Lakers Universe, Lakers Roster 2004

Los Angeles Lakers 2003/2004 roster, including players like Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone and Gary Payton, pictures, draft picks and playoff roster 2003/2004.

Shaq, Kobe, Payton and Malone !!!

Entering the offseason without the label "champion" attached to their name for the first time in 4 years, the Lakers assembled one of the greatest NBA roster ever.

Karl Malone:
Second-leading scorer in NBA history and considered perhaps the greatest power forward ever, signed a 2-year deal worth about $3.2 million.

Gary Payton:
One of the finest NBA point guards, signed a two-year contract worth $10.4 million.

* Both can opt out after the first season. * Both accepted big paycuts from their salaries (Malone earned $20 million last season and Payton $12) for the chance to win a championship. * Payton and the Sonics played in the NBA Finals once and Malone with his Jazz did it twice. But every time they had the bad luck to face Michael Jordan in his prime. * Magic Johnson gave the Mailman his permission to wear his retired No. 32. Malone wore No. 32 for 18 seasons in Utah, but, as a sign of respect will use another number.

More additions:


Horace Grant	38 years old and 16-year veteran who was member of the Lakers 2001 title team, will be Karl Malone's backup at power forward. He also was a member of the Bulls' championship teams in 1991, '92 and '93.

Bryon Russell	32 years old free agent guard from the Wizards

Lakers Draft Picks:


	Brian Cook: First round, 24th, forward, 6-10 (2.08 m), 240 p (108.4 kg), birthdate: Dec 4, 1980 (Lincoln, Ill.), High School: Lincoln HS (Lincoln, Ill.) Career Highlights: Named Third Team All-America by AP as a senior. Named Big Ten Player of the Year by conference coaches and media as a senior. Ranks third all-time in Illinois history in scoring and fifth in rebounding.

Luke Walton: Second round, 32nd, forward, 6-8 (2.03 m) 245p (111.1 kg) birthdate: March 28, 1980 (San Diego, Calif.), High School: University HS (San Diego, Calif.) He is the son of Hall of Famer Bill Walton. Career Highlights: Named Honorable Mention All-America by AP following junior and senior seasons. Ranks 4th in school history with 582 assists. One of three players in Pac-10 history to total 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists. During four-year career, Arizona won 102 of his 129 (.791) games played

Players gone:


Robert Horry	the Lakers didn't exercise their option, and as a free agent, Horry signed a two-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Mark Madsen	a fan favorite who averaged 3.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.5 minutes in 54 games last season signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent.
Samaki Walker	free agent. New team: Miami Heat
Brian Shaw	retired after 14 NBA seasons.
Tracy Murray	free agent. Went to Portland.

This is the 2003/2004 Los Angeles Lakers roster

NO.	PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	YRS	DOB
2	Derek Fisher	G	6-1	205	7	8/9/74
3	Devean George	G-F	6-8	240	4	8/29/77
8	Kobe Bryant	G	6-6	215	7	8/23/78
12	Jannero Pargo *	G	6-1	170	1	9/22/79
14	Stanislav Medvedenko	F	6-10	255	3	4/4/79
17	Rick Fox	F	6-7	235	12	7/24/69
21	Kareem Rush	G	6-6	215	1	10/30/80
34	Shaquille O'Neal	C	7-1	335	11	3/6/72
4	Luke Walton	F	6-8	245	R	3/28/80
7	Brian Cook	F	6-10	240	R	12/4/80
20	Gary Payton	G	6-4	180	13	7/23/68
11	Karl Malone	F	6-9	256	18	7/24/63
54	Horace Grant	F	6-10	245	16	7/4/65
9	Bryon Russell	G-F	6-7	225	10	12/31/70
31	Jamal Sampson	F	6-11	235	1	5/15/83

��* As a free agent went to Toronto and then to Chicago


Head Coach			Phil Jackson
Assistant Coaches:			Tex Winter Kurt Rambis Frank Hamblen Jim Cleamons
Trainer:			Gary Vitti