Los Angeles Lakers: Top 3 Players' Signature Moves

A signature. It defines and identifies, differentiates and distinguishes.

In this same manner, a player’s signature move can come to define and distinguish their career. Jordan’s tongue, Iverson’s crossover, Dikembe’s finger wag—these players are synonymous with and renowned for their unique and innovative moves. 

Three Lakers have become famous for showcasing their very own signature moves during their respective tenures with the franchise.

3. Kobe Bryant Fadeaway

The most skilled player in the league today has found a way to account for his body's wear and tear by developing one of the most indefensible, deadly and feared moves in all of basketball: the fadeaway. 

Kobe's fadeaway has been the staple of Staples Center for the past decade plus.

As time has progressed, and his footwork has evolved, we have become witnesses to a move which only a few greats have ever attempted, yet alone been able to master.

The combination of a high trajectory and a natural defense barrier in the form of the front leg makes the fadeaway one of the greatest offensive tools in the game of basketball.  

I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers post a statue of Kobe in his glorious fadeaway position beside Magic's bust right on Figueroa street.  

2. Magic Johnson No-Look Pass

Earvin "Magic" Johnson was the leader and orchestrator of the 1980's Showtime Lakers.

He is the greatest point guard, and one of the most complete players, to ever play the game.

Magic led the league in assists on four different occasions and is first all-time with a career average of 11.2 assists per game.

He was infamous for his array of no-look passes, which always left the defense clueless, and the audience speechless.

Regardless of Magic's line of vision or the recipient's position on the court, Johnson always seemed to hit his teammates right in stride and on the numbers.  

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Skyhook

With six championships and six MVP awards, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is without a doubt one of the top five greatest players in NBA history.

His combination of stylish goggles and an unstoppable skyhook allowed this Laker great to amass an astonishing and NBA best 38,387 points in 18 seasons.

Kareem could perform the move consistently and perfectly with either hand. It was graceful and elegant, yet powerful.

Despite being of the most effective moves in basketball, Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook appears to be a lost art in the game today. 

 

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