Los Angeles Basketball - Best Players of All Time
From packed gyms in Inglewood, Compton, and South Central, to outdoor courts near Venice Beach, and late-night runs deep in the Valley, this city breeds hoopers with grit, skill, and soul. The names change from neighborhood to neighborhood, but the fire stays the same. In LA, basketball isn’t just a game. It’s part of our identity.
This is a celebration of 20 legends who represent the full spectrum of LA basketball greatness. From the polished pros who rose through UCLA and USC, to the underdogs who came out of nowhere and took over the league, these are the players who carried the city with them every time they stepped on the floor. Each of them has a story rooted in the places we know. Some battled through the high schools of the Inland Empire, others made noise in gyms near Long Beach, and some came up right off Pico, Crenshaw, or Santa Monica.
From Kawhi Leonard’s unshakable cool to James Harden’s game-breaking creativity, Paul Pierce’s clutch DNA, and Russell Westbrook’s unmatched fire, these players didn’t just make it to the league. They brought LA with them. This list isn’t about hype. It’s about legacy. From Finals MVPs to triple-double machines, smooth-scoring wings to defensive anchors, these are the players who made people take notice. And they did it LA-style.
If you know the city, you know the vibe. Let’s take a deep dive into the hoopers who defined LA basketball across generations.
1) Kawhi Leonard
High School: King High School in Riverside, CA
College: San Diego State University
NBA Career Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG
NBA Awards: 2× NBA Champion (2014, 2019), 2× NBA Finals MVP, 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 5× NBA All-Star.
Kawhi Leonard, a Riverside native and King High School alum, wasn’t a top-ranked recruit, but he quickly made his mark at San Diego State with his relentless motor and defensive prowess. Drafted 15th overall in 2011 by the Indiana Pacers, he was traded on draft night to the San Antonio Spurs—a franchise that would mold him into a superstar. Leonard is one of the most complete two-way players in NBA history: a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time NBA Finals MVP (2014, 2019). Nicknamed “The Claw” for his enormous hands and suffocating perimeter defense, Kawhi became known for his stoic demeanor, methodical offensive game, and clutch performances—including the iconic buzzer-beater that sent Toronto to the 2019 Finals. Now with the Clippers, Leonard remains a quiet killer on the court, a four-time All-NBA First Teamer, and one of the few players in history to win Finals MVP with two different franchises.
2) James Harden
High School: Artesia High School in Lakewood, CA
College: Arizona State University
NBA Career Stats: 24.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.2 APG
NBA Awards: 2× NBA MVP (2018, 2019), 10× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA Scoring Champion
James Harden, born in Los Angeles and a product of Artesia High School in Lakewood, emerged as a star at Arizona State University, where he led the Sun Devils to national relevance. He was selected 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009, winning Sixth Man of the Year before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012. There, Harden transformed into one of the most dominant offensive players the league has ever seen. A 3-time scoring champion and the 2018 NBA MVP, Harden is one of only five players in NBA history to average over 35 points per game for an entire season. Known for his revolutionary step-back three, foul-drawing craftiness, and elite court vision, he redefined isolation play in the modern NBA. He’s also a prolific passer, often finishing near the top of the league in assists. Now with the Clippers, Harden brings a veteran presence and elite playmaking to his hometown team as he continues to chase that elusive NBA title.
3) Paul Pierce
High School: Inglewood High School in Inglewood, CA
College: University of Kansas
NBA Career Stats: 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG
NBA Awards: NBA Champion (2008), NBA Finals MVP (2008), 10× NBA All-Star, 1× NBA Scoring Champion
Paul Pierce, known as “The Truth,” was a hometown hero from Inglewood High School before heading to the University of Kansas. Drafted 10th overall in 1998 by the Boston Celtics, Pierce built a Hall of Fame career as one of the most clutch and fundamentally sound scorers of his era. He played with a deceptive quickness, elite footwork, and a deadly midrange jumper that allowed him to thrive even as the game evolved. Pierce averaged nearly 20 points per game over his 19-year career, earning 10 All-Star nods and leading Boston to an NBA title in 2008, where he won Finals MVP. What made Pierce special was his ability to rise in the biggest moments—his poise, toughness, and late-game heroics made him a Celtic legend and one of the most respected wings of the 2000s.
4) Marques Johnson
High School: Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
NBA Career Stats: 20.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.6 APG
NBA Awards: 5× NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team (1979)
Marques Johnson, a Los Angeles native and product of Fairfax High School, starred at UCLA under the legendary John Wooden system before being drafted 3rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1977. Johnson was a trailblazing forward who could score, rebound, and facilitate with equal skill—well before the era of point-forwards. He averaged over 20 points per game in six of his first seven seasons and made five All-Star appearances. Smooth, cerebral, and physical, Marques was known for his advanced footwork and midrange efficiency. His all-around skill set and toughness made him one of the most complete wings of the late 1970s and early '80s.
