Los Angeles Lakers Starting Point Guards From 1980 To 2024

• The Lakers have had a mix of historically great floor generals

• Transition is the keyword for the Purple and Gold over the past four decades

• Los Angeles has managed to win titles without a legendary point guard 

The Los Angeles Lakers, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, have graced the NBA stage with a lineage of legendary point guards who have orchestrated the team’s success over the decades. From the Showtime era of the 1980s to modern-day dominance, the Lakers’ starting point guard position has been a focal point of leadership, strategy, and playmaking.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the captivating journey of the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guards from 1980 to 2024. Through triumphs, challenges, and transformative eras, these floor generals have guided the team, etching their names into the storied history of both the franchise and the league.

Join us as we revisit the remarkable careers, defining moments, and enduring legacies of the remarkable point guards who have donned the purple and gold, leaving an indelible mark on the Lakers’ rich tapestry of success.

1980-1991: Magic Johnson

Career Stats With The Lakers: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 5x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 3x MVP, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x Assist Champion, 2x Steals Champion, Hall of Fame

Magic Johnson’s tenure as the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1980 to 1991 is a saga of unparalleled achievements, team dominance, and a revolutionary playing style that forever altered the landscape of basketball. Johnson’s individual accomplishments during this era are nothing short of remarkable – three MVP awards, 11 All-Star selections, and an impressive collection of four assist titles that solidified his status as one of the greatest playmakers in the sport’s history.

Yet, it is the team accolades that truly underscore Johnson’s impact. Under his leadership, the Lakers secured five NBA championships, emphasizing his ability to elevate the play of those around him. Johnson’s court vision and creative passing transformed the Lakers’ offense into a mesmerizing symphony of movement, with fast breaks and crisp ball movement becoming hallmarks of their success. Alongside arguably the greatest center ever in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic ran the iconic 1980s with the Lakers.

Standing at 6’9″, he defied expectations for a point guard, utilizing his size advantage to see the court in a unique way, thread needle-like passes, and control the tempo of the game. His Showtime Lakers, characterized by their up-tempo, highlight-reel basketball, captivated audiences and showcased a level of finesse and excitement rarely seen before. Johnson’s show-stopping no-look passes and infectious enthusiasm breathed life into each game, turning the Lakers into a must-watch spectacle.

1992-1993: Sedale Threatt

Career Stats With The Lakers: 11.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Once Magic Johnson was forced to retire until the 1996 season due to his HIV diagnosis, Sedale Threatt was brought in as a stop-gap and he did a very good job with 82 starts in each of the 1992 and 1993 seasons. Threatt’s tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard from 1992 to 1993 may be overshadowed by the franchise’s earlier glory years, but it showcased his valuable contributions, unique playing style, and notable achievements.

Threatt, while not attaining the superstar status of some of his predecessors, displayed his versatility and consistency during his time at the helm. His player achievements include maintaining a solid scoring average and showcasing commendable playmaking skills, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate the team’s offense efficiently. The 6’2” point guard averaged a solid 15.1 PPG and 7.1 APG over those two seasons and would actually remain on the Lakers as a backup from 1994 to 1996.

Although the team accolades were not as illustrious as previous eras, Threatt’s presence as the starting point guard marked a transitional phase for the Lakers until the next major starting point guard would eventually feature: the skilled Nick Van Exel.

1994-1998: Nick Van Exel

Career Stats With The Lakers: 14.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 1993-94 All-Rookie Team Selection

Nick Van Exel’s tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard from 1994 to 1998 was marked by his dynamic playing style and contributions to the team’s successes during a transitional period. Van Exel’s player achievements during this time include consistently being among the team’s top scorers and his reputation for clutch performances, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments. His fearless approach to the game and penchant for hitting big shots made him a fan favorite and a key offensive weapon for the Lakers.

While the team accolades during Van Exel’s time as a starter did not result in NBA championships or even a Finals appearance, his presence played a pivotal role in helping the Lakers remain competitive during a period of transition. The Lakers were rebuilding after the Showtime era, and Van Exel’s leadership and on-court contributions were essential in maintaining the team’s competitive spirit.

