The season had come down to one game, 48 minutes of basketball would decide an NBA champion.  The Lakers won Game 6 with their effort and energy in order to have a chance to win it all on their home court.  The Staples Center was ready to see the Lakers battle the Celtics for a Larry O’Brien trophy.  It would be the first time Kobe and Phil played in a Game 7 of the Finals, and they were looking to finally beat the Celtics.

1^st Quarter

The crowd was active and loud before the game even started, and the Lakers fed off them.  Things looked good for the Lakers when Derek hit an opening three, which was his first of the Finals.  The Laker bigs were also very effective in the opening minutes of the game, as Pau and ‘Drew got to many offensive rebounds.  At one point the Lakers had the offensive rebounding margin 7-0. Both teams were hitting shot after shot and with 5:55 left in the first, the Celtics were up 10-9.  It was clear that the Lakers’ height was bothering the Celtics, thus the rebounding margin.  Bynum was playing great early on, as he was running up-and-down the court without pain.  The Lakers were making effort plays and were definitely crashing the boards well.  However, the Celtics still led 17-13 with fewer than three minutes left in the first.   The momentum began to shift toward the Celtics, which was something the Lakers didn’t want.  The crowd tried to encourage their team, but it didn’t work.  The opening period ended with the Celtics leading 23-14.  The Lakers shot a horrible 22% from the field, while the Celtics shot 58%.   The Lakers did however win the rebounding margin, 15-10.  Fisher led the Lakers in scoring with 5, while Glen Davis had a quick 6 points off the bench.  The Lakers had to pick up their game—fast!

2^nd Quarter

The Lakers started the second quarter with the same lineup they started with in Game 6.  Phil was looking for energy and hopefully a run that will re-take the lead.  The Lakers opened up the period on a 5-0 run and cut the lead to 23-19.   The Lakers continued their surge and eventually rallied to take the lead, 25-23.  They played with energy and absolutely killed the Celtics on the offensive boards.  The Lakers got many second-shot opportunities and they took advantage of it; they went on an 11-2 run and with 5:39 left in the half, the score was tied at 25.   The teams kept on battling and neither team lost their focus or energy.  It was punch after punch, the Lakers and Celtics matched each other’s every move.  With fewer than three minutes left in the half, the Celtics were leading the Lakers by 2, 31-29.  Boston, however, would hold on to their lead going into the half. With two quarters in the book, the Lakers were trailing 40-34.  The Lakers played a much better second quarter, but still, let Boston shoot 44% from the field.  Ron Artest was the Lakers’ leading scorer, with 12.  He also grabbed 3 of the Lakers’ 29 rebounds.  The Lakers had to find a way to score the ball while dominating the glass if they wanted to win the game.

3^rd Quarter

The Lakers did not open up the second half as they wanted; there was little to no energy and their offense was very stagnant.  The Celtics took advantage and opened up an 11 point lead with 9:45 left in the third, 47-36.  The Lakers were playing sloppy basketball and things were not looking good.  They were taking good shots but just couldn’t knock them down.  However, things quickly changed and the Lakers cranked up their effort.  With Lamar and Kobe leading the way, the Lakers turned an 11 point deficit down to four by the end of the third.  Going into the final period, the Lakers were only down 57-53.  Their leading scorers were Ron with 14 and Kobe with 13.  The Lakers had to play the best quarter of their lives in order to win the title.

4^th Quarter

The final period started with the Lakers quickly cutting the lead down to 2.  After that point, neither team could buy a bucket.  There would be great defensive stops, but on the other end, there was no success.  With three minutes into the fourth, the Celtics led 59-55.   The Lakers played much better in the latter half of the final period.  Thanks to Ron’s and-one the Lakers were able to tie the game at 61.  The momentum was shifting toward the Lakers, and the crowd was in a complete frenzy.  Derek entered the game after an apparent injury and once again hit a huge three.  With 5:56 left in the quarter, the score was tied at 64, and Kobe was going to the line to shoot two.  Bryant hit both free throws and gave the Lakers a 66-64 lead. Kobe had been struggling the whole game but stepped up late.  After his pair of free throws, Kobe nailed a jumper on the next play; the Lakers led 68-64 with only 5:21 left in the fourth.  The Lakers kept on pounding the ball inside and it was paying off.  On multiple possession, the Lakers were bailed out and were allowed the shoot free throws.  At the 1:30 mark of the fourth, the Lakers were leading by 6, 76-70.   Most people expected Kobe to be the person that would make big plays for the Lakers, but it was actually Pau Gasol.  He either finished down low over multiple defenders, or he would get to the line and extend the lead.  The Lakers had to play one more minute, one more minute to clinch their second consecutive title.  The final buzzer rang and the scoreboard read, “Lakers 83, Celtics 79.” The Lakers finally beat the Boston Celtics in a Game 7, the Lakers are the 2010 NBA Champions.

