10 Biggest NBA Gamers Born In Los Angeles

10 Biggest NBA Gamers Born In Los Angeles initially appeared on Fadeaway World.

Los Angeles has lengthy been a breeding floor for basketball greatness. L.A.-born stars have formed the NBA panorama throughout generations. On this function, we rank the ten biggest NBA gamers born in Los Angeles County, celebrating legends who earned All-Star honors, MVPs, championships, and present or future Corridor of Fame recognition.

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Starting from the dominance of Kawhi Leonard to the technical brilliance of James Harden, this listing honors hometown heroes whose journeys started on L.A.’s playgrounds and led to international basketball reward. Under, we current the top-10 rating of L.A.’s best NBA gamers.

Be aware: this listing contains solely gamers born inside Los Angeles County boundaries, that means gamers born in cities equivalent to Oakland (Paul Pierce, Gary Payton, Damian Lillard) and Merced (Ray Allen) will not be included.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Born: June 29, 1991 (age 34), Los Angeles, California, United States

Born June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles County, Kawhi Leonard entered the league as a fifteenth total decide within the 2011 Draft. Over 13 seasons, he’s constructed a resume that defines excellence: a profession common of 20.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, two-time Defensive Participant of the Yr, two Finals MVPs, and two NBA titles.

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With the Clippers, he’s elevated additional, averaging 24.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.2 APG throughout 266 video games. His 2024-25 season noticed him put up 21.5/5.9/3.1 on 49.8% capturing, exhibiting elite effectivity even at age 34.

Led by actions, not phrases, Kawhi is thought for his trademark calm and clutch two-way mastery. A beast in one-on-one protection, he delivered iconic performances: 2014 Finals dominance with the Spurs, 2019 title run with Toronto (Finals MVP), and management by way of accidents and high-stakes moments in L.A. His playoff averages of 21.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and three.0 APG reinforce his consistency when it issues most.

2. James Harden

Born: August 26, 1989 (age 35), Los Angeles, California, United States

James Harden, born August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles County, constructed his legend not on protection, however on offense. Over 1,151 NBA video games, he’s averaged 24.1 PPG, 7.2 APG, 5.6 RPG, earned 11 All-Star nods, an MVP award (2017-18), Sixth Man of the Yr (2011-12), and led the league in scoring 3 times and in assists twice.

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In 2024-25 with the Clippers, he averaged 22.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, 5.8 RPG, incomes All-NBA Third Group honors. He additionally signed a two-year, $81.5 M extension in June 2025. A legacy of quantity and effectivity is what The Beard has inevitably left within the league.

To not point out, Harden’s crossover scoring modified the sport. He ranks second all-time in 3s made, surpassing Ray Allen’s 2,874 with the Clippers. His MVP season was historic: 30.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 5.4 RPG, and he topped scoring charts once more in 2019 and 2020. Whereas a title has eluded him, his offensive affect is plain.

3. Russell Westbrook

Born: November 12, 1988 (age 36), Lengthy Seaside, California, United States

Born November 12, 1988, in L.A. County, Russell Westbrook turned UCLA into his launching pad. Throughout 17 seasons and 1,237+ video games, he’s averaged 21.2 PPG, 8.0 APG, 7.0 RPG, been a 9-time All-Star, and received the 2017 MVP award by averaging the primary triple-double since Oscar Robertson.

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Although his 2024-25 season with Denver was a modest 13.3/4.9/6.1, his veteran presence grew to become the NBA’s largest discount, providing management and buy-in on a low-salary deal that helped the Nuggets stay aggressive.

Westbrook rewrote historical past by changing into the one participant to common a triple-double over a season 3 times, famously tying Oscar Robertson’s single-season triple-double mark. His all-out play fashion outlined a era, and whereas the rings are fewer, his hustle and depth made him an icon.

4. Klay Thompson

Born: February 8, 1990 (age 35), Los Angeles, California, United States 

Born February 8, 1990, in L.A. County, Klay Thompson emerged from Washington State and have become one of many biggest shooters ever. Throughout 865 profession video games, he’s averaged 19.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, hit .411 from deep, earned 5 All-Star choices, and received 4 titles with Golden State earlier than shifting to Dallas.

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In 2024-25, he posted 14.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.0 APG over 72 video games for Dallas. A devastating chilly streak can flip to Recreation‑breaking warmth; 60 factors in 29 minutes (with 37 in a single quarter!) towards Indiana in 2016 stays NBA lore.

Thompson’s rhythm is unshakeable, a catch-and-shoot murderer with a fast set off. He holds information for many threes in a recreation (14) and most factors in 1 / 4 (37). Whereas much less vocal than teammates, his gravity on the court docket opened up Golden State’s dynasty and continues to tilt trendy spacing.

5. Reggie Miller

Born: August 24, 1965 (age 59), Riverside, California, United States

A sharpshooting legend of the Indiana Pacers, Miller spent his total 18-year profession (1987-2005) averaging 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and three.0 APG, with profession capturing splits of 47.1% FG, 39.5% 3P, and 88.8% FT. He retired because the NBA’s all-time chief in made threes (2,560) and was the unique “Splash Brother” earlier than the trendy period got here.

