5 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans 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 New Orleans Pelicans 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 Pelicans and the Lakers.
Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball was selected 2nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. The anticipation around his entry into the league was significant, in part due to his standout one-and-done season at UCLA and the media attention garnered by his father, LaVar Ball.
During his tenure with the Lakers, Lonzo displayed flashes of brilliance but also faced challenges, especially concerning the consistency of his shooting.
In 2019, Lonzo was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as a key piece in the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. With the Pelicans, Ball continued to develop his game, particularly improving his shooting mechanics and efficiency. After two seasons in New Orleans, Ball was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
Ball Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls)
Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler was renowned for his rebounding and defensive skills. Drafted straight out of high school as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2001 NBA draft, Chandler was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he spent his first five seasons.
He moved to the Dallas Mavericks in 2010, where he won the NBA Championship in 2011. His exceptional performance earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award the following season.
Throughout his career, Chandler played for several NBA teams (8 in total) including the Knicks, Suns, Lakers and Rockets. Known for his tenacity on defense and ability to protect the rim, he also had significant success on the international stage, winning a gold medal with Team USA in the 2012 London Olympics.
Chandler Key Stats
- All-NBA (Knicks)
- All-Star (Knicks)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pelicans, Knicks, Mavericks, Suns)
Lance Stephenson
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson spent the first four seasons of his career in Indiana. His best season came in 2013-14 when he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, and led the NBA in triple-doubles (5).
He was a significant contributor to the Pacers teams that made back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Stephenson later played for several other teams, including the Hornets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Lakers. Despite bouncing around the league, his dynamic playstyle and sometimes flamboyant on-court antics have made him a memorable figure in the NBA.
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)
J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith was drafted straight out of high school by the New Orleans Hornets with the 18th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. Over his career, Smith played for several NBA teams including the Nuggets, Knicks, Cavaliers, and Lakers.
His most noteworthy accomplishments came with the Cavaliers, where he was a key player in their 2016 championship run, providing crucial scoring and perimeter defense alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Smith would win another championship with LeBron in 2020 and the Lakers, but in a much more limited role.
Smith’s time in the NBA was marked by high-scoring performances and a streaky shooting style, which earned him both praise and criticism. He was known for his ability to catch fire from three-point range and go on impressive scoring runs.
