Poll: Which Lakers guards deserve to be in a Lakers Hall of Fame?
If the Lakers had their own Hall of Fame, which players would you select for induction? That is the basis for our next series of polls, in which we ask our readers to vote on who is most worthy of this honor. We will break down the history of the team by position, nominating those who spent at least three seasons with the team as a starter and played well in their tenure with the Lakers.
Only consider what they did with the Lakers. So, don't be upset that Karl Malone isn't a nominee: Obviously, Malone is a Hall of Famer, but he was only on the Lakers one season and would not be a Lakers Hall of Famer.
We start with the guards. To make the Hall of Fame, players must be named on 75% of the ballots. Before the ballot, there are links to each player's bio and stats on our new All Things Lakers database.
The nominees at guard:
-- Houston Mitchell
I would love to see the Lakers do something special for Michael Cooper. The man bled (still bleeds) purple & Gold. He was a major contributer in the 80's showtime and he stepped in every time Magic went down.
Great D, great smile and could play the point pretty well! Come on Lake Show, show some (additional) love for Coop!
Posted by: JohnnyV | February 24, 2011 at 05:28 PM
I think the Celtics traded Perkins so that when the Lakers beat the Celtics in the Finals this year Doc Rivers can still use the lame excuse that the Lakes have yet to beat their starting five in a series. LOL!
Posted by: Do What?? | February 24, 2011 at 12:31 PM
The Celtics are done,
Stick a fork in them!!!
Posted by: Mr. Laker | February 24, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Celtic blog in full meltdown. I hope 131 can stop by and explain this trade to us! LOL.
Posted by: JohnnyV | February 24, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Coop has to belong in the All-Time Sixth Man Hall of Fame,
BandWagon!!!
Posted by: Mr. Laker | February 24, 2011 at 05:32 PM
Fisher deserves to be in the Hall of Shame !!!
Posted by: S Perkins | February 24, 2011 at 05:33 PM
If Fisher is such a clutch player...why does he never even shoot in the 4th quarter ? Even when open he passes.
Posted by: S Perkins | February 24, 2011 at 05:35 PM
How can you even call this a vote when Smush isn't on the ballot???
Posted by: frmkt | February 24, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Fish is waiting for the 'Real' Season to begin!!!
Posted by: Mr. Laker | February 24, 2011 at 05:36 PM
If Fisher is such a clutch player...why does he never even shoot in the 4th quarter ? Even when open he passes.
Posted by: S Perkins | February 24, 2011 at 05:35 PM
________
It's a clutch pass!
Posted by: frmkt | February 24, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Who would be first on the list of guards?
Ranking: One -Five
1. Magic Johnson
2. Kobe
3. West
4. Goodrich
5. Byron Scott
Honorable mention
Norm Nixon
Michael Cooper
I don't see how anyone could better this list!!!
Posted by: Mr. Laker | February 24, 2011 at 05:50 PM
frmkt,
"How can you even call this a vote when Smush isn't on the ballot???"
EXACTLY!!!!
SHAME ON YOU, MARK MEDINA!!!
Shame... on... you.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 24, 2011 at 06:06 PM
It would be nice to see Michael Cooper honored.
Like I've said, we need a park filled with the statues of Lakers Greats.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 24, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Most of you never saw Slater Martin, but he also belongs on the HOF list. Was instrumental in early MPLS. Lakers championships with Mikan.
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | February 24, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Most of you never saw Slater Martin, but he also belongs on the HOF list. Was instrumental in early MPLS. Lakers championships with Mikan.
Posted by: NuggetsCountry
Decent role player who averaged 9 points and three rebounds for his career!
Not top ten Laker Guard!
Posted by: Mr. Laker | February 24, 2011 at 06:26 PM
What? No David Rivers?!!
Posted by: spiff johnson | February 24, 2011 at 06:56 PM
What? No David Rivers?!!
Posted by: spiff johnson | February 24, 2011 at 06:56 PM
I was just saying that he belongs on this voting list, since probably most of you had never known about him.
Also, in those days he was an instrumental point guard like a John Stockton type before so many points were made by guards. He also had several All-Stars/HOFers on those teams, and just like current team was way down the list for needing to score. PLUS, defense was emphasized in those days more than recent times. Defense was worshipped then, whereas offense numbers is all anybody under 50 cares about these days!
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | February 24, 2011 at 06:58 PM
West,
Magic,
Bryant #1,
Cooper,
Goodrich,
Scott,
in no particular order just before Martin would be my list, so YES, he is top ten!
& Nixon & Shaw after that.
I saw all of them play................