Finals Thoughts

The Lakers have completed the season with an NBA championship. They have repeated as champions after beating the Celtics, sweet revenge after they lost in 2008. Every Laker player stepped up and now Kobe and Derek are 5-time champions. Kobe also received his second Finals MVP, and now the Lakers franchise has won 16 titles. We had a great season, we beat Boston and now we have to plan for a three-peat!

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen their fair share of great point guards and these players have led the Lakers to numerous titles. The point guards are the floor generals and they are the ones who dictate how the offense runs.

From the earlier stages of the franchise to the current state of the team, the Lakers have had strong point guards and ones who never lived up to expectations. However, at the end of the day, the guards who shined and won games for the Lakers are the ones who will always be remembered.

5: Nick Van Exel

Nick Van Exel was the draft day steal for Jerry West as he turned a 37th-overall draft pick into a solid point guard who spent five seasons with the Lakers. Van Exel appeared in one All-Star game for the Lakers and the fans loved him for his explosive offensive attack.

He was an athletic guard who could attack the rim but had to deal with a mediocre Lakers team during his time. Van Exel averaged 14.9 points and 7. 3 assists per game, but his time with the team was cut short.  He was a solid player for the Lakers, but his career with the team was not very long and he did not have the opportunity to shine in Los Angeles.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Power Forwards in Lakers History

4: Norm Nixon

Norm Nixon spent six seasons with the Lakers and although he was not the biggest player on the court, he was very physical. Nixon used his strength and was always one of the toughest players in uniform.

In his time with the Lakers, Nixon averaged 16.4 points and 7.9 assists per game. Nixon was more reliable and consistent than Van Exel and he made the most of his tenure as a Laker. Nixon was a member of two Lakers championship teams and was a great offensive weapon.

Nixon took some scoring pressure off the stars and in fact, he led the Lakers in the post-season scoring in the 1982 run. ‘Stormin Norman Nixon’ will always be remembered by Lakers fans and he can now be seen on Fox Sports West covering the current team.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Small Forwards in Lakers History

3: Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher is a consummate professional and although he was traded by the Lakers on March 12, 2012, he will always hold a place in the hearts of Lakers fans. Fisher was the ultimate clutch player and the coaching staff could always rely on him to make the big shot.

Fisher did not put up the greatest numbers and he was never one to pat his box score. Instead, Fisher was more concerned about winning the game and he was always ready to hit the big shot. Kobe Bryant trusted Fisher in the final seconds of the game and more times than not, the ball went in the net.

Fisher is now with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he left his fingerprints on the franchise with his five titles. Derek Fisher spent 13 seasons with the Lakers and he averaged 7.9 points and 2.9 assists per game.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Centers in Lakers History

2: Gail Goodrich

Hall-of-Famer Gail Goodrich comes in at number two for his incredible career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Goodrich is one of the few players to have his jersey retired with the Lakers and was a member of the 1972 title team. He was the leading scorer on that team, beating out all-time greats like Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

Goodrich was a native of Los Angeles and he had a nine-season tenure with the Lakers.  Goodrich averaged 19 points per game in his time with the Lakers and is no doubt one of the most underrated players in franchise history.

Not many people understand what Goodrich did for the Lakers and despite being an intricate part of the team’s 1972 title team, observes still question who number 25 is ranging in the rafters.

