Lakers Moments: Ron Harper ends well in Los Angeles

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Taking a leap: Lakers guard Ron Harper drives to the basket past the Pacers’ Mark Jackson during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 10, 2000.

When new Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was preparing to teach the triangle offense to his young team in 1999, he decided to sign veteran free agent Harper, who had won three NBA titles under Jackson with the Chicago Bulls.

Turned out to be a great move, as Harper spent the last two seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Lakers and wound up with two more championship rings. More than just a mentor for the up-and-coming players, Harper was the starting point guard for all but four games in the regular season and all of the postseason.

During the playoffs, Harper was fourth on the team in points (10.8 points), second in assists (3.2) and second in steals (1.0). His most memorable contribution was his game-winning shot with 29.9 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Portland.

Video of the play is below and begins at the 4:40 mark.

Read more about Ron Harper and his years in Los Angeles in All Things Lakers, the L.A. Times interactive database of all things purple and gold.

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-- Chuck Schilken and Sarah Ardalani