Van Exel’s run as the Lakers’ starting point guard from 1994 to 1998 may not have yielded championships, but his player achievements, dynamic playing style, and contributions to the team’s competitive spirit left a mark on Lakers fans.

1999 – Derek Harper

Career Stats With The Lakers: 6.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Former 2-time All-Defensive member Derek Harper was brought in by the Lakers to act as the starting point guard because at 6’4”, he was a lengthy point guard with solid defensive skills. In Shaquille O’Neal’s third season with the Lakers, Harper was solid but unspectacular. Harper was 37 years old and with 29 starts, he played the most minutes as starting playmaker for the Lakers.

Harper did share minutes with Derek Fisher, but he was trusted to play more minutes and try to bring a veteran mindset. The Lakers were still looking for their next point guard because Kobe Bryant was coming into his own, and the time to win was now. With Harper at the helm, the Purple and Gold made it to the second round of the playoffs before getting bounced by the San Antonio Spurs.

2000-2001 – Ron Harper

Career Stats With The Lakers: 7.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2x NBA Champion

The Lakers’ championship runs started with Ron Harper as the majority starting point guard. Ron Harper’s tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard from 2000 to 2001 exemplified his adaptability, defensive prowess, and contributions to the team’s championship success. While not known for flashy player achievements during this period, Harper’s role as a veteran presence and defensive anchor played a vital part in the Lakers’ title run.

Harper’s team accolades during this time are highlighted by the Lakers’ championship victories in the 2000 and 2001 seasons. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide steady ball-handling complemented the Lakers’ star-studded roster and helped solidify their defensive identity. Harper’s leadership on and off the court added a stabilizing element to the team, contributing to their championship-caliber chemistry.

2002-2003: Derek Fisher

Career Stats With The Lakers: 7.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 5x NBA Champion

The next two seasons were Derek Fisher’s first major starts with the Lakers. Derek Fisher’s tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard from 2002 to 2003 epitomized his unwavering leadership, clutch performances, and contributions to the team’s championship aspirations. A steady point guard who focused on defense and making the right plays, Fisher would always know his limitations and maximize his skills.

The team accolades during Fisher’s time as a starter are highlighted by the Lakers’ back-to-back championship victories in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. Fisher’s ability to hit game-changing shots, particularly in pivotal playoff moments, earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.” His leadership on and off the court added a stabilizing element to the Lakers’ roster, complementing the talents of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Fisher’s calming influence and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments were key factors in the Lakers’ championship successes.

2004: Gary Payton

Career Stats With The Lakers: 14.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Gary Payton played and started all 82 games for the Lakers in the 2003-04 season. While his time as a Laker was relatively short, Payton’s legacy as a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience brought a unique perspective to the team. The team accolades during Payton’s lone season as a starter were marked by a trip to the NBA Finals, where the Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons. Although the Lakers fell short in the championship series, Payton’s defensive intensity and his contributions to the team’s playoff run were evident.

Despite being 35 years old and past his prime, Payton’s ability to guard opposing guards and disrupt passing lanes added a new dimension to the Lakers’ defensive schemes, aligning with the team’s championship aspirations. Gary Payton’s run as the Lakers’ starting point guard in 2004 may have been a brief chapter in his storied career, but his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and championship aspirations left an indelible mark.

2005: Chucky Atkins

Career Stats With The Lakers: 13.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Chucky Atkins was the starting point guard in the 2005 season, and he did a decent job considering he was 30 years old and did not have much of a name at that point. Playing on the same team as Kobe Bryant after Shaquille O’Neal left brought a ton of pressure, and Atkins didn’t do too badly.

In 82 starts, Atkins posted 13.6 points and 4.4 assists per game over 35.4 minutes of play. Even if he was not a star, he actually had the best season of his career because he would not be as productive once he joined the Washington Wizards the following season. 

