Fansided

15 best NBA Draft Lottery lucky charms

By Nathaniel Reeves

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: The 2011 Draft class including Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Knight, Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker pose for a group photo during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: The 2011 Draft class including Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Knight, Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker pose for a group photo during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches from the stands as his team plays the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Knicks won 101-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches from the stands as his team plays the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Knicks won 101-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

10. Native American rock, Los Angeles Lakers

Like the Celtics, the Lakers haven’t been in the Draft Lottery too often over the years, at least until the past couple of seasons. When Los Angeles had a rare down season in 2005, it brought one of the most unique good luck charms in Lottery history.

Lakers President Jeanie Buss carried a rock with Native American symbols etched on it that was said to be a good luck charm. As you might have guessed, the rock originally belonged to the Zen Master himself, Phil Jackson. Jackson had been dismissed from his coaching job with the Lakers the year before, but had been in a longtime relationship with Buss at the time.

The charm didn’t move the Lakers from 10th in the 2005 Draft Lottery. However, they used the pick on Andrew Bynum, who tuned out to be far better than some of the players drafted around him such as Ike Diogu and Fran Vazquez.

Bynum went on to turn in a few excellent seasons and Jackson was rehired as the Lakers coach later that offseason. Los Angeles started a run of eight consecutive playoff appearances that year, including two titles.

For how perfect a Native American rock fits as a good luck charm for Jackson and the Lakers, it ranks as one of the best in Lottery history.

Next: 9. Crystal miniature basketball, Philadelphia 76ers

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