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Fullerton Today
By the People, for the People
Cedric Ceballos' Lakers Jersey History Revisited
A look back at the career of the former Lakers forward who made the All-Star team in 1995.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Cedric Ceballos, a second-round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 1990, emerged as a potent scorer in the NBA but was mostly stuck on the bench behind Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. In 1994, the Lakers traded their 1995 first-round pick to the Suns to acquire Ceballos, who helped the team return to the playoffs in his first season in Los Angeles. However, Ceballos tarnished his reputation late in the 1995-96 season when he left the team unannounced and was found water skiing in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The Lakers subsequently traded him back to Phoenix midway through the next season.
Why it matters
Ceballos' stint with the Lakers was a mixed bag, as he provided much-needed offensive talent but also caused controversy with his unannounced departure. His story is a reminder of the ups and downs professional athletes can face, and how a single misstep can impact a player's legacy.
The details
Ceballos starred at California State University, Fullerton for two years before being drafted by the Suns in the second round in 1990. He started to emerge as a scorer in the NBA, but was mostly stuck behind Barkley in Phoenix. In the summer of 1994, the Lakers traded their 1995 first-round pick to the Suns to acquire Ceballos. In his first season in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 21.7 points and 8 rebounds per game, making the NBA All-Star team and helping the Lakers return to the playoffs. However, Ceballos tarnished his reputation late in the 1995-96 season when he left the team unannounced and was found water skiing in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The Lakers traded him back to Phoenix midway through the 1996-97 season for Robert Horry, who became a key part of the Lakers' three-peat championship teams in the early 2000s.
- Cedric Ceballos was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the second round in 1990.
- In the summer of 1994, the Lakers traded their 1995 first-round pick to the Suns to acquire Ceballos.
- In the 1994-95 season, Ceballos averaged 21.7 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Lakers and made the NBA All-Star team.
- Late in the 1995-96 season, Ceballos left the Lakers team unannounced and was found water skiing in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
- Midway through the 1996-97 season, the Lakers traded Ceballos back to the Suns for Robert Horry.
The players
Cedric Ceballos
A second-round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 1990 who emerged as a potent scorer in the NBA, but was mostly stuck behind Hall of Famer Charles Barkley on the Suns' bench.
Robert Horry
The player the Lakers acquired from the Suns in the trade that sent Cedric Ceballos back to Phoenix. Horry went on to become a key part of the Lakers' three-peat championship teams in the early 2000s.
The takeaway
Ceballos' story is a reminder of the ups and downs professional athletes can face, and how a single misstep can impact a player's legacy. His controversial departure from the Lakers overshadowed his All-Star season and contributed to the team trading him away, leading to the arrival of Robert Horry who became a key part of their championship teams.
