7 Basketball Players who Played for Lakers and Bucks
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 Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.
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 Lakers and the Bucks.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was selected as the first overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1969 NBA Draft. Over his illustrious 20-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar won a record six MVP awards and was selected to 19 All-Star games.
Known for his scoring, especially his skyhook shot, he retired as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, a record he still holds. Abdul-Jabbar’s career statistics include 38,387 points, 17,440 rebounds, and 3,189 blocks.
He won six NBA championships and was named NBA Finals MVP twice. Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game, his activism off the court, and his contribution to the success of his teams make him one of the most significant and influential figures in the history of basketball.
*Abdul-Jabbar was the most popular player for this square in a previous grid (Grid 28)
Abdul-Jabbar Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Bucks, Lakers)
- All-NBA (Bucks, Lakers)
- All-Star (Bucks, Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bucks, Lakers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Bucks, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bucks, Lakers)
Gary Payton
Gary Payton, often known as “The Glove” for his defensive prowess, is widely recognized as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Payton was selected second overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Payton spent the majority of his career with the SuperSonics, where he was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA selection. He was known for his defensive skills, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 and being selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Payton was also great on the offensive end of the court, especially his scoring ability and his ability to create plays. He accumulated over 21,000 points and almost 9000 assists during his career. He won his only NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Payton Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Supersonics, Heat, Lakers, Celtics, Bucks)
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Supersonics, Lakers, Celtics)
Wesley Matthews
Undrafted out of Marquette University in 2009, Wesley Matthews earned a roster spot with the Utah Jazz, making an immediate impact with his play. After a successful stint in Utah, he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers where he solidified his reputation as one of the league’s best 3-and-D players.
He became a critical piece of the Blazers’ backcourt alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, particularly excelling in 3-point shooting. Matthews ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2015, a significant setback, but returned to play for the Mavericks and has since bounced around with different teams.
Despite the various team changes, his consistency as a shooter and defender has remained, offering valuable contributions in the regular season and playoffs.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol was selected 3rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2001 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. In his rookie season, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, setting the stage for a decorated NBA career.
Gasol’s time in Memphis solidified him as one of the franchise’s top players, but a trade to the Lakers in 2008 would elevate his status further.
Joining forces with Kobe Bryant, Gasol played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Beyond the Lakers, Gasol had stints with the Bulls, Spurs, Bucks, and Trail Blazers.
Gasol Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Grizzlies)
- All-NBA (Lakers, Bulls)
- All-Star (Grizzlies, Lakers, Bulls)
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Grizzlies)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, Bucks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Spurs)
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)
Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II, the son of Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton, went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. Despite going undrafted, he made his NBA debut with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2016-2017 season.
Payton has played for several teams in his NBA career, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, and others. Known for his defense and athleticism, he has earned opportunities through his hustle and effort on the court.
Although he hasn’t achieved standout statistical success in the NBA, Payton has been a valuable role player. Payton’s tenacity and ability to contribute in various aspects of the game have kept him in the NBA, where he continues to be a valuable bench player and a solid defender.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
