The Los Angeles Lakers are famous for their All-Star players. Fans know legends like Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. But there are lesser-known players who also made it to the All-Star Game. One of them is Cedric Ceballos.
In 1994, the Lakers missed the playoffs for the first time in 18 seasons. It was a tough time for the team, and they needed a change. They traded a future draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for Ceballos, who was stuck on the bench behind superstar Charles Barkley.
Many expected another disappointing season, but Ceballos played a big role in turning things around. After Hall of Famer James Worthy retired, Ceballos became the team’s leading scorer. He averaged 21.7 points per game and was selected for the All-Star Game. Sadly, an injury kept him from playing in the event.
That season, Ceballos scored 50 points in a memorable game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a highlight in an otherwise mixed tenure with the Lakers.
However, things took a turn for the worse. Ceballos faced problems with self-entitlement, which affected team dynamics. By late 1995, he abruptly left the team and was found on a houseboat in Arizona. After he returned to L.A., he was traded back to the Suns for Robert Horry, who later played a crucial role in winning three championships for the Lakers in the early 2000s.
Despite his ups and downs, Ceballos remains a fond memory for many Lakers fans who remember his brief but impactful time with the team.
This article was inspired by information found on LeBron Wire: Lesser known Lakers All-Stars: Cedric Ceballos
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Los Angeles Lakers,Cedric Ceballos,Elgin Baylor,Wilt Chamberlain,NBA All-Star Game,Magic Johnson,Shaquille O'Neal,Kobe Bryant,Jerry West,Phoenix Suns,Minnesota Timberwolves