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | February 24, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Aside from the obvious picks, West, Magic, Kobe, Goodrich, .....Michael Cooper should be recognized. I consider Cooper one of the top 3 defensive players of all-time and in a sport/league where defense wins titles - how can he not be a Hall of Fame selection? In 42 years of watching the NBA, only Rodman and Jordan were in Cooper's league as defenders. Russell was past his prime when I saw him play.
dkwsfo
Posted by: dkwsfo | February 24, 2011 at 10:04 PM
If a player's number has been retired, he is in the hall of fame already.
Posted by: Kenn | February 25, 2011 at 04:52 AM
Michael Cooper was NBA defensive player of the year and all-defensive several times. He was the sixth man on five championship teams. Larry Bird said Cooper was his toughest defender. Cooper was one of the important "greyhounds" filling the lane on the break during the 1980s Lakers' Showtime era. Magic to Coop for the lob dunk (Coop-a-loop) was just a popular and effective as Magic to Worthy on the break. Coop was also a reliable backup at the point when Magic needed rest. He is definitely Hall of Fame.
Posted by: AK Umoja | February 25, 2011 at 05:44 AM
Michael Cooper was NBA defensive player of the year and all-defensive several times. He was the sixth man on five championship teams. Larry Bird said Cooper was his toughest defender. Cooper was one of the important "greyhounds" filling the lane on the break during the 1980s Lakers' Showtime era. Magic to Coop for the lob dunk (Coop-a-loop) was just a popular and effective as Magic to Worthy on the break. Coop was also a reliable backup at the point when Magic needed rest. He is definitely Hall of Fame.
Posted by: AK Umoja | February 25, 2011 at 05:44 AM
AND JUST WHERE THE HECK IS SMUCH PARKER???????????
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 08:42 AM
How can you even call this a vote when Smush isn't on the ballot??? Posted by: frmkt | February 24, 2011 at 05:35 PM
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ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 08:43 AM
@P ANG… Nice comparison of Wade & LeBron to West & Baylor. Great guard and forward but only 1 ring between them. And just as the Celtics haunted West & Baylor, the Lakers may well haunt Wade & LeBron. Good to see the Heat and the Celtics go down last night.
………………………………….
@MM… What is this – a recycled thread – a view into the past that is dated in the future? How about some results from when you ran this thread earlier rather than this re-dated instant replay?
………………………………….
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2011 at 08:49 AM
@MM… What is this – a recycled thread – a view into the past that is dated in the future? How about some results from when you ran this thread earlier rather than this re-dated instant replay?
Posted by: LakerTom | February 25, 2011 at 08:49 AM
*
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Oh hey sorry guys. I tried timing this post up for this morning but for some technical glitch was accidentally published earlier last night. Didn't mean to recycle anything but we'll have some links up soon
Posted by: Mark Medina | February 25, 2011 at 09:08 AM
No love for 2004 D-league MVP Tierre Brown. He should get a statue beside Smush Parker. Tierre took the league by storm. How soon people forget. LOL!!!
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:08 AM
reports out of boston that celtic veterans were in shock and almost no one in that clubhouse believes they can win without perk in the middle... HAHAHA
oh and perkins was apparently in tears when he'd learned he'd been traded.. out goes one big baby and in comes another new big baby as the new starting center for the celtics...
good luck celtic fans.. now you have a demoralized clubhouse and glen davis as your new starting center.. BOAHAHAHA
Posted by: yellofever | February 25, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Mornin' CRUE!
Justa checking in for ROLL CALL!
GAME DAY BABY!!!!!
(Ahhhh.....those 3 little words than can make my day!)
I'm not all that interested in how the trades around the league will all shake out.
All I care about is that WE are healthy and peaking at the right time.
This is all about the Lakers, and how we take care of our own business.
Now - as for the game tonight - there are 2 things I am happy about and want to see:
1. How will LO take care of Griffin?
2. I won't have to look at Baron "is that a sweater or a beard on my face" Davis!
Since Mo Williams STINKS (nod to 888) I'm expecing a Laker victory.
GO LAKERS!!!
Let the hunt for 6 six begin - DFish
Nothing but another title will suffice - KBryant
Nobody destroys Ron Artest - RArtest
Are you serious? - ABynum
Even when we didn't make the playoffs, I thought we'd win the championship - JBuss
WE GOT THIS - justa
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 25, 2011 at 09:25 AM
@yellofever- couldn't have happened to a more deserving group of charlatans.
"A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."
- Will Durant
Its funny watching this unravel. This has a special kind of quixotic quality to it, Doc is Don Quixote. And KG is Sancho Panza.
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Mamba24,
Long time Celtic fanatic seeking "Political Asylum" in Laker Nation.
President Danny Ainge has sure gone crazy!!!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | February 25, 2011 at 09:26 AM
In 42 years of watching the NBA, only Rodman and Jordan were in Cooper's league as defenders. Russell was past his prime when I saw him play.
dkwsfo
Posted by: dkwsfo | February 24, 2011 at 10:04 PM
--------------------
dkwsfo,
You're right Coop was relentless on D. Top 3 is high praise. Let me throw out a few others that I feel are in that class...Dream, Pippen, Payton, KG, Alonzo, Motumbo and Ben Wallace. What about Ron? And Kobe also in his prime.
