Los Angeles Lakers: 5 best players in franchise history to never win a ring

Rudy LaRusso

Name not very familiar? It’s understandable. While Elgin Baylor and Jerry West were starring for the Lakers in the 1960s, Rudy LaRusso was serving as the underappreciated No. 3 option on those fantastic squads.

It’s unfortunate he’s often overlooked, because he was a star in his own right. ESPN even went as far as naming LaRusso the 16th-best player in Lakers history. Known for his physical style of play and dominance on the boards, he epitomized the tenacious defense that was characteristic of the league in those days.

During his eight seasons with the Lakers, LaRusso went to the Finals on four separate occasions. As luck would have it, though, all four resulted in losses to the Boston Celtics. He obviously did his part to make it to the show, but could never do enough to earn himself the jewelry every NBA player lusts after.

LaRusso ended his career with five All-Star nods and even earned All-Defensive Second Team honors once. His career averages of 15.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game provide further evidence to the outstanding impact he made for Minneapolis/Los Angeles.

For everything he contributed to the Lakers’ string of Finals losses, it’s disappointing to know he never tasted the sweetness of the ultimate NBA success.