5) Russel Westbrook
High School: Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
NBA Career Stats: 21.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 8.0 APG
NBA Awards: NBA MVP (2017), 9× NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020), 2× NBA Scoring Champion (2015, 2017), 3× NBA Assists Leader (2018, 2019, 2021), 2× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017), 5× All-NBA Second Team, 2× All-NBA Third Team
Russell Westbrook, from Lawndale’s Leuzinger High School, was an unheralded recruit who exploded onto the scene at UCLA. Selected 4th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 (who became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Westbrook became one of the most electrifying guards the league has ever seen. Known for his unmatched explosiveness, aggressive drives, and competitive fire, Westbrook made history by averaging a triple-double for an entire season—something previously done only by Oscar Robertson—and he did it four times. The 2017 NBA MVP and 9-time All-Star led the league in scoring twice and assists three times. Despite his chaotic playing style, Westbrook is one of the most passionate and durable guards in NBA history and a proud representative of L.A. basketball toughness.
6) Klay Thompson
High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
College: Washington State University
NBA Career Stats: 19.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG
NBA Awards: 4× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), 5× NBA All-Star.
The 4 time NBA Champion is the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita and attended Santa Margarita Catholic High before starring at Washington State. Drafted 11th overall by Golden State in 2011, Klay has become one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. A four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, Thompson is best known for his ability to catch fire and score in bunches—famously scoring 37 points in one quarter and 60 points in just 29 minutes. His textbook shooting form, elite off-ball movement, and defensive prowess make him the perfect complement to Stephen Curry. On both ends of the floor, Klay embodies efficiency, toughness, and composure.
7) Paul George
High School: Knight High School in Palmdale, CA
College: California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
NBA Career Stats: 20.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG
NBA Awards: 6× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA Team, 2× NBA All-Defensive Team
Paul George, born in Palmdale, CA, was lightly recruited out of Knight High School but blossomed at Fresno State before being selected 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2010. Initially known for his defense, George developed into an elite two-way wing, earning multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive honors. Smooth, athletic, and skilled, PG13 is known for his slashing drives, pull-up jumpers, and perimeter defense. After recovering from a gruesome leg injury in 2014, George returned stronger than ever, even finishing third in MVP voting in 2019. He currently plays alongside Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers, anchoring one of the most talented duos in the NBA.
8) Reggie Miller
High School: Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
NBA Career Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG
NBA Awards: 5× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA Third Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Reggie Miller, raised in Riverside, California, and a standout at UCLA, was drafted 11th overall in 1987 by the Indiana Pacers. Often overlooked early in his career, Miller became one of the most feared shooters in NBA history. A five-time All-Star, Reggie retired as the all-time leader in three-pointers made (a record later surpassed). Known for his lightning-quick release, endless stamina, and penchant for clutch moments—especially against the Knicks—Miller earned a reputation as the ultimate big-game sniper. His 8 points in 9 seconds remains one of the most iconic moments in playoff history. Reggie was the original "off-ball movement" master and helped define the modern perimeter game.
9) Dennis Johnson
High School: Dominguez High School (Compton, CA)
College: Pepperdine
NBA Career Stats: 14.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.0 APG
NBA Awards: 3× NBA Champion (1974, 1976, 1981), NBA Finals MVP (1979), 5× NBA All-Star, 9× NBA All-Defensive Team
Dennis Johnson, born in Compton, California, was a late bloomer who rose from obscurity to become one of the most respected guards in NBA history. After a strong showing at Pepperdine and then the University of Arizona, he was drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics. Known simply as “DJ,” he was a lockdown defender, floor general, and clutch performer. Johnson won three NBA championships—one with Seattle in 1979 (where he was Finals MVP) and two with Boston alongside Larry Bird. His hard-nosed defense and leadership were crucial to those title teams, and he’s remembered as one of the best perimeter defenders of all time.
10) Baron Davis
High School: Crossroads School in Santa Monica, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
NBA Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG
NBA Awards: 2× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000
Baron Davis, a Los Angeles native and product of Crossroads School in Santa Monica, was a flashy, powerful point guard with next-level court vision and highlight-reel athleticism. He played two years at UCLA before being drafted 3rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1999. Davis made two All-Star teams and led the league in steals twice, but he’s perhaps best remembered for his time with the “We Believe” Golden State Warriors, where he led the 8th-seeded squad to an upset over the top-seeded Mavericks in 2007. At 6'3", Davis played with the strength of a forward and the creativity of a streetball legend, bringing an exciting, L.A. flair to every game.
