Throughout their storied history, from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, the Lakers have seen 506 players wear the purple and gold. While legends dominate the narrative, every jersey number tells a story. Today, we look back at a high-scoring college phenom who briefly wore No. 33 for the Lakers: Travis Grant.

Selected 13th overall in the 1972 NBA Draft, Grant arrived in Los Angeles fresh off the franchise's first championship on the West Coast. The Lakers were hoping the 6-foot-7 forward could translate his legendary collegiate scoring to the pros. At Kentucky State University, Grant was a pure bucket, amassing a staggering 4,045 points—a total that even surpassed Pete Maravich's famed Division I record at the time.

However, cracking a rotation featuring icons like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Gail Goodrich proved difficult. In a limited role, Grant averaged just 3.8 points in 4.6 minutes per game as a rookie. Early in his second season, the Lakers waived him, ending his brief tenure with the team.

Grant found his professional footing in the rival ABA. With the San Diego Conquistadors, freed from deferring to Hall of Fame teammates, he showcased the scoring touch that made him a college star. During the 1974-75 season, he flourished, averaging 25.2 points per game. He would later play for the Kentucky Colonels and Indiana Pacers before his pro career concluded.

While his time with the Lakers was short, Travis Grant's journey from a record-setting college scorer to a prolific ABA talent is a fascinating chapter in basketball history, reminding us that every player who has worn the jersey has a unique path.