7 Basketball Players who Played for Lakers and Heat
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 Miami Heat.
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 Heat.
LeBron James
LeBron James was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has played for the Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
James is a 19-time NBA All-Star, 4-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and 4-time NBA Champion, winning titles with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013), Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020). He’s also been named to the All-NBA First Team 13 times and the All-Defensive First Team 5 times.
James boasts career averages (to date) of around 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his versatility, court vision, and ability to excel in virtually every aspect of the game.
*James was the most popular player for this square in a previous grid (Grid 32)
James Key Stats
- MVP (Cavs, Heat)
- All-NBA (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
- All-Star (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
- NBA Championship (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His career spanned from 1992 to 2011, featuring stints with several teams including the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics.
His career achievements include four NBA Championships (three with the Lakers and one with the Heat), three NBA Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP award in 2000, and 15 All-Star game appearances. O’Neal’s career totals include 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds, and 2732 blocks.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond his playing career, O’Neal has also had a successful run as a sports analyst, businessman, and even a DJ.
O’Neal Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
- MVP (Lakers)
- All-Star (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones was selected 10th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1994 NBA Draft. During his time with the Lakers, he was a key part of the team’s success, making two All-Star appearances. In 1999, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he continued to thrive, earning another All-Star selection.
In 2000, Jones was traded to the Miami Heat, where he remained until 2005. While with the Heat, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2005.
Jones’s 14-year career totals include 14,155 points, 3,857 rebounds, and 1,620 steals. He was known as a strong perimeter defender, leading the league in steals in the 1999-2000 season, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive team three times.
Jones Key Stats
- All-NBA (Hornets)
- All-Star (Lakers, Hornets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Hornets)
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)
Luol Deng
Luol Deng was born in South Sudan and raised in the UK. Deng’s basketball journey began internationally before he moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball. He played one season of college basketball at Duke University before declaring for the NBA.
Deng was selected 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. In Chicago, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
After a decade with the Bulls, Deng had stints with several teams, including the Heat, Lakers, and Timberwolves. Beyond his on-court contributions, Deng was highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts, especially concerning refugees and communities affected by conflict.
Deng Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
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)
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)