11) Gilbert Arenas
High School: Grant in Van Nuys, California
College: University of Arizona
NBA Career Stats: 20.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.0 APG
NBA Awards: 3× NBA All-Star, 1× All-NBA Third Team, NBA Most Improved Player (2003)
Gilbert “Agent Zero” Arenas emerged from Los Angeles’ Grant High and starred at Arizona before slipping to the Golden State Warriors as the 31st pick in 2001. He became a Washington Wizards icon from 2003 to 2010, earning three All-Star nods and two All-NBA selections. Arenas was a fearless scorer who could “cook” defenders with quick shots and dynamic moves. His 2002–03 Most Improved Player award reflected his leap into elite offensive territory, averaging around 20.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. Charismatic and clutch, he popularized the “Agent Zero” persona—though off-court issues later clouded his legacy.
12. Jrue Holiday
High School: Campbell Hall School (North Hollywood, CA)
College: UCLA
NBA Career Stats: 16.0 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.5 RPG
NBA Awards: 2× NBA Champion (2021, 2024), 2× NBA All-Star, 6× NBA All-Defensive Team
Born in Chatsworth and a UCLA product, Jrue Holiday was drafted 17th overall by the 76ers in 2009. A consummate two-way guard, he’s known for elite perimeter defense and steady playmaking. Holiday has earned multiple All-Defensive Team honors and was a vital piece of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship and Boston’s 2024 title. A quiet leader and intelligent floor general, Jrue brings toughness, calm under pressure, and a reputation as one of the best defensive guards of his generation.
13. DeMar DeRozan
High School: Compton High School (Compton, CA)
College: University of Southern California (USC)
NBA Career Stats: 21.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.0 APG
NBA Awards: 6× NBA All-Star, 2× All-NBA Second Team, 1× All-NBA Third Team
From Compton to USC, DeMar “Deebo” DeRozan became a smooth-scoring wing with a midrange mastery that led to multiple All-Star selections. The Toronto Raptors picked him 9th in 2009, where he became the franchise’s leading scorer and a perennial playoff force. DeRozan blends athleticism and craft—a fearless mid-range bomber and consistent threat in isolation. Though he never won a title, his scoring consistency, footwork, and clutch temperament have made him one of the league’s most respected veterans and an all-time midrange specialist. A fixture at LA's Drew League, DeRozan is a favorite of the city.
14. Gail Goodrich
High School: John H. Francis Polytechnic High School (Los Angeles, CA)
College: UCLA
NBA Career Stats: 18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 RPG
NBA Awards: 1× NBA Champion (1972), 5× NBA All-Star, Hall of Fame inductee
A Los Angeles basketball treasure, Gail Goodrich starred at UCLA before joining the Lakers in 1970. He was a cornerstone of the 1971–72 team that set an NBA record with 33 straight wins and clinched the championship. Goodrich averaged 25.9 points per game that season and was known for his smooth left-handed shot, quick release, and competitive fire. A five-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, he was a pioneer of the modern scoring guard and a crucial figure in Lakers history.
15. Paul Westphal
High School: Aviation High School (Redondo Beach, CA)
College: USC
NBA Career Stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.4 APG, 1.9 RPG
NBA Awards: 1× NBA Champion (1974), 5× NBA All-Star, 1× All-NBA First Team, 3× All-NBA Second Team, Hall of Fame inductee
Paul Westphal, born in Torrance, was an All-American at USC and drafted in 1972. He won an NBA title with the Celtics in 1974 and helped lead the Phoenix Suns to their first Finals appearance in 1976. Westphal was a creative, high-IQ guard with strong scoring instincts, averaging over 20 points per game for five straight seasons. He made five All-Star teams and was known for his smart, unselfish play. After retiring, Westphal went on to become a successful coach, further solidifying his legacy in basketball.
16. Kiki Vandeweghe
High School: Palisades High School (Los Angeles, CA)
College: UCLA
NBA Career Stats: 19.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.0 APG
NBA Awards: 2× NBA All-Star
Kiki Vandeweghe, a skilled forward out of UCLA, was drafted 11th overall in 1980 and enjoyed a highly productive career, particularly with the Nuggets and Trail Blazers. He averaged nearly 20 points per game over his career and had multiple seasons scoring over 25 per game. Known for his graceful shooting stroke, turnaround jumpers, and crafty footwork, Vandeweghe was a pure scorer who thrived in half-court sets. He later transitioned into a successful NBA executive, influencing the game from the front office.
17. Evan Mobley
High School: Rancho Christian School (Temecula, CA)
College: USC
NBA Career Stats: 15.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.7 APG
NBA Awards: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2022), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
Evan Mobley, from Temecula and USC, was drafted 3rd overall by Cleveland in 2021. A 7-footer with a 7'4" wingspan, he blends rim protection, mobility, and perimeter touch—traits rarely found in modern bigs. By his fourth season, Mobley was already one of the top defenders in the league, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. His impact on both ends of the court, smooth scoring touch, and shot-blocking instincts have made him the foundation of Cleveland’s future and a potential perennial All-Star.
