Who led the Lakers in points in the 1996-1997 season?

Eddie Jones led the Lakers in scoring during the 1996–97 season.

Jones averaged 17.2 points per game and played all 80 of the Lakers’ regular-season games, making him the team’s leading overall scorer. He was a versatile shooting guard known for perimeter shooting, quick hands, and strong defense. His 152 three-pointers also made him one of Los Angeles’ most important offensive contributors that season.

The answer can be confusing because Shaquille O’Neal averaged far more points—26.2 per game—but appeared in only 51 games after suffering a knee injury. Because Jones played many more games, his season total surpassed O’Neal’s. Nick Van Exel was another major offensive figure, averaging 15.3 points and leading the team with 177 made three-pointers.

The 1996–97 Lakers finished 56–26 and reached the Western Conference semifinals. Jones was selected to the NBA All-Star team and earned All-Defensive Second Team recognition. The season was also notable as the first full Lakers campaign for O’Neal, who had joined the franchise as a free agent in the summer of 1996. Jones remained a key Laker until he was traded to Charlotte in 1999.