This past week, Gary Payton was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. The one-time Laker averaged 16.3 points and 6.7 assists in his career and was the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year. Payton made three Finals appearances, where he eventually won his one and only championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Another former Laker is also eligible for the Hall of Fame, and there is much debate about Robert Horry’s chances. While he didn’t put All-Star numbers like Chris Webber, Alonzo Mourning, Anfernee Hardaway, or Eddie Jones, Horry is considered one of the greatest clutch performers in the game. He wasn’t any ordinary role player as he has the fourth most championships in NBA History with seven and is one of only two players to win with three different teams.
With players like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady expected to be future Hall of Famers, Horry deserves recognition as a winner who played his role to perfection and added to the legacies of Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan.
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