18. LaMelo Ball
High School: Chino Hills High School (Chino, CA)
College: N/A
NBA Career Stats: 19.4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 6.3 RPG
NBA Awards: NBA Rookie of the Year (2021), 1× NBA All-Star
LaMelo Ball, the youngest of the Ball brothers and a product of Chino Hills High School, rose to national fame as a high school phenom thanks to his flashy passes, deep shooting range, and viral highlights. Forgoing college, LaMelo took his talents to Australia’s NBL, where he impressed scouts with his maturity and court vision. He was selected 3rd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2021. With his rare combination of size (6'7"), handles, and elite playmaking instincts, LaMelo quickly became one of the most exciting young guards in the league. A dynamic floor general and showman, he earned his first All-Star appearance in 2022 and continues to evolve as the face of the Hornets franchise.
19. Tyson Chandler
High School: Dominguez High School (Compton, CA)
College: None (entered NBA directly from high school)
NBA Career Stats: 8.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG
NBA Awards: 1× NBA Champion (2011), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2012), 1× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Defensive Team
Tyson Chandler, born in Hanford, CA, was drafted 2nd overall in 2001 by the Chicago Bulls. He became a dominant interior presence over his career, known for rebounding, shot-blocking, and anchoring elite defenses. Chandler was the defensive linchpin of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks championship team, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors the following season. A classic rim-running center, Chandler’s leadership, physicality, and elite defensive instincts made him one of the most valuable big men of his era.
20. Andre Miller (Tie)
High School: Verbum Dei High School (Los Angeles, CA)
College: University of Utah
NBA Career Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.5 APG, 3.7 RPG
NBA Awards: NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000), led NBA in assists (2002)
A native of Los Angeles, Andre Miller was drafted 8th overall in 1999 by the Cavaliers and went on to enjoy one of the most underrated careers in NBA history. A master of tempo and court vision, Miller wasn’t flashy but always effective. He averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 assists over 17 seasons, quietly climbing into the top 10 all-time in career assists. Miller rarely shot threes but dominated games with intelligent play, excellent post work for a guard, and leadership from the point.
20. Tayshaun Prince (Tie)
High School: Dominguez High School (Compton, CA)
College: University of Kentucky
NBA Career Stats: 11.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.4 APG
NBA Awards: 1× NBA Champion (2004), 4x NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Tayshaun Prince, from Compton and Dominguez High School, was selected 23rd overall in 2002 by the Detroit Pistons. Known for his lanky 6'9" frame and defensive instincts, Prince became an essential piece of the Pistons’ 2004 championship team. He was a versatile wing defender capable of guarding multiple positions and made his mark with one of the greatest chase-down blocks in NBA playoff history. Offensively, he brought a smooth midrange game and unselfish play, helping anchor Detroit’s gritty, defense-first identity.
Los Angeles Players
Los Angeles has always had a complicated relationship with basketball — not because of a lack of talent, but because the city is too big, too layered, and too diverse to fit one narrative. The players who’ve come out of LA don’t just represent teams. They represent generations, movements, eras, and style shifts that changed the game at every level.
From the fast-paced flair of the early 2000s to the positionless evolution of today’s game, many of the sport’s most pivotal transitions can be traced back to the gyms and blacktops of Southern California. These players shaped what the NBA looks like — not just on the court, but in how athletes express themselves, carry their communities, and define success on their own terms.
Today, you see LA’s influence everywhere. In the patience of a half-court set. In a fast-break lob. In a smooth hesitation dribble pulled straight from a high school game in Gardena or Encino. This list isn’t about ranking or debate — it’s about appreciation. It’s about how one city, with all its contradictions and cultures, became a creative engine for basketball innovation.
And here’s the truth: LA isn’t done. The next wave is already playing under the lights at Westchester, hooping at rec centers in Pacoima, or dropping 30 in a CIF game in East LA. The legacy is still being written.
Honorable Mention:
Lonzo Ball, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, Reggie Theus, Don MacLean, Trevor Ariza, Chris Mills, John Williams, Amir Johnson, Evans Burns, Hassan Adams, Amari Bailey, Nick Young, Onyeka Okongwu, Arron Afflalo, Tracy Murray, Ziaire Williams, Mack Calvin, Jason Kapono, Harold Miner, Cassius Stanley, Kevin Ollie, Marcus Williams, Brandon Jennings, Jacque Vaughn, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jared McCain, Jordan Farmar, Darren Collison, Steve Kerr, Sidney Wicks, David Greenwood, Cassius Stanley, Elden Campbell, Ed O'Bannon, Tony Snell, Kenyon Martin Jr, Ethan Thompson, Stanley Johnson, Taylor King, Allen Crabbe, Corey Benjamin, Scott Williams