Posted by: LRob | February 25, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Kobe watch (All Time NBA/ABA leaders)
He could pass a couple more tonight....
35 points away from passing Big E for 9th place
22 FGA’s away from passing Issel 12th place all time
7 FGM’s away from passing Big O 18th place
Posted by: LRob | February 25, 2011 at 09:41 AM
@LRob- I think Ron along with Shane Battier are the two best Defenders of their generation. Kobe's up there to, back in the day his motor was so high on defense, it was beautiful. Kobe and Foxy were a great duo on the perimeter.
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Assuming Shaq can get healthy for the playoffs (Doc is doing everything possible to keep him healthy and fresh for the playoffs), this is a GREAT trade for Boston. A healthy Shaq can guard Dwight Howard and Bynum one on one just as well Perkins. In fact, Bynum has a MUCH tougher time against Shaq than he does against Perkins. One of the reasons the Lakers beat Boston is because Boston ran out of gas. With the additions of Jeff Green and Troy Murphy, along with Delonte West returning, the Celtics will have a deep bench, and fatigue will no longer be an issue.
One of the main reasons the Lakers defense is effective against Boston is because Perkins is a liability on offense. With Perkins as a liability, coupled with Rondo's inability to hit an open outside shot, the Lakers are able to effectively pack in the paint. Unlike Perkins, Shaq (and Jermaine ONeal) is still a weapon on offense, and with Murphy and Green on board, the Lakers will have to change their strategy, because these guys will spread the floor, and provide spacing for Rondo, Pierce and KG to operate.
The Celtic have beaten ALL the top teams this year without Perkins (their record is better without Perkins). IMO, this trade, along with the addition of Troy Murphy, will make Boston tougher to beat this year.
With Theo hurt, I would love to add Murphy to the Lakers as a backup center. With Murphy spreading the floor, Gasol would have the paint all to himself. And at the very least, acquiring Murphy will prevent Boston, Miami, and Orlando from getting him.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 25, 2011 at 09:45 AM
@yello
LOL!!!!!
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mclyne | February 25, 2011 at 09:47 AM
@LRob- you might think I'm a little loopy after what I say. W/Shane and Tony Allen on the wings, if Memphis got the 8th seed, with Randolph and Gasol and if Rudy's back healthy, I give the Grizz a fighting chance with the Spurs.
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:47 AM
LRob - The Logo was unbelievable on D with his relentless approach, hard nosed attitude and monkey-long arms (far out of proportion to his height).
And Bill Russell was the finest team defender ever to step on the court IMO. He was almost telepathic in his ability to alter a play loooooong before it happened, simply be positioning himself a foot or two one way or the other and changing the whole structure of the other team's flow. He's never given credit for that, but I've never seen anyone with that consistent an ability to do that.
Stockton and Wilt were no slouches either. And Kareem is very underrated lately because his longevity made people forget what a fluid force he was in his first decade or so. And I think Walt Frazier was better than Gary Payton (but that's just me).
Posted by: 63 Footer | February 25, 2011 at 09:52 AM
@LRob
thanks for the Kobe update- this guy is truly an amazing athelete, and we get to witness his greatness almost every other night!
@sean
We could also refer to them as the Roman Empire- if they could have more than one Championships in the last 20 years.
@LAKER TRUTH
All good points, but I won't put my money on Snaq since he's merely a shell of his former self and Jermaine is even closer to the moth balls.
Posted by: mclyne | February 25, 2011 at 09:54 AM
@63- I never saw Walt play. If you say he was better I'd love to hear why. I got to give it up to the Glove, one of the best nicknames ever. Playing Streetball in Oakland isn't for the faint-hearted.
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:55 AM
@mclyne- that's going in my personal archives- LOL- love it, brother!!!
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:58 AM
my first selection of the day, for no reason at all, just popped into my head:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXt56MB-3vc
Posted by: mclyne | February 25, 2011 at 09:59 AM
@mclyne- I've drank 1 or 2 bottles listening to that song. One of the best covers of an original song.
Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 10:02 AM
HoF
Coop :
got pushed by Rick Mahorn and fell into me court-side game 3 of the no Magic, no B Scott series.
Never seen such intensity in anyone's eyes. The man was like a panther on the hunt. We didn't win that game, but we didn't lose.
Coop's got hallowed place in my Hall for that one.
Posted by: VMan | February 25, 2011 at 10:05 AM
guess I'm gonna keep the theme rollin all by myself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIuOLU_iKLA&feature=related
Posted by: mclyne | February 25, 2011 at 10:09 AM
@sean.. i think i'm gonna enjoy every minute of this fiasco.. i think we may have another boston tea party by the time all this unfolds!
