5 Basketball Players who Played for Lakers and Wizards
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 Washington Wizards.
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 Wizards.
Kyle Kuzma
After playing college basketball for the Utah Utes, Kyle Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets but was promptly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kuzma proved to be a pleasant surprise for the Lakers, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018. He showcased an ability to score from various spots on the floor, with a knack for hitting clutch shots. In his rookie season, he averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
He played an important role in the Lakers’ successful run to the 2020 NBA Championship, providing valuable minutes and scoring in key playoff games. In 2021, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal involving star point guard Russell Westbrook.
Kuzma Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
Antawn Jamison
Antawn Jamison, known for his versatile scoring ability and rebounding prowess, played for several teams during his career, including the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Selected 4th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, he was immediately traded to the Warriors where he began his career. Jamison was a two-time NBA All-Star, and in 2004, while with the Mavericks, he was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Over his career, Jamison averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Despite his individual success, Jamison’s teams rarely made deep playoff runs. Regardless, he left a significant mark on the NBA with his consistent production and professionalism.
Jamison Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Warriors, Wizards)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Wizards)
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)
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard is known in the NBA for his physical dominance and rebounding ability. Drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard quickly established himself as one of the premier centers in the league.
He has been named an All-Star eight times and has been selected to the All-NBA First Team five times. Howard has led the NBA in rebounds a remarkable five times and blocks twice. His highest achievement came in 2008 when he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, an honor he would win three times consecutively.
Although largely associated with the Magic, who he led to the NBA Finals in 2009, Howard has also had stints with the Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, and 76ers. He won his first NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Howard Key Stats
- All-NBA (Magic, Lakers, Rockets)
- All-Star (Magic, Lakers, Rockets)
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, Hornets)
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.
