6 Basketball Players who Played for Kings and Lakers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Kings and the Lakers.
Vlade Divac
Standing 7’1″, Vlade Divac was one of the first European players to make a significant impact in the NBA. Divac was drafted 26th overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played alongside Magic Johnson and James Worthy.
A versatile center with excellent passing skills, he averaged 11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in his seven seasons with the Lakers. In 1996, he was traded to the Hornets for Kobe Bryant. After two seasons with the Hornets, Divac signed with the Sacramento Kings where he was a key player in the Kings’ strong run in the early 2000s.
Divac finished his career back with the Lakers in 2004-2005. He was an All-Star in 2001 and is one of seven players in the history of the NBA to record 13,000 points, 9000 rebounds, 3000 assists, and 1500 blocked shots. His number 21 jersey was retired by the Kings.
*Divac was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 5)
Divac Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Lakers, Kings, Hornets)
- All-Star (Kings)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Lakers, Kings)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Kings)
Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. His tenacious defense and ability to contribute offensively quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top two-way players. In the 2003-04 season with the Pacers he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite his on-court success, World Peace was often in the spotlight for his unpredictable behavior. Most infamously, he was a central figure in the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” incident, a brawl during a game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. This led to a lengthy suspension and affected his public perception.
World Peace later joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a key role in helping the team win the NBA Championship in 2010. His performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals was particularly crucial, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
World Peace Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- NBA Champ (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Kings)
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. He quickly became a starter and vital component for the Celtics, helping them win the NBA championship in 2008 alongside the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Rondo led the NBA in assists per game three times (2012, 2013, and 2016), and he’s recognized for his playoff performances, stepping up his game significantly in the postseason.
Rondo played for the Celtics until 2014, and since then he has had stints with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, and Hawks. His second NBA Championship came in 2020 with the Lakers, where his veteran experience and leadership proved pivotal.
Rondo Key Stats
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans)
Caron Butler
Playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut, Caron Butler quickly gained recognition as a top talent, leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA Tournament. Butler was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Lakers, Wizards, Mavericks, and Clippers, among others. During his time with the Wizards, he formed a formidable trio alongside Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, with Butler earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2007 and 2008.
Butler’s resilience was evident throughout his career, having overcome significant challenges and adversity in his early life. Beyond his playing days, he has been a positive figure in the community, leveraging his platform to address social issues and mentor younger players.
Butler Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- NBA Champ (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
Malik Monk
Malik Monk played his college basketball at Kentucky under head coach John Calipari. In his freshman season, he made a significant impact by showcasing his scoring prowess, which included a memorable performance against North Carolina where he scored 47 points.
He was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2017 NBA Draft. With the Hornets, Monk began his journey in the league, displaying flashes of his scoring potential and athletic feats.
Over the years, he has been working on improving his consistency and expanding his skill set to contribute more effectively to his team’s success.
Jim Jackson
Jim Jackson entered the NBA when he was selected 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1992 NBA Draft.
In Dallas, he quickly showcased his scoring prowess, becoming one of the young pillars of the team alongside Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn. However, despite the promise, the trio was short-lived due to various factors, including injuries and internal dynamics.
What followed for Jackson was a journeyman’s career, as he played for 12 different NBA teams, which included stints with the 76ers, Warriors, Trail Blazers, and Rockets, among others. Despite the frequent relocations, Jackson consistently proved his worth on the court, often providing a scoring punch and veteran presence.
Jackson Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Mavericks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Warriors)
