himself a capable scorer and rebounder. Through 170 career games, 6-foot-9, 250-pound big man has averaged 12.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He has been coming off of the bench this season and has an improved shooting percentage in fewer minutes.
Did Bob McAdoo play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000, Bob McAdoo is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina who was selected second overall in the 1972 NBA Draft by the Buffalo Braves. He won the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season after averaging 18.0 points per game and he subsequently led the league in scoring the following three years, including in 1974-75, when he averaged an impressive 34.5 points per game and won the league MVP. He's a two-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star.
Did Paul Pierce play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A 10-time All-Star and likely future Hall of Famer, Paul Pierce is a retired small forward and shooting guard who played for the University of Kansas and was selected 10th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. He was a member of the 1998-99 All-Rookie team after averaging an impressive 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He averaged a career-high 26.8 points per game in 2005-06 and won his first championship two seasons later, winning the NBA Finals MVP along the way.
Did Charlie Scott play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
An alumnus of the University of North Carolina, Charlie Scott was a 6-foot-5, 175-pound shooting guard who utilized his length and quickness to gain an advantage over smaller guards en route to becoming a five-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion. He played for five teams throughout his 10-year career and averaged 20.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. His best season was in 1971-72, when he averaged 33.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He retired in 1980.
Did Elgin Baylor play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of Washington, D.C., Elgin Baylor was a 6-foot-5, 225-pound small forward who played for Seattle University before being selected first overall in the 1958 NBA Draft. The 11-time All-Star didn't win a championship during his 14-year career, but he won Rookie of the Year in 1958-59 after averaging 24.9 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. He retired in 1972 with career averages of 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Did Avery Bradley play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A 26 year old shooting guard who currently plays with the Detroit Pistons, Avery Bradley is an adept offensive player who is best known for his defensive capabilities. He is a two-time member of the league's All-Defensive team and was thought by most to be worthy of the Defensive Player of the Year last season. An alumnus of the University of Texas, Bradley was drafted 19th overall in 2010 and, after three years of averaging fewer than 10 points per game, has become a decent secondary scorer. He's currently averaging 17.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists through 13 games in 2017-18.
Did Brandon Ingram play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of North Carolina, Brandon Ingram is a 6-foot-9, 190-pound small forward who played with Duke University before being selected second overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. As a rookie, the lanky forward averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, but those numbers are up across the board with increased playing time through the first quarter of the 2017-18 regular season. Through 14 games, Ingram has averaged 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He projects to be a solid starter for years to come.
Did Larry Bird play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
An alumnus of Indiana State University, Larry Bird was drafted sixth overall in 1978 and earned the Rookie of the Year award the following season after averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and possibly of all-time, Bird played 13 seasons in the league and averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He was an all-around player who won three championships, three MVP awards, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Did Ray Allen play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
As Jesus Shuttleworth, Ray Allen was the co-star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's "He Got Game," and the title of that film definitely applies to Allen's skills on the court. The smooth-shooting guard was the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and was named to the All-Rookie team the following season after averaging 13.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He retired in 2014 as a 10-time All-Star and two-time champion who is more than deserving of being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Did Gary Payton play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
The second overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, Gary Payton was an adept scorer who was best known for his defensive capabilities which earned him the nickname "The Glove" for his smothering defensive style. An alumnus of Oregon State University, Payton was a nine-time All-Defensive team member and nine-time All-Star. He was also the 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year and won a championship in 2006. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Did Shaquille O'Neal play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Shaq Daddy, The Big Aristotle, Diesel - whatever you want to call him, Shaquielle O'Neal was one of the most dominant players of all-time. His combination of size and athleticism - he was 7-foot-1, 325-pounds in his prime - made him an unstoppable force in the paint. The 15-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and one-time MVP averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game throughout his 19-year NBA career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Did Chris Mihm play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chris Mihm is a 7-foot, 265-pound center who was drafted seventh overall in the 2000 NBA Draft following a successful career at the University of Texas. He was a member of the 2000-01 NBA All-Rookie team after averaging 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, but his career never really took off as expected. He did, however, average a career-high 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in 2005-06, but was sidelined the following year with an injury that derailed his progress. He retired in 2009.
Did Antoine Walker play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A three-time NBA All-Star and one-time champion, Antoine Walker was a power forward who played for the University of Kentucky before being drafted sixth overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was named to the league's All-Rookie team the following season after averaging an impressive 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Walker posted the best season of his career in 2000-01, when he averaged 23.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He retired in 2008 and, although he made over $100 million throughout his career, has since filed for bankruptcy.
