Top 10 Lakers of All Time
Hey there, Lakers fans! As a die-hard fan myself, it’s always exciting to talk about some of the greatest players who have ever donned the purple and gold. In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the top 10 Lakers of all time, based on a combination of statistics, accolades, and personal opinion. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information About Top 10 Lakers of All Time
- The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history.
- The Lakers have had numerous legendary players throughout their history, with 10 of them making the Hall of Fame.
- The top 10 Lakers of all time list is subjective and can vary depending on who you ask, but we’ve combined objective data and personal opinion to create this list.
1. Kobe Bryant
There’s no doubt that Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest Lakers of all time. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five championships and numerous individual accolades. He was a fierce competitor and a clutch performer, and his scoring ability was second to none.
Personally, I remember watching Kobe’s 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006 and being absolutely amazed. It was a performance for the ages and cemented Kobe’s legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
2. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is another Lakers legend who spent his entire career with the team. He won five championships and was a three-time NBA MVP. His flashy style of play and ability to make his teammates better were unmatched, and he’s widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time.
I remember watching highlights of Magic when I was younger and being in awe of his passing ability. He had eyes in the back of his head and could make the most difficult passes look easy.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and won six championships during his career, five of which came with the Lakers. He was known for his unstoppable skyhook and his consistent dominance on both ends of the floor.
Personally, I had the opportunity to meet Kareem at a Lakers game a few years ago, and he was incredibly gracious and humble. It was a surreal experience to meet one of the greatest players in NBA history.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force during his time with the Lakers, winning three championships and being named NBA Finals MVP in all three. He was nearly unstoppable in the post and his combination of size and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
One of my favorite memories of Shaq was his rap album, which was released during his time with the Lakers. It was definitely a unique experience, but it just added to his larger-than-life persona.
5. Jerry West
Jerry West is one of the most iconic figures in Lakers history, serving as both a player and an executive. He won one championship as a player and was instrumental in bringing numerous championships to the team as an executive.
One of the most interesting things about Jerry West is that he’s the model for the NBA logo. It’s a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players and executives in NBA history.
6. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was a dominant force during his time with the Lakers, winning one championship and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. He was known for his scoring ability and his dominance on the glass, and his rivalry with Bill Russell is one of the most storied in NBA history.
Personally, I remember reading about Wilt’s 100-point game and being blown away. It’s a record that still stands to this day and is a testament to his incredible talent.
7. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was a scoring machine during his time with the Lakers, averaging over 27 points per game for his career. He never won a championship, but his impact on the game and his influence on future generations of players cannot be overstated.
I remember watching old footage of Elgin Baylor and being struck by how smooth his game was. He had a versatile offensive repertoire and was a true pioneer in the game.
8. James Worthy
James Worthy was a key contributor to the Lakers’ Showtime era, winning three championships and being named NBA Finals MVP in 1988. He was known for his versatility and his ability to come through in clutch situations.
One of my favorite memories of James Worthy is his performance in Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals. He scored 36 points and played a key role in helping the Lakers win the championship.
9. Gail Goodrich
Gail Goodrich was a sharpshooter during his time with the Lakers, averaging over 25 points per game in the 1971-72 season. He won one championship with the team and was known for his clutch performances in big games.
Personally, I remember watching old footage of Gail Goodrich and being struck by how smooth his shot was. He had a picture-perfect jumper and was a joy to watch on the court.
10. George Mikan
George Mikan was one of the pioneers of the NBA, helping to establish the league in its early years. He won five championships with the Lakers and was known for his dominance in the post.
One of the most interesting things about George Mikan is that he was instrumental in helping to establish the shot clock. His dominance in the post led to teams employing a four corners offense to hold the ball and run out the clock, which led to low-scoring games that were unpopular with fans.
FAQs
Who is the greatest Laker of all time?
There’s no clear answer to this question, as it depends on how you define greatest. However, Kobe Bryant is often mentioned as one of the top players in Lakers history, thanks to his five championships and numerous individual accolades.
How many championships have the Lakers won?
The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history.
Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Lakers?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer for the Lakers, with 24,176 points.
Who is the most recent Lakers player to win NBA MVP?
Shaquille O’Neal was the most recent Lakers player to win NBA MVP, winning the award in the 1999-2000 season.
Who is the oldest player to play for the Lakers?
Kurt Rambis is the oldest player to play for the Lakers, playing his final season with the team at the age of 36.
Who is the youngest player to play for the Lakers?
Andrew Bynum is the youngest player to play for the Lakers, making his debut at the age of 18.
Who is the only player in Lakers history to win Rookie of the Year?
Elgin Baylor is the only player in Lakers history to win Rookie of the Year, winning the award in the 1958-59 season.