There may be those who think Goodrich was more of a shooting guard than a point guard, but since his greatest moments came will playing point with Jerry West, he makes this list rather than our shooting guard list.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Shooting Guards in Lakers History

1: Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Magic Johnson is miles ahead of the competition in this race and he is quite often considered the greatest Laker player to have ever suited up for the team. Johnson redefined the sport of basketball with his Showtime style and he led the Lakers to five titles and he won three Finals MVPs in that stretch.

Words cannot truly describe what Johnson meant to the Lakers and the city. He brought the Lakers to the top of the NBA world and was by far the most beloved figure in Los Angeles.

The way Johnson played was flawless and no other point guard in NBA history made the same impact as him. He was quick with the rock and made decisions on the spot. Johnson had the ability to read the defensive and could run an impeccable fast-break.

Johnson began and ended his career with the Lakers and along with his five titles, three Final MVPs, and three regular-season MVPs, he averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 assists per game in 13 seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a plethora of dominant big men, but most of them have been centers and not power forwards. That said, the position has changed dramatically over time as today’s players are much more athletic and agile.

5. Robert Horry

Robert Horry was never a player to score 30 points a game or one to dominate the ball. However, you can be sure Horry wanted to shoot the final shot of the game. He made living off making clutch shots in the post-season and will always be remembered for his cold-blooded jumpers.

Horry was a key player in the Lakers’ three-peat in the early 2000s and Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal could always rely on him to hit game-winners.  Horry spent seven seasons with the Lakers and in that time he averaged 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

The Lakers may not have won those three titles if it weren’t for Horry. He was always ready to deliver when the game was on the line and everyone will remember the game-winning three he had over the Sacramento Kings.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Point Guards in Lakers History

4. Kurt Rambis

Kurt Rambis was the ultimate glue guy and he was never worried about how his stats looked like at the end of games. Every championship team needs a player like Rambis, and luckily for the Showtime era, it had him on four title squads.

The coaching staff could rely on Rambis to do the dirty work on the court and he always put the team over self. Rambis never demanded the ball and could make a major impact on the game without scoring ten points. If the Lakers needed a rebound, Rambis would get it and if the team needed to score, he would do everything in his power to allow that to happen.

Rambis spent nine seasons with the Lakers and averaged 4.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His contributions to the four title teams may never earn him a retired jersey, but they would never have happened if he had not played.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Small Forwards in Lakers History

3. A.C. Green

A.C. Green personified the term ‘Iron Man.’ Green would battle through injuries and setbacks and you could be sure that he would find his way on the court. Despite that, Green stayed healthy throughout most of his NBA career.

A.C. Green was drafted by the Lakers with the 23rd pick in the 1985 NBA Draft.  Green made an immediate impact on the Lakers in his first few years in the NBA and helped the team win the 1987 and 1988 Finals. Green worked alongside some of the franchise greats and earned respect from the veteran leaders.

After a hiatus away from the Lakers, Green returned to Los Angeles and this time he was the mentor for the young stars. In 2000, under the guidance of Green, the Lakers won another NBA championship with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as the stars.

Green spent nine seasons with the Lakers and only missed three games in that stretch.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Shooting Guards in Lakers History

2. Lamar Odom

Although the Los Angeles Lakers and Lamar Odom had a sour parting before the season started, Odom’s contributions to the team were remarkable. Although rumors have been surfacing saying Odom may end up back with the Lakers, he has already made his case as one of the best power forwards this franchise has seen.

Odom was no doubt the most versatile Laker on the roster and he could play virtually any position. He willingly took the role of Sixth Man and relished at the position. He never complained about not starting and would do whatever it took to help the team win championships.

Odom quickly became one of the most beloved Lakers and fans were always behind the forward. After being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Odom was given a lengthy standing ovation by the Staples Center crowd and it showed just how much he meant to the fan base.

Lamar Odom spent seven seasons with the Lakers, won two consecutive championships and averaged 13.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Centers in Lakers History

1. Pau Gasol

It is quite special to see two players of the same generation rank one and two on these lists and it is even more extraordinary to see a player who spent five seasons with the team as the top dog. However, Pau Gasol, no doubt deserves this spot as he changed the fate of the Lakers overnight.

The Lakers acquired Gasol near the trading deadline of the 2007-2008 season and he made the team into an instant title contender. Los Angeles ended up in the Finals that same season, but they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. However, Gasol toughened up his game and made an effort to be the second option for the Lakers.

