5 Greatest players to have played for both Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks

Brook Lopez is among the big names that have featured for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez is among the big names that have featured for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks

#4 Brook Lopez

Milwaukee Bucks v Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks v Golden State Warriors

After spending his first nine seasons in the league with the Nets, Brook Lopez joined the Lakers during the 2017 offseason. As an All-Star caliber performer, Lopez was viewed as a significant acquisition for the Western Conference strugglers, although Lopez managed a career-low 23.4 minutes over 74 appearances.

Magic Johnson decided to let Lopez walk away after just one season and the Bucks moved quickly in free agency, and the center has become an essential part of Mike Budenholzer’s team. With size and ability to stretch the floor, Lopez has proved to be an excellent fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and while his numbers have dipped since his days with the Nets, Lopez’s value is at an all-time high.


#3 Gary Payton

Gary Payton enjoyed brief spells with the Lakers and Bucks
Gary Payton enjoyed brief spells with the Lakers and Bucks

During his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics - Gary Payton established himself as one of the best point guards of his generation. The California native was named as an All-Star on nine occasions, while he was made the NBA All-Defensive First Team the same number of times. Payton also took home the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year award as he became one of the greatest to play for the SuperSonics.

Payton was traded to Milwaukee during the 2002-03 season and he went on to average 19.6 points and 7.4 assists over 28 appearances. After entering free agency in the summer of 2003, Payton joined the Lakers and played an essential role as the team reached the 2004 NBA Finals. Payton was traded to the Celtics following LA's Finals defeat to the Detroit Pistons, although the Hall-of-Famer went on to win his only title with the Miami Heat in 2006.

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