Did Steve Nash play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Easily the greatest Canadian basketball player of all-time, Steve Nash is a two-time MVP who redefined how the point guard position is played. The crafty playmaker made passes that others could only dream of making and was an efficient three-point shooter. His playing style inspired the likes of present-day stars like Steph Curry and Chris Paul. He was an eight-time All-Star who was originally selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1996 NBA Draft after starring for Santa Clara University. He retired in 2014 and will likely be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, which is in 2020.
Did Don Nelson play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Perhaps best known as a Hall of Fame coach, Don Nelson was a good-but-not-great power forward who won five NBA championships as a complementary player on good teams throughout his 14-year playing career, which spanned from 1962 to 1976. The 17th overall pick in the 1962 NBA Draft, Nelson averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds as a rookie. His most productive season was in 1969-70, when he averaged a career-high 15.4 points per game to go along with 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. As a coach, he has a career record of 1,335-1,063 and has won three Coach of the Year awards.
Did Rajon Rondo play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A current member of the New Orleans Pelicans, point guard Rajon Rondo has played for five different teams throughout his 12-year career and averaged 10.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. Although he isn't one of the league's most efficient shooters, he is a craft playmaker who led the league in assists in 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2015-16. An alumnus of the University of Kentucky, Rondo is a four-time All-Star, four-time All-Defensive team member, and won a championship in 2008.
Did Robert Horry play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Regarded primarily for his ability to shoot from beyond the three-point line, particularly in clutch situations, Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry played for the University of Alabama and was drafted 11th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1992 NBA Draft. Though he was never the go-to player on a team, he was a solid complementary piece who won a remarkable seven NBA championships throughout his 17-year career. He retired following the 2007-08 season with career averages of 7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game to go along with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.1.
Did Kelly Olynyk play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A 7-foot, 238-pound power forward with the Miami Heat, Kelly Olynyk is among the league's best three-point shooting big men as he has a career shooting percentage of 37.3 from beyond the arc. The native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada played college ball with Gonzaga University and was selected 13th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Although he hasn't developed into the scoring threat many thought he could become, he's proven himself a valuable bench player. Through 291 career games, Olynyk has an average of 9.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Did Rick Fox play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Another native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Rick Fox is a three-time NBA champion who played for the University of North Carolina before being selected 24th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft. He was a member of the All-Rookie team the following year after averaging 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game and had his most productive year in 1996-97, when he averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Fox retired following the 2003-04 season and is now a successful entrepreneur who owns a popular Esports franchise.
Did Reggie Lewis play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A one-time NBA All-Star, Reggie Lewis is a native of Baltimore, Maryland who played college ball with Northeastern University. The 6-foot-7 small forward and shooting guard was selected 22nd overall in the 1987 NBA Draft and averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game through six seasons in the league. He had established himself as one of the best scorers in the game at the time and was continuing to improve, but he died in the 1993 offseason after suffering a heart attack while practicing for the upcoming season.
Did Metta World Peace play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace was an erratic and eccentric small forward who was best known for his defensive abilities. A four-time member of the All-Defensive team and the 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year, he was drafted 16th overall in 1999 after a successful showing with St. John's University. He was named to the All-Rookie team in 2000 after averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He won a championship in 2010 and retired following the 2016-17 season.
Did Derek Fisher play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A much more successful player than he was a coach, Derek Fisher is a five-time NBA champion who was selected 24th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft following a successful career with the University of Arkansas. The combo guard was used sparingly throughout his first four seasons in the league, but averaged 11.5 points in his fifth season, up from 6.3 points the year prior. He averaged a career-best 13.3 points and 4.3 assists in 2005-06 and ended his playing career in 2014 with an average of 8.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Did Amir Johnson play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
One of the last players to be drafted out of high school, Amir Johnson is only 30 years old but is already in his 13th season in the league. A native of Los Angeles California, he was selected 56th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Draft and has been a quality complementary player ever since. Johnson has started in 462 of the 757 games in which he has played and provides energy off the bench when he isn't starting. To date, he has career averages of 7.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Did Brian Shaw play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, Brian Shaw is a three-time NBA champion as a player. The native of Oakland, California played for the University of California and was selected 24th overall in the 1988 NBA Draft. He was named to the All-Rookie team the following year after averaging 8.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 82 games, 54 of which he started. Although he played the following season in Italy, Shaw returned to the NBA in 1990 and went on to play 14 more seasons in the league, averaging 6.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Did Jerard Sullinger play for the Lakers, Celtics, or both?
A 6-foot-9, 260-pound power forward, Jared Sullinger is currently attempting to work his way back into the NBA by playing in China. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he played for Ohio State University and was selected 21st overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Despite his size, he had a smooth stroke from outside the paint, but could also score under the basket when needed. He had a career-best season in 2013-14, when he averaged 13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He most recently played for the Toronto Raptors, but was released after only 11 games.