This is the first of our Lakers Nation Top 5 Lakers lists. We decided to start with the floor generals, the point guards, and admittedly we ran into a bit of difficulty compiling the following list. Throughout the Lakers championship years two point guards have been constants, and left little room for many others to be considered. Perhaps two of the most beloved Lakers players, and arguably one of the all time best players in history, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Derek Fisher were staples throughout the 80’s and 00’s respectively. Filling out the rest of the list was harder, but we managed to sort out who we believed were the rest of the top point guards in Lakers history.
5. Nick Van Exel The fifth and final guard on our list is 90’s guard Nick Van Exel, who brought left-handed style and attitude to the Lakers during a championship-less era. Van Exel was a flashy guard, who was given the nickname Nick the Quick and earned an All-Star appearance with the Lakers. He is number two all time in Lakers three-point field goals made, and was the centerpiece of the Lakers rebuilding efforts after the “Showtime” era. Van Exel electrified fans and players alike with his flashy moves and exciting style of play.
Next: Brian Shaw
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Pretty good list. You are right, besides the obvious Magic at one and D Fish at two, the others are tougher to rank. Shaw had less impact at PG then Nick the Quick, but Nick hurt us with a lot of his antics, so I agree fully with this list!
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[...] the latest Top 5 list in our ongoing quest to find the best Lakers of all time. After looking at Point Guards, Shooting Guards, Small Forwards and even Rappers, we find ourselves today looking at the power [...]
[...] off our positional Top 5 lists with the big men in the middle, centers. After searching through the point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards, it is time to finish off with the most [...]
I could make a case for Ron Harper as he was instrumental (like Shaw) for bringing in a championsip with clutch shots. I would always remember his bread and butter shot was on the left baseline, something he developed to become an asset for the Lakers.
Shaw just had a thriller 3 because the stage was slowly being set for a dramatic finish – then again most Laker playoff championship runs end in a dramatic fashion. The only case against it would be their 15-1 year were people slightly panicked after Game 1 vs the Sixers. However, our depth and size would be too much for AI’s one man offensive show.
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I miss Nick Van Exel. My favorite Laker of all time.
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i would’ve liked to see eddie jones on the SG list. He is one of my all time favorite lakers, but the guys on the list deserve it.
or mike penberthy…
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Good article…only thing I disagree with is that Fisher wasn’t really the main ballhandler. Kobe’s usually the one making the decisions, and handling the ball.
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I totally called your 5th pick!!! Nickkk van exel!!
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oOOo van axel, my very first PG love. then D. fish came & took ur spotlight away. haha! very nice choices nation. i couldnt agree more.
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Nick Van Excellent!!!!! I loved that guy he was deadly from anywhere beyond the arc
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