Rick Fox suffered a severe foot injury during the 2003 playoffs, which had lasting effects on his career. At the time, he aspired to be one of the fifth starters on the loaded 2003-04 Lakers roster alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone. However, with such a star-studded lineup, it became increasingly difficult for him to regain his spot as a starter.
Comeback Attempts
Fox returned to training camp in September 2003 with hopes of making a comeback after his injury during the previous season’s playoffs. Despite his efforts to recover and get back into shape at age 35—an age considered old by NBA standards—he struggled with various ailments throughout the season.
Performance Challenges
As a result of ongoing health issues and poor shooting percentages, Fox returned late in January, averaging just 4.8 points in 22.3 minutes per game with a shooting percentage of only 32% from the field. This performance hindered his ability to regain significant playing time or contribute offensively.
Lakers’ Finals Appearance
The Lakers ultimately reached their fourth NBA Finals appearance in five years but were swept by the Detroit Pistons that year. Despite their championship aspirations, Fox’s contributions were minimal due to his injuries, which further limited his chances of making an impact.
Reflections
Fox has reflected on those challenging times, stating, "I badly wanted to be one of those guys," referring to his desire to be part of that elite starting lineup alongside basketball legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
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