Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Los Angeles Lakers built one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties through dominant centers, elite playmakers and legendary scorers rather than three-point shooting. Even so, the franchise has featured outstanding perimeter shooters throughout its history. From Michael Cooper and Byron Scott during the Showtime era to Kobe Bryant’s shot-making and the modern production of LeBron James, the Lakers have produced some exceptional long-range threats.
Here are the greatest three-point shooters in Lakers history.
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is the greatest three-point shooter in Los Angeles Lakers history. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in career three-pointers made and combined remarkable longevity with elite shot creation. While known primarily for his mid-range mastery, Bryant consistently punished defenses from beyond the arc, hitting difficult pull-up threes, contested jumpers and countless clutch shots throughout his 20-year Lakers career. (Basketball Reference)
Lakers Career Highlights
- Franchise leader in career three-pointers made
- Five-time NBA Champion
- NBA MVP
- Two-time NBA Finals MVP
- 18-time NBA All-Star
2. LeBron James
LeBron James entered the NBA as an inconsistent perimeter shooter but evolved into one of basketball’s most complete offensive players. During his Lakers tenure he climbed to second on the franchise’s all-time three-point list, consistently making over 200 threes in multiple seasons while providing elite shot creation and clutch playoff shooting. (Basketball Reference)
Why He Ranks So Highly
- Second in franchise history in made three-pointers
- Elite pull-up shooter
- Outstanding playoff shot-maker
- Four-time NBA champion
3. Derek Fisher
Few players hit bigger three-pointers in Lakers history than Derek Fisher. His dependable catch-and-shoot ability, championship experience and legendary clutch performances made him an essential part of five title-winning teams. Fisher ranks third in franchise history in career three-pointers made. (Basketball Reference)
4. Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel was one of the NBA’s earliest high-volume three-point shooters. His deep range and fearless mentality made him one of the league’s most exciting guards during the 1990s, and he remains among the franchise’s all-time leaders in made three-pointers. His 183 made threes during the 1994-95 season stood as the Lakers’ single-season record for many years. (Basketball Reference)
Career Highlights
- Elite shot creator
- Former single-season franchise record holder
- Outstanding deep-range shooter
- Fan favorite throughout the 1990s
5. Byron Scott
Byron Scott was one of the premier perimeter scorers of the Showtime Lakers. His reliable outside shooting perfectly complemented Magic Johnson’s playmaking, and he finished his Lakers career among the franchise leaders in made three-pointers while winning three NBA championships. (Basketball Reference)
6. Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has rapidly become one of the Lakers’ most productive three-point shooters. His combination of efficiency, confidence and versatility has already moved him into the franchise’s top five in career made three-pointers despite still being early in his Lakers career. He continues to establish himself as one of the team’s premier perimeter threats. (Basketball Reference)
7. D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell enjoyed two productive stints with the Lakers and became one of the franchise’s most prolific three-point shooters. His smooth shooting stroke, deep range and ability to create shots off the dribble helped him rank among the Lakers’ career leaders in both three-pointers made and per-game production. (Basketball Reference)
8. Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones was one of the NBA’s best two-way guards during the 1990s. His smooth perimeter shot, athleticism and defensive excellence made him one of the league’s most complete players while helping him climb into the Lakers’ top ten in career made three-pointers. (Basketball Reference)
9. Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper is remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, but he also became a dependable three-point shooter during the Showtime era. His ability to stretch defenses while guarding the opposition’s best perimeter player made him one of the NBA’s original three-and-D specialists. (NBA.com)
10. Glen Rice
Although Glen Rice spent only three seasons with the Lakers, he remains one of the purest shooters ever to wear the purple and gold. His effortless shooting stroke, outstanding efficiency and ability to score from anywhere made him one of the league’s premier long-range threats during his time in Los Angeles.
Honorable Mentions
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Nick Young
- Kyle Kuzma
- Anthony Peeler
- Sasha Vujačić
- Steve Blake
- Brian Cook
- Jodie Meeks
Ranking the Greatest Lakers Shooters
| Rank | Player | Elite Traits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kobe Bryant | Franchise leader, elite shot creator, legendary clutch performer |
| 2 | LeBron James | High-volume scorer, deep range, all-around offensive superstar |
| 3 | Derek Fisher | Championship shooter, clutch performer, remarkable longevity |
| 4 | Nick Van Exel | Fearless scorer with exceptional range |
| 5 | Byron Scott | Showtime sharpshooter and three-time champion |
| 6 | Austin Reaves | Elite efficiency and rapidly rising franchise leader |
| 7 | D’Angelo Russell | Smooth high-volume perimeter scorer |
| 8 | Eddie Jones | Outstanding two-way guard with dependable range |
| 9 | Michael Cooper | Original three-and-D specialist and elite defender |
| 10 | Glen Rice | One of the purest shooting strokes in franchise history |
Final Thoughts
Although the Lakers’ championship legacy was built around players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal, elite three-point shooting has played an important role across multiple eras. Kobe Bryant stands comfortably at the top thanks to his franchise records, longevity and legendary shot-making, while LeBron James, Derek Fisher and Nick Van Exel each left lasting marks as some of the greatest long-range shooters to wear a Lakers uniform.