The Top 10 Greatest Los Angeles Lakers of All-Time
The Top 10 Greatest Los Angeles Lakers of All-Time
By Edcel Panganiban January 07, 2024 23:50
The Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most successful and storied franchises in the history of the NBA. Over the years, the Lakers have been home to some of the greatest basketball players of all time. From the early days in Minneapolis to their dominance in Los Angeles, the Lakers have had a rich history filled with incredible talent. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all time.
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Standing at 6'9" with exceptional passing skills, he revolutionized the point guard position. Johnson spent his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships and earning three NBA Finals MVP awards. His infectious smile and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite both on and off the court.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and he achieved much of that success during his time with the Lakers. Standing at 7'2", Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force in the paint, utilizing his signature skyhook shot to score at will. He won five NBA championships with the Lakers and earned three NBA Finals MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar's longevity and consistency make him one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is arguably the most beloved Lakers player of all time. Known for his incredible work ethic and competitive drive, Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships. He earned two NBA Finals MVP awards and was an 18-time NBA All-Star. Bryant's scoring prowess and clutch performances solidify his place as one of the greatest Lakers and basketball players in history.
4. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, was a dominant force during his time with the Lakers. Standing at 7'1" and weighing over 300 pounds, O'Neal was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. He won three NBA championships with the