Lakers Moments: Nick Van Exel moves quickly

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Go for it: Lakers Nick Van Exel drives up the court as the Spurs J.R. Reid and Avery Johnson press him at a game on Feb. 7, 1996.

Known as Nick the Quick, Van Exel was the Lakers’ best player in the mid-90s as the franchise transitioned between the retirement of Magic Johnson and the arrival of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The 6’1 player averaged nearly 14 points a game and was an excellent long-range shooter.

Did you know? In 1996, after he used his forearm to shove referee Ron Garretson, Van Exel was fined $25,000 and suspended seven games.

Read more about Nick Van Exel and his contribution to his team in All Things Lakers, the Los Angeles Times’ interactive database of all things purple and gold.

-- Sarah Ardalani