As a result of the new Gasol, the Lakers won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. Kobe Bryant finally received a dominant big man and the addition of Gasol was perhaps the biggest trade the Lakers had made in a very long time.

Gasol is currently in his fifth season with the Lakers and is averaging 18.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Hopefully, Gasol remains with this team for the long-term and further solidifies his place among the Lakers greats.

The Lakers have hosted some of the greatest centers the league has ever seen spawning from its Minneapolis days to their current home in Los Angeles. Most championship teams are anchored around a dominate big men and the Lakers have been fortunate enough to have acquired talent seven-footers. These players dominate the paint on both ends of the court and when they are going, they are nearly unstoppable.

5. Andrew Bynum

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked many by taking a raw high school senior out of New Jersey with their 2005 lottery pick. The Lakers had a mediocre season prior and used their tenth pick to get Andrew Bynum out of St. Joseph High School. At the time, Bynum was fairly unheralded and the coaching staff knew it had to work with him intensively before he could become a marquee center.

Bynum’s rookie season was not very successful and he only received 7.3 minutes per game. However, as time moved on he amassed more playing time and got better every season. Bynum eventually helped the Lakers win the 2009 and 2010 NBA Finals, but he still took a back-seat to his front-court mate Pau Gasol.

However, this season Bynum has emerged as the Lakers’ second option and he is making his case as the best center in the NBA. Bynum has averaged 17.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. If he continues his stellar play, he can surely move up this list.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Shooting Guards in Lakers History

4. Wilt Chamberlain

Although Wilt Chamberlain was out of his prime when he was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers, he was still a dynamic and dominant center. Chamberlain had his best seasons with the Warriors and Sixers, but his time with the Lakers should not be over-looked.

“The Big Dipper” played alongside another Lakers legend in Jerry West and those two worked together and finally won an NBA championship in 1972 when they beat the New York Knicks. Chamberlain was the Finals MVP of the series and got the missing piece in his trophy case.

Chamberlain spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and in that time he averaged 17.7 points, 19.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Small Forwards in Lakers History

3. Shaquille O’Neal

Although Shaquille O’Neal’s exit from the Los Angeles Lakers left a sour taste with fans, his impact on the franchise can not be overlooked. O’Neal was by far the most dominant center in the league and we may never see someone at his size hold his skills and agility.

O’Neal and Kobe Bryant formed one of the greatest duos in NBA history and those two worked to win three consecutive NBA titles. O’Neal did win Finals MVPs for all three titles and his performance in the post-seasons was amazing. With the NBA title on the line, O’Neal averaged a staggering 35.9 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks and led the Lakers to a 12-3 record in the span.

O’Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers and will be remembered for his play on the court and his personality off it.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Power Forwards in Lakers History

2. George Mikan

George Mikan was Shaquille O’Neal before the actual O’Neal made it to the NBA. Mikan was the original NBA center and paved the way for the great big men that followed him.

Mikan started the Lakers to their winning ways and his play on the court with that size was something the league had never seen.

Mikan played for the Minneapolis Lakers and was the original star of the franchise which has won a total of 16 titles, looking for its 17th this season. Mikan played seven seasons with the Lakers and in that time he averaged 23.1 points per game and 13.4 rebounds.  His stats in the playoffs were even better, as put up 24 points and a little under 14 rebounds per game.  “Mr. Basketball,” as Mikan was called, led the Lakers to five championships from 1949-1950 and won three consecutive from 1952-1954.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Point Guards in Lakers History

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered one of the greatest players to have ever played in the NBA and many have named him the greatest center in league history, not just Laker’s history.

Abdul-Jabbar spent his first six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and in that time he won one NBA championship before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975-1976 season. Abdul-Jabbar found a home in Los Angeles and he made an immediate impact on the franchise.

He won NBA regular season MVP the very first year he joined the Lakers and he ended up winning two more with the franchise. Once he was paired up with Magic Johnson, the two players brought five titles to the Lakers and Abdul-Jabbar won Finals MVP in the 1985 run.

