Basketball Players who Played for Suns 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 Phoenix Suns 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 Suns and the 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)
Steve Nash
Steve Nash is widely recognized as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Born in South Africa and raised in Canada, Nash played 18 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.
Nash was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1996 NBA Draft. After two seasons, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki to create one of the most potent duos in the NBA. Nash blossomed in Dallas, earning his first All-Star selection in 2002.
In 2004, Nash returned to Phoenix, where he enjoyed the peak of his career. Under Coach Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced, offense-oriented system, Nash won back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player awards in 2005 and 2006, a rare feat for point guards.
Nash Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Suns, Mavericks, Lakers)
- MVP (Suns)
- All-NBA (Mavericks, Suns)
- All-Star (Mavericks, Suns)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Mavericks, Suns)
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)
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)