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A 5-time All‑Star, 3× All‑NBA Third Group honoree, Corridor of Famer (2012), and NBA seventy fifth Anniversary Group member, Reggie was the face of the Pacers throughout their run to 6 Jap Convention Finals and a Finals look in 2000. He’s additionally considered one of the clutch gamers to have ever touched a basketball and simply a top-5 expertise born within the Los Angeles space.

6. Michael Cooper

Born: April 15, 1956 (age 69), Los Angeles, California, United States 

Michael Cooper was UCLA-bred however L.A.-born on April 15, 1956. Drafted sixtieth total by the Lakers in 1978, he carved out a 12-year profession (1979-90) because the defensive spine of the Showtime dynasty.

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Averaging 8.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG in 873 common‑season video games, Cooper’s worth went far past the field rating. He was honored with eight All‑Defensive choices (5 First Group) and nabbed the 1987 Defensive Participant of the Yr award.

Cooper wasn’t a flashy scorer, however his depth and defensive IQ spoke volumes. He helped lead the Lakers to 5 rings (1980, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88) and shut down elite wings night time after night time.

In 2024, he obtained overdue recognition along with his Corridor of Fame induction. In playoff play, he elevated his recreation, averaging 9.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.2 APG over 168 postseason outings.

7. Gail Goodrich

Born: April 23, 1943 (age 82), Los Angeles, California, United States 

Born April 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, Goodrich emerged from UCLA as one of many West Coast’s premier guards. Over his NBA profession, he averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 RPG, incomes 5 All-Star nods and releasing pressure-packed lefty jumpers.

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His 1971-72 season was iconic: he posted a career-high 25.9 PPG and helped anchor the 33-game profitable streak en path to an NBA title. Goodrich commanded the Lakers’ offense earlier than Magic Johnson’s period, pairing impeccable capturing with clutch administration.

A 1972 champion, his silky effectivity and management out of the pick-and-roll paved the best way for future L.A. level guards. His affect was cemented with Corridor of Fame induction, an honor befitting a guard who constantly delivered when it mattered most.

8. Paul George

Born: Might 2, 1990 (age 35), Palmdale, California, United States 

Born Might 2, 1990, in L.A., Paul George emerged from Fresno State into the NBA by way of the 2010 Draft. Over 15 seasons, he’s produced 20.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, garnered 9 All-Star bids, six All‑NBA choices, and 4 All‑Defensive nods.

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Identified for his fluid scoring and elite perimeter protection, he received a gold medal within the 2016 Olympics, received Most Improved Participant, and led the NBA in steals as soon as in 2019. Amazingly, George overcame a devastating leg harm in 2014 to return stronger than ever, incomes 2019 All-NBA First Group standing.

He additionally led the Clippers to the Western Convention Finals in 2021, averaging 26.9 PPG and elevating his defensive depth nightly. An incredible offensive creator with elite protection, PG-13 has blended talent, grit, and L.A. swagger.

9. DeMar DeRozan

Born: August 7, 1989 (age 35), Compton, California, United States 

Although largely related to Compton-born identification, DeMar DeRozan was born August 7, 1989, in L.A. His 15-year profession is constructed on clean scoring and old-school baseline craft, averaging 21.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG, with six All-Star choices, three All-NBA choices, and an Olympic gold medal.

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He’s arguably the perfect pure mid-range scorer of his era. DeRozan’s fashion is much less glam and extra grind: attacking the paint, drawing fouls, getting into mid-range pull-ups.

His transfer to Chicago in 2022 sparked a resurgence, averaging 27.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.9 APG. His candid character and signature pre-game preparations give him that ESPN-ready aura as nicely.

10. Dennis Johnson

Born: December 18, 1954 (age at demise 52), Compton, California, United States 

Born December 18, 1954, Dennis Johnson’s path started at Compton School and led to the NBA in 1976-77. A profession 14.1 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.9 RPG, he was often known as a dogged defender and on-court chief.

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Johnson earned 9 All-Defensive choices, two All-NBA nods, and 5 All-Star appearances. The 1979 Finals MVP (22.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 6.0 APG) emblemized his knack for peak moments. DJ was the spark that fueled the Sonics’ 1979 championship and later anchored the Boston Celtics’ 1984-86 three-peat.

His trademark was the steal or go-ahead shot, with game-management savviness rooted in L.A. upbringing. His defensive ferocity and clutch gene later grew to become a blueprint for profitable veterans.

Honorable Point out

Jrue Vacation

Born: June 12, 1990 (age 35), Chatsworth, California, United States 

Jrue Vacation emerged in 2009 as a consensus All-American earlier than being drafted by the 76ers. Over 16 seasons, he’s averaged 15.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.2 RPG, incomes two All-Star bids and 6 All-Defensive Group honors. His standout second got here with Milwaukee, profitable the 2021 NBA Championship as a central defensive presence.

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Vacation isn’t a flashy scorer, however his poison is two-way reliability. He even captured a second NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2024, posting 13.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 4.4 APG throughout this stint. Because the lacking piece behind two championship groups, he delivers stylistic consistency: playmaking, perimeter knockdown, and defensive self-discipline.

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This story was initially reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 5, 2025, the place it first appeared.