In addition to the championship rings as a player, Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time All-Star, ten-time All-NBA Team, a five-time All-Defensive Team, and has won two titles as a Laker assistant coach.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had some of the greatest scorers in NBA history, and ones who have brought multiple championships to the franchise. Shooting guards are an intricate aspect of a title team and coaches rely on these players to score points when needed.

The Lakers are known for high powered offenses and shooting guards have been the centerpieces to most of those attacks. It is time to rank the top five shooting guards the franchise has ever seen.

5: Eddie Jones

Eddie Jones was drafted tenth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by Jerry West, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Los Angeles. The Temple product quickly became an All-Star guard for the Lakers and was known for his speed and quickness.

Jones spent five seasons with the Lakers before being traded in the 1998-1999 season for Glen Rice. Jones did not have enough time to leave a major footprint with the Lakers and his time with the franchise was cut short. The Lakers used Jones as a mentor for Kobe Bryant, but the 1996 draft pick from Lower Merion High School took over the starting role at the two-guard.

In his five seasons with the Lakers, Jones averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Power Forwards in Lakers History

4: Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the third round of the 1978 NBA Draft, and he ended up playing all 12 seasons with the Lakers. Although Cooper’s career started off with a little turbulence, he eventually stepped up his game and had five 82-game seasons.

Cooper came into the league as a skinny prospect, and his ability to play in the league was often questioned. However, Cooper turned into a valuable piece to the Lakers’ Showtime Era and won five NBA titles for the franchise.

In his 12 seasons with the Lakers, Cooper averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Cooper was known for his defensive attack and left the Lakers as a member of five All-NBA Defensive Teams. Cooper is also the only player in Los Angeles Lakers history to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Point Guards in Lakers History

3: Byron Scott

Byron Scott came to the Lakers with great expectations as he was traded for the much-beloved Norm Nixon. However, Scott, no doubt exceeded expectations and is one of the most respected Lakers players of all-time.

Scott played ten seasons for the Lakers and in that time he won three NBA titles.

Scott formed one of the most athletic backcourts in the NBA with Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and those two ran the fast break to perfection.

Showtime was highlighted by those two guards running the floor and often times Scott threw it down after an amazing pass by Johnson.

As a Laker, Scott averaged 15.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

Although Scott won several team accolades, it is a shame that he never got a chance to play in an NBA All-Star Game.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Centers in Lakers History

2: Jerry West

Jerry West is considered one of the greatest Lakers of all-time and will be forever revered by followers of the franchise. West was a dynamic player who could do almost everything on the court. West, who is now the NBA’s logo, was a prolific scorer and was the franchise’s all-time leader in that category up until Kobe Bryant broke it a few years ago.

West was drafted by the Lakers with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft and spent all of his 14 seasons with the team. With the Lakers, West averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. West also led the Lakers to the 1972 NBA Championship for the only title in his NBA career.

West is the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP on a losing team, but his eight Finals losses with the majority of them coming from the hands of the Boston Celtics, are something many people cannot overlook.

Lakers Nation: The Greatest Small Forwards in Lakers History

1: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is no doubt the greatest shooting guard in Los Angeles Lakers history, and many consider him the greatest Laker to have ever played. Bryant’s body of work speaks for itself and he holds the top position in franchise history for nearly every category.

Bryant became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer last season after already being the franchise leader in games, minutes played, field-goal attempts, three-point field goals, and three-point field goal attempts. This season Kobe also became the franchise leader in most free throws and most field goals made, and now he is closing in on the team’s all-time leader in steals.

The Lakers did not draft Kobe Bryant, instead, they traded Vlade Divac to the Hornets for the rights to Kobe, one of the biggest steals in draft history.

In his 16th NBA season, Bryant has played every second with the Lakers and is currently averaging 28.o points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists with the team.

The things Kobe Bryant has done for the Lakers cannot be described and what he has accomplished with the team is unparalleled.  Bryant has won five NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, four All-Star Game MVPs, has 14 All-Star Game appearances, has been a two-time scoring champion (currently leading the NBA in scoring) and has nine appearances on the All-NBA First team and All-Defensive First team.

Bryant is now fighting for his sixth NBA titles and wants to put himself one step above Magic Johnson and tied with Michael Jordan.