Over the past six seasons, a notable number of players have had the opportunity to don the jerseys of both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards. These players have brought their unique skills, experiences, and contributions to both teams, leaving their mark on each franchise. From championship runs to rebuilding phases, these athletes have showcased their talents in various capacities. Here’s a look at 17 such players and their journeys with the Lakers and the Wizards:
1. Trevor Ariza
Lakers: 2007-2009, 2021-2022
Acquired from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans in 2007, Ariza played a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2009 championship run, known for his defensive versatility and clutch three-point shooting. Rejoining the Lakers as a free agent in 2021, he provided veteran leadership and defensive depth, but the Lakers failed to gel as a team and failed to make the playoffs.
Stats: 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2012-2014, 2018-2019
Acquired from the New Orleans Hornets in 2012, Ariza was instrumental in providing veteran leadership and strong perimeter defense, helping the Wizards reach the playoffs. He returned to the Wizards via trade from the Phoenix Suns in 2018.
Stats: 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per gameÂ
2. Dwight Howard
Lakers: 2012-2013, 2019-2020, 2021-2022
Traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal from the Orlando Magic in 2012, Howard struggled with injuries but still contributed defensively. Returning to the Lakers in 2019, Howard played a crucial role in their 2020 championship run, providing rebounding and shot-blocking off the bench.Â
His third stint in 2021 saw him continue to offer veteran leadership and interior defense, but that season was very disappointing to the Lakers.
Stats: 10.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game
Wizards: 2018-2019
Signed as a free agent, Howard’s impact was limited due to injuries, but he provided a strong presence in rebounding and defense in the games he played
Stats: 12.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game
3. Kyle Kuzma
Lakers: 2017-2021
Drafted by the Lakers with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma emerged as a solid scorer and versatile forward. He played a key role in the 2020 championship run, offering scoring off the bench and improving his defensive play.
Stats: 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game
Wizards: 2021-Present
Acquired in a trade from the Lakers as part of the Russell Westbrook deal, Kuzma has taken on a larger role, showcasing his ability to score and rebound consistently.
Stats: 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game
4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Lakers: 2017-2021
Signed as a free agent, Caldwell-Pope was an integral part of the Lakers’ rotation, known for his perimeter defense and three-point shooting. His performance in the 2020 playoffs was critical to the Lakers’ championship victory.Â
Stats: 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game
Wizards: 2021-2022
Acquired in a trade from the Lakers as part of the Russell Westbrook deal, Caldwell-Pope provided veteran presence and consistent scoring for the Wizards. With the Wizards, Caldwell-Pope continued to be a reliable 3-and-D player, contributing consistent scoring and solid defense.
Stats: 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game
5. Isaiah Thomas
Lakers: 2017-2018, 2021-2022
Acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, Thomas struggled with injuries but showed flashes of his scoring ability. Signed a 10-day contract in 2021, he continued to battle for consistent playing time.Â
Stats: 14.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2019-2020
Signed as a free agent, Thomas played as a backup point guard, providing scoring off the bench and veteran leadership.
Stats: 12.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game
6. Thomas Bryant
Lakers: 2017-2018, 2022-2023
Drafted by the Lakers with the 42nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Bryant had limited opportunities but showed potential with his size and skill. His second stint saw him make more significant contributions as a solid rotational big man.Â
Stats: 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2018-2022
Stats:Â 11.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game
Claimed off waivers, Bryant became a key player, known for his scoring, rebounding, and hustle, frequently contributing double-doubles.
7. Isaac Bonga
Lakers: 2018-2019
Acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, Bonga had a limited role, mostly developing in the G-League, showing potential with his length and versatility.Â
Stats: 0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2019-2021
Acquired in a trade from the Lakers, Bonga found more playing time, contributing with his defensive versatility and energy off the bench.
Stats:Â 3.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game
8. Mo Wagner
Lakers: 2018-2019
Drafted by the Lakers with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Wagner showed promise with his energy and shooting ability but had limited impact due to playing time and adjustment to the NBA level.
Stats: 4.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game
Wizards: 2019-2021
Acquired in a trade from the Lakers, Wagner found a more significant role, providing a spark off the bench with his hustle, shooting, and rebounding.Â
Stats:Â 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game
9. Mike Muscala
Lakers: 2018-2019
Acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, Muscala had a brief stint, providing floor spacing with his three-point shooting and size.
