L.A. Backcourt Stars: Top 10 Greatest Guards in Lakers History

The proud Los Angeles Lakers franchise is known for its many legendary centers such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, and George Mikan.

They're also known for All-Star star forwards like Elgin Baylor and "Big Game James" Worthy.

But you simply can't speak about Lakers history without mentioning the team's legendary guards. Where would the franchise be without Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant, and Jerry "The Logo" West?

Here's a look at the 10 best Laker guards of all time. All of the guys on this list may not be Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers, however they've all made valuable contributions to the gold-and-purple over the years.

Let's begin.

10. Nick Van Exel

Drafted by the Lakers in the second round (37th overall) of the 1993 NBA Draft, Van Exel proved to be a huge steal as he helped the team rebuild quickly with his dangerous shooting.

The former University of Cincinnati star spent the first five seasons of his career in Los Angeles, mainly as the starting point guard. He averaged roughly 15 points and seven assists per game during his time with the team.

"Nick the Quick" made his only All-Star appearance in 1998 as a Laker, joining teammates Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Eddie Jones on the Western Conference squad.

9. Eddie Jones

Jones became the first lottery selection in Lakers history as he was taken by the team 10th overall in the 1994 NBA Draft.

As a rookie, Jones led the entire league in steal/turnover ratio with 1.75, and was named to the 1994-95 All-Rookie First Team. He also won MVP of the Rookie Game, scoring a game-high 25 points.

During his 4 1/2 seasons in L.A., he made two trips to the All-Star game in 1997 and 1998, and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team in 1998 and 1999.

Jones, along with Elden Campbell, was dealt to the Charlotte Hornets in March 1999 for Glen Rice, B.J. Armstrong, and J.R. Reid.

8. Derek Fisher

Fisher was selected by the Lakers with the 24th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.

The sharp-shooting point guard out of Arkanasas-Little Rock has won five championships with the Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010).

Fisher has never been an All-Star, however he's made tons of All-Star-type shots throughout his many postseasons appearances with the team.

Who could forget his memorable "0.4 Shot" in Game Five of the 2004 Western Conference semi-finals against San Antonio?

7. Norm Nixon

Nixon became a member of the Lakers in 1977 after being drafted by the team 22nd overall. During his six seasons in Los Angeles, he helped the Lakers win titles in both 1980 and 1982.

He led the Lakers in scoring in the 1982 playoffs with an average of 20.4 points per game. 

Nixon was traded to the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Clippers in 1983.

6. Michael Cooper

Cooper was drafted by the Lakers in the third round (60th overall) of the 1978 NBA Draft. He played his entire 12-year in Los Angeles, helping the team win five championships in the 1980s.

"Coop" was the sixth man on those memorable "Showtime" Laker teams which also featured stars Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.  

He was best known for his tough "shut down" defense as he was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and selected to the All-Defensive First Team five times, and the All-Defensive Second Team  twice.

Boston Celtics great Larry Bird considered Cooper to be the best defender he had ever faced.

5. Gail Goodrich

Goodrich was drafted by the Lakers in 1965 after starring for nearby UCLA. The 6'1" guard spent three seasons with the Lakers before being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 expansion draft.

Goodrich however was traded back to L.A. in 1970 for Mel Counts.

In 1971-72, he teamed with Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain to lead the team to a 69-13 record, and the franchise's first NBA title since relocating to Los Angeles.

He led the Lakers in scoring four consecutive years from 1972 and 1975 and his No. 25 is one of only seven numbers retired by the team.

4. Byron Scott

Scott was drafted by the San Diego Clippers in 1983 and then traded to the Lakers in exchange for Norm Nixon.

The current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach spent several years as the Lakers' starting shooting guard, and contributed to three titles in the 1980s.   

Scott, perhaps one the NBA's best players to never make an All-Star team, actually led the Lakers in scoring during the 1987-88 season with 21.7 points per game.

He signed with the Indiana Pacers in 1993, but returned to the Lakers for his final season in 1996-97, serving as a mentor to rookie Kobe Bryant.

3. Jerry West

West did a marvelous job as Lakers general manager, including trading for Kobe Bryant and signing both Shaquille O'Neal and head coach Phil Jackson. 

The longtime Laker guard wasn't too bad as a player either. He was so great, that his silhouette was used for the NBA's logo.

West was selected by the Lakers with the second overall pick of the 1960 NBA Draft, right behind fellow Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. He played his whole 14-year career with the Lakers, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot, and making the All-Star team each season.

In 1969, West became the first and only player in league history to win a Finals MVP, despite being on the losing team. He fortunately picked up a championship ring in 1972.     

2. Kobe Bryant

Bryant came to L.A. in a 1996 trade which sent center Vlade Divac to the Hornets. The deal ended up becoming one of the most lopsided in sports history since Bryant has emerged as perhaps a top-10 "greatest of all time" talent.

Kobe has won five titles with the Lakers and owns two NBA Finals MVP awards. He was also named regular-season MVP in 2008.

The 12-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion surpassed Jerry West as the Lakers' all-time scoring leader this past season. 

In addition, Bryant has been selected to both the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team eight times during his stellar career.

Some fans believe he may one day become the greatest player in Lakers history.

1. Magic Johnson

Magic isn't just the greatest guard in Lakers history, he's the greatest player in Lakers history. He's also arguably the best point guard to ever suit up for an NBA team.

A few months after leading Michigan State to a national title as a sophomore, Johnson was drafted by the Lakers first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft.

Johnson made an immediate impact in the pros, helping the Lakers win a title in 1980 as a rookie. The 6'9" point guard received Finals MVP honors that year filling in for an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  

Johnson would later lead the team to four more titles in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.

The three-time regular season MVP is currently fourth on the NBA's all-time assist list.