NBA Power Rankings: The 10 Best Los Angeles-Born NBA Players
Los Angeles is the second-largest market in the United States. With nearly four million in the city proper and 18 million in the metro area, Los Angeles has been the birthplace of many great basketball players.
This article breaks down the top 10 NBA players born in Los Angeles. Since the LA area consists of about 100 cities that blend into one another, this article will consider a player to be born in Los Angeles if that person was born anywhere in the metropolitan area.
Players that were born elsewhere but lived in Los Angeles for much of their childhood are not included in this list. Hence, players such as Paul Pierce did not make these rankings.
Take a look at some of the names that are listed here. The list is definitely impressive and even has a few All-Stars listed on it.
As one reads this article, consider if all of these players were on the same team. I think one would find that such a team would definitely be one of the better clubs in the league.
As always, your feedback is appreciated. Feel free to let me know whether you agree with this list or if anyone was left off of the list that should have been included.
10. DeMar DeRozan (SG)
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Player Stats: 15.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.4 bpg, 1.0 spg, 47% FG,7% 3FG, 78% FT
DeMar DeRozan is one of the premier high-flying acts in the NBA. As a starter with the Toronto Raptors, his game has remarkably improved this season, nearly doubling his scoring average from his rookie year.
Some people compare him to a young Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady. The potential is there, but DeRozan will have to improve his all-around game to become a perennial All-Star.
9. Brandon Jennings (PG)
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Player Stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.9 apg, 0.3 bpg, 1.3 spg, 38% FG, 33% 3FG, 77% FT
Brandon Jennings is one of the top young talents in the NBA. As the floor general for the Milwaukee Bucks, he had one of the highest scoring games as a rookie—55 points against the Golden State Warriors.
That was the most points by a rookie since Earl “The Pearl” Monroe poured in 56 points in 1968. If he can continue to improve his consistency and overall shooting figures, he will emerge as one of the top point guards in the NBA.
8. Jrue Holiday (PG)
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Player Stats: 13.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.2 apg, 0.4 bpg, 1.5 spg, 44% FG, 37% 3FG, 81% FT
Jrue Holiday is a bright spot for the Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise that has struggled this season. After a short career at UCLA, Holiday has emerged as one of the best all-around point guards in the NBA at the young age of 20.
His overall numbers are much improved over his first year in the NBA. Look for Holiday to join the All-Star squad in a couple of years.
7. Nick Young (SG)
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Player Stats: 17.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 bpg, 0.7 spg, 45% FG, 39% 3FG, 82% FT
After three average seasons in the NBA, Nick Young has emerged this year as a candidate for the Most Improved Player. The former USC star has nearly doubled his scoring from last year.
On a team that includes talented players such as John Wall and Rashard Lewis, Young is actually the leading scorer for the Washington Wizards. While his shooting numbers are impressive, he’ll need to improve his all-around game and lead his team to more wins to become a future All-Star.
6. Andre Miller (PG)
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Player Stats: 13.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 7.4 apg, 0.1 bpg, 1.6 spg, 46% FG, 11% 3FG, 85% FT
Andre Miller has been a difference maker for the Portland Trail Blazers since he arrived. He has been a force this year in particular, as he has helped make his team a playoff contender despite serious injuries to Brandon Roy and Greg Oden.
As a premier playmaker, Miller excels at nearly all facets of the game with the exception of outside shooting. With Miller’s ability to make his teammates better, he may be one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
5. Tayshaun Prince (SF)
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Player Stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.6 bpg, 0.4 spg, 48% FG, 39% 3FG, 69% FT
Tayshaun Prince is one of the best all-around small forwards in the NBA. After winning an NBA championship in 2004, he has earned four consecutive selections to the All-Defensive Second Team from 2005 to 2009.
Prince was also a contributor to the 2008 Team USA squad that won an Olympic gold medal. While the stats do not show it, the Detroit Pistons’ forward is still a premier defender who finds ways to be highly effective on the offensive end.
4. Dorell Wright (SF)
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Player Stats: 16.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.2 apg, 0.8 bpg, 1.4 spg, 43% FG, 40% 3FG, 77% FT
After jumping straight from high school to the NBA, Dorell Wright spent six years with the Miami Heat, struggling for the most part to prove himself in the league. Now with the Golden State Warriors, Wright has established himself as a key player alongside Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and David Lee.
A versatile scorer and premier outside shooter, Wright has also shown he can be effective on defense, using excellent footwork to go along with his long arms. Mark these words: Dorell Wright will earn several selections to future All-Star teams over the coming years.
3. Brook Lopez (C)
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Player Stats: 19.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.5 bpg, 0.6 spg, 48% FG, 80% FT
Brook Lopez has established himself as one of the best young centers in the NBA. Although his rebounding numbers are off this year, Lopez is one of the most difficult players to stop down low in the paint.
With the recent blockbuster trade, Lopez will now have the opportunity to team up with All-Star Deron Williams to try to lead the New Jersey Nets to success in the playoffs. This pair may prove to be one of the best inside-outside duos in the NBA for years to come.
2. Russell Westbrook (PG)
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Player Stats: 22.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 8.6 apg, 0.4 bpg, 1.8 spg, 44% FG, 30% 3FG, 85% FT
Russell Westbrook took the NBA by storm last year when he led his Oklahoma Thunder team to a near upset of the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs. This season Westbrook has continued to improve and earned his first selection to the All-Star team.
As one of the best point guards in the NBA, Westbrook has caused some debate among NBA fans and analysts this season about whether he might be a better all-around player than teammate Kevin Durant. Regardless, Durant and Westbrook should continue to form a potent duo while making the Thunder one of the best teams in the league.
1. Kevin Love (PF)
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Player Stats: 21.1 ppg, 15.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 0.3 bpg, 0.6 spg, 47% FG, 43% 3FG, 88% FT
Kevin Love has emerged as one of the premier players in the NBA. He earned a first selection to the All-Star Game this season. Love would probably be one of the top MVP candidates if his Minnesota Timberwolves team was a playoff contender.
After teaming with Russell Westbrook at UCLA, Love has become one of the NBA’s best all-around big men. While most people regard him as the best rebounder in the league, few realize that he is one of the best shooters in the NBA as well.
And let’s consider the scary part: Kevin Love is only 22 and he is going to continue to improve his game over the course of his career.
