NBA: Top 5 Players that played for both Celtics & Lakers

By Yash Matange

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

Shaquille O'Neal and Rick Fox aren't the only members of the Lakers three-peating squad that also played for the Celtics. — Shaquille O'Neal and Rick Fox aren't the only members of the Lakers three-peating squad of the 2000's that also played for the Celtics.

#2 Don Nelson

Career Averages:

Celtics - 872 games - 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists

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Lakers - 119 games - 4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists

Do Nelson could arguably No. 1 on the list of best players-turned-head coaches rankings. The current generation all know about his magnificent coaching - he holds the record for most number of wins as a coach (1,333) - but he was quite a capable player as well.

In his 13 seasons as a player, he spent 11 with the Celtics (1965-76) and two with the Lakers (1963-65). Given the number of years played, it's quite a natural that most of his success came with the C's - five titles (1966, 68, 69, 74, 76) and #19 jersey raised to the rafters.

Note: As a coach, he hasn't coached either of these teams.