2006-2007: Smush Parker

Career Stats With The Lakers: 11.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Unfortunately, Smush Parker’s run as the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers was met with ridicule. Parker did average 11.3 points and 3.2 assists per game over the two seasons he played with the Lakers, but he was often criticized for not being able to replicate the other point guards that started alongside Kobe Bryant in the past.

As a result, Parker was expected to do more than was needed. Even if his numbers weren’t exactly bad, they weren’t great either and he had a bullseye on his back every time the Lakers would lose games. Other than Kwame Brown, Smush Parker was the most criticized teammate during Kobe’s post-Shaq run. 

2008-2012: Derek Fisher

Career Stats With The Lakers: 7.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 5x NBA Champion

Derek Fisher’s extended tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard from 2008 to 2012 epitomized his unwavering dedication, leadership, and integral role in the team’s championship successes. The team accolades during Fisher’s time as a starter are highlighted by the Lakers’ championship victories in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. His reputation as a “Mr. Clutch” was further solidified by his game-winning shots and his knack for rising to the occasion during pivotal playoff moments. Fisher’s leadership both on and off the court played an instrumental role in maintaining team chemistry and steadying the Lakers during high-pressure situations.

In summary, Derek Fisher’s run as the Lakers’ starting point guard from 2008 to 2012 may not have been marked by individual accolades, but his leadership, clutch performances, and steadying influence were invaluable to the team’s championship pursuits. There is no doubt that Fisher ended up being Kobe Bryant’s greatest point guard because he was on the team when Shaquille O’Neal was there and was also a part of Bryant’s growth as the two-time Finals MVP alongside Pau Gasol.

2013: Steve Nash

Career Stats With The Lakers: 11.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 6.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Steve Nash’s brief tenure as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard in 2013 brought with it a blend of excitement, anticipation, and challenges. While Nash’s player achievements during this period were somewhat limited by injuries, his reputation as one of the most gifted playmakers and basketball minds in NBA history preceded him. His ability to read the game, orchestrate the offense, and create scoring opportunities showcased his basketball IQ and unselfish playing style.

Unfortunately, the Lakers could not achieve success with the former 2-time MVP on the team alongside Kobe Bryant and the recently-acquired Dwight Howard. Steve Nash’s run as the Lakers’ starting point guard in 2013 was relatively short-lived due to injuries, as he only appeared in 50 games and was constantly icing his back on the sidelines. As a result, the Lakers only won 45 games and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

2014: Kendall Marshall

Career Stats With The Lakers: 8.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 8.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Kendall Marshall only played four seasons in the NBA and one with the Los Angeles Lakers. Marshall actually had a more than decent year with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2013-14 season, posting 8.0 PPG and 8.8 APG on 39.9% shooting from three. Despite his very solid numbers, Marshall was not brought back by the Lakers, as the team was in a complete rebuilding phase and wanted some new guards coming to town.

Kendall started 45 games during the campaign, the most out of any other point guard on the Lakers team, and was more than solid handling the offense that was devoid of any real talent outside of Nick Young (17.9 points per game) and Pau Gasol (17.4 points per game). Even in a one-year stint, Marshall did more than a great job in his 29.0 minutes per game.

2015: Jordan Clarkson

Career Stats With The Lakers: 14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2014-15 All-Rookie Team Selection

During Jordan Clarkson’s run with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015, he showcased remarkable skills and contributions that left a significant impact on the team’s performance and garnered him well-deserved accolades. As a young and promising player at 22 years old in his rookie campaign, Clarkson’s emergence brought a refreshing energy to the Lakers’ lineup.

His dynamic scoring ability, especially his proficiency in driving to the basket and shooting from beyond the arc, added a new dimension to the team’s offensive strategy. This translated into a series of standout performances, resulting in Clarkson being named the NBA All-Rookie First Team for the 2014-15 season. A sure-fire scorer, Clarkson was off to a great start.