Stats: 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game
Wizards: 2023-2024
Acquired by the Wizards at the start of the season, he was expected to offer his shooting and veteran presence. He was later traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he was bought out.Â
Stats: 4.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game
10. Markieff Morris
Lakers: 2019-2021
Signed as a free agent, Morris contributed to the Lakers’ 2020 championship run with his versatility, defense, and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting.
Stats: 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game
Wizards: 2015-2019
Acquired in a trade from the Phoenix Suns, Morris played a significant role as a versatile forward, known for his toughness, defense, and scoring ability. He provided valuable minutes as a starter and off the bench.Â
Stats: 12.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game
11. Montrezl Harrell
Lakers: 2020-2021
Signed as a free agent after coming off a Sixth Man of the Year award, Harrell provided energy, scoring, and rebounding off the bench, known for his high motor and physical play. But he failed to have a significant impact as the Lakers failed to defend their title in 2021.Â
Stats: 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2021-2022
Acquired in a trade from the Lakers, Harrell continued his role as an energetic and effective bench player, contributing with his scoring and toughness inside.Â
Stats:Â 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game
12. Russell Westbrook
Lakers: 2021-2023
Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and the draft rights to Isaiah Todd.Â
During his time with the Lakers, Westbrook faced challenges in fitting into the team’s system but still managed to contribute with his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability. Despite the ups and downs, he maintained his status as a triple-double threat and brought energy and experience to the roster.Â
Stats: 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2020-2021
Traded from the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Wall and a protected first-round pick. Westbrook had a significant impact on the Wizards, averaging a triple-double for the season and helping the team reach the playoffs. His leadership and relentless playing style were pivotal in the Wizards’ late-season surge and playoff push.Â
Stats:Â 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game
13. Kendrick Nunn
Lakers: 2021-2023
Signed as a free agent, Nunn’s time with the Lakers was hampered by injuries, limiting his ability to contribute significantly. When healthy, he showed flashes of his scoring ability and potential as a backup guard.Â
Stats: 6.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2023
Acquired in a trade, Nunn is expected to bring his scoring and playmaking abilities to the backcourt rotation. He later joined Panathinaikos, where he has had a significant impact on the team.Â
Stats:Â 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game
14. Jay Huff
Lakers: 2021-2022
Signed as an undrafted free agent, Huff had a limited role, primarily playing in the G-League but showing potential as a shot-blocker and rebounder.Â
Stats: 0.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game
Wizards: 2023
Joined the Wizards in 2023, and was expected to bring his defensive and rebounding skills to the team. Huff later left the team to join the Denver Nuggets.
Stats: 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game
15. Troy Brown Jr.
Lakers:Â 2022-2023
Signed as a free agent, Brown continued to be a versatile contributor, offering defensive capabilities and flexibility on the wing.Â
Stats: 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2018-2021
Drafted by the Wizards with the 15th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Brown developed into a versatile wing player, known for his defense, playmaking, and ability to contribute in various roles.Â
Stats:Â 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game
16. Rui Hachimura
Lakers: 2023-Present
Acquired in a trade, Hachimura has become a key part of the Lakers. He is a 3-and-D player who can guard multiple positions, and he was later given a contract by the Lakers as well.
Stats: 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game
Wizards: 2019-2023
Drafted by the Wizards with the 9th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hachimura developed into a versatile forward, showcasing his scoring ability and improving defense. He became a key player, often contributing with double-digit points and solid rebounding.
Stats: 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game
17. Spencer Dinwiddie
Lakers: 2024
Recently joined the Lakers as a free agent, he was expected to provide playmaking and scoring to the team’s backcourt. But, Dinwiddie failed to make any significant impact as the Lakers were knocked out of the first round.
Stats: 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per gameÂ
Wizards: 2021-2022
Acquired in a sign-and-trade deal from the Brooklyn Nets, Dinwiddie played as a primary ball-handler and scorer, contributing significantly before being traded. His playmaking and scoring were key for the Wizards during his tenure.
Stats:Â 6.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game
These 17 players highlight the fluid nature of NBA careers and the interconnectedness of teams within the league. Their movements between the Lakers and the Wizards have brought a mix of veteran leadership, youthful energy, and diverse skill sets to both franchises.Â
From playing pivotal roles in championship runs to contributing during rebuilding phases, these players have left their mark in both Los Angeles and Washington, showcasing the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.Â
Credit:Â ragtime_sam/Reddit/NBA
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