@mclyne.. let the good times roll baby! LOL
@truth.. sorry but i think this is one time you couldnt be further from the truth... IMO you are severely overestimating shaq worth just like you did when shaq was the starting center for the cavs.. and we all know how that went... and do you really think its a good idea for boston to try to RUN and RUN against the cavs or any other team for that matter with their current personnel of kg pierce allen and shaq in the middle??!! and jeff green?? maybe if you're a fan of fantasy bball.
Posted by: yellofever | February 25, 2011 at 10:11 AM
sean - personal opinion, and I think the Glove was great, but Walt was even quicker and smoother, while still being able to be physical. Real intelligent use of positioning too. No knock on Gary, by the way.
Posted by: 63 Footer | February 25, 2011 at 10:11 AM
more groovy tunes(and one of my favorite all time slow jams):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGvR6s0yF3k&feature=related
Posted by: mclyne | February 25, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Mamba24, Long time Celtic fanatic seeking "Political Asylum" in Laker Nation. President Danny Ainge has sure gone crazy!!! Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | February 25, 2011 at 09:26 AM
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WTH? You expect me to believe this is THE "REDS LOVE CHILD" No, No, No! This is an imposter. Red had to much Swagger to let ISH like this faze him!!! BUT...If by chance it is Red...Laker Nation would gladly welcome you but...Then where the hell would the competition be. You got a Great team with a Great Tradition RED!!! Stick with them, it will be allright at least...until June when they meet the Lakers. LOL! NOW GET THAT DAMN SWAGGER BACK AND GET IT BACK NOW I SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Jammin with MClyne! Man that dude knows how to party!! Carry on my brother!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
The trio of MJ, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman was the greatest defensive force ever known to basketball bar none!! What say you????????????
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 10:21 AM
No love for 2004 D-league MVP Tierre Brown. He should get a statue beside Smush Parker. Tierre took the league by storm. How soon people forget. LOL!!! Posted by: sean | February 25, 2011 at 09:08 AM
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OH SWEET JESUS!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM
reports out of boston that celtic veterans were in shock and almost no one in that clubhouse believes they can win without perk in the middle... HAHAHA
Posted by: yellofever | February 25, 2011 at 09:15 AM
"No one in that clubhouse believes they can win without perk in the middle" ... only Laker fan can make something like this up! And actually believe it!!!!
Posted by: 131-92 | February 25, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Yesterday was a sad day for Laker fans. I wanted to see Lakers/Celtics in the finals - the two greatest basketball organizations in the history of the game going head to head. It doesn't get better than that. It doesn't look likely now. I have always hated that whiner Danny Ainge. He was a bigger cry baby that PP. I guess we'll have to Beat the Heat!!!
Cooper has to be on the list. COOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!
Posted by: Lakerholic | February 25, 2011 at 10:51 AM
No one in that clubhouse believes they can win without perk in the middle" ... only Laker fan can make something like this up! And actually believe it!!!!
Posted by: 131-92 | February 25, 2011 at 10:41 AM
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Thank God you still have The Swagger 131-92!! Now go immediately and give a pep talk to Red's Love Child!!! LOL!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 11:13 AM
No one in that clubhouse believes they can win without perk in the middle" ... only Laker fan can make something like this up! And actually believe it!!!!
Posted by: 131-92 | February 25, 2011 at 10:41 AM
*\
Thank God you still have The Swagger 131-92!! Now go immediately and give a pep talk to Red's Love Child!!! LOL!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Thank God you still have The Swagger 131-92!! Now go immediately and give a pep talk to Red's Love Child!!! LOL!
Posted by: mamba24 | February 25, 2011 at 11:13 AM
The swag aint going anywhere. RLC will get over the inital blow. At the end of the day, we needed a backup 3. From what I hear, Miami was gonna throw a bunch of money at Perk in the off season and we were not gonna be able to sign him. We got a 7 footer in return, although not a tough as Perk, but still decent. Nate wasnt a big loss since his bad shot selection was gonna land him on the bench now that West is back.
I dont think Ainge did it without having a Plan B. I think if we can get a Murphy and/or Dalembert and maybe Kapono with the 3 roster spots available, then we will be ok. Plus whatever we get out of Shaq and JO.
Posted by: 131-92 | February 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
West, Magic, Kobe, Goodrich, and Riley as a coach.
Strong consideration for Coop. I can't give the nod to Scott simply because his tenure at the top was too short.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2011 at 01:50 PM
How does Kobe only get 93%? The Logo of the NBA only gets 88%? Earvin Magic Johnson, the guy that brought the NBA to you only gets 88%
And Fisher gets 47%??
I guess the trollers on the blog truly are delusional
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 25, 2011 at 01:53 PM