2016-2017: D’Angelo Russell

Career Stats With The Lakers: 15.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2015-16 All-Rookie Team Selection

D’Angelo Russell was supposed to be the next long-term point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, and that did not happen. Russell did make the All-Rookie Team, posting 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, but he did not exactly light the world on fire. Russell also lasted the entire 2016-17 season, averaging 15.6 points and 4.8 assists per game with the team that took him No. 2 overall pick.

The point guard was not going to fit in with the Lakers’ long-term plans because he wasn’t a natural playmaker, and his defense wasn’t always consistent. The Lakers were still undergoing a transition, and perhaps D’Angelo did not get a chance to truly showcase what he could do as a long-term starting point guard.

2018-2019: Lonzo Ball

Career Stats With The Lakers: 10.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2017-18 All-Rookie Team Selection

During Lonzo Ball’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and 2019, his unique skill set and court vision made a significant impact on both individual accolades and team achievements. Ball’s exceptional passing ability and basketball IQ quickly became evident, elevating the Lakers’ offensive dynamics. Unfortunately, Lonzo might have fallen victim to his father LaVar Ball’s promotions because the point guard was being compared to the legendary Magic Johnson.

In 2018, Ball was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, underscoring his potential and impact as a young talent. Moreover, his presence on the court coincided with the Lakers’ pursuit of success, contributing to their higher win total and increased competitiveness. The Lakers went on to win 35 and 37 games in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, a big improvement from only winning 26 games the year before Lonzo was drafted.

2020-2021: LeBron James

Career Stats With The Lakers: 27.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2019-20 NBA Champion, 2019-20 Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 2019-20 Assist Champion

LeBron James broke the news when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019 season, but he did not completely take over the starting point guard role until the 2020 season. James, despite being a muscle-bound 6’9” forward, decided to take full control of the ball handling and had himself a spectacular season. The King led the NBA in assists in the 2020 season, averaging 10.2 assists per game.

Alongside superstar and recently-acquired Anthony Davis, the Lakers went on to win the 2020 championship at the expense of the Miami Heat. It made perfect sense that LeBron would achieve the ultimate success with the Purple and Gold as the point guard because, in terms of playmaking and basketball IQ, very few players in history can usurp The King.

2022: Russell Westbrook

Career Stats With The Lakers: 17.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

The Russell Westbrook experiment failed for the Lakers because the former MVP was still playing at an All-Star level before he arrived in Los Angeles. Therefore, there were a ton of expectations for the triple-double machine to have a championship-level impact for the Lakers but instead, the team missed the playoffs. Nobody would have imagined that LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook would miss the playoffs together, but it happened.

To his credit, Westbrook did do his best during the 2022 season, posting 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game with the Lakers over 78 games played. He played almost every game over the season, starting all 78, and averaged over 34.0 minutes per game. Even if the point guard performed at an individual level, the team did not mesh around him.

2023: Dennis Schroder

Career Stats With The Lakers: 13.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: N/A

Dennis Schroder played 66 games with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 season, starting 50 games which was the most out of any other point guard. LeBron James started at the power forward position, so he did not control the ball as much as he did during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Schroder was with the Lakers during the 2021 season, but James was the primary point guard and ball-handler.

Schroder was given a far larger role in the 2023 season because he fits better with LeBron James and Anthony Davis than Russell Westbrook, and he delivered by posting 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game on 43.6% shooting from the field. A speedster with the ball with above-average playmaking, Schroder’s presence helped lead the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals. 

2024: D’Angelo Russell

Career Stats With The Lakers: 15.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Achievements With The Lakers: 2015-16 All-Rookie Team Selection

D’Angelo Russell had an excellent individual campaign with the Lakers, posting 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game on 41.5% shooting from three in the regular season. The point guard had one of the best seasons of his career, coming close to what he did with the Brooklyn Nets. 

However, Russell’s numbers dipped in the playoffs to only 14.2 points and 4.2 assists per game on 31.8% shooting from three. The point guard’s inconsistencies hurt the Lakers in the playoffs as they were bounced in the first round at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. At 28 years old, perhaps Russell can correct the inconsistencies in his game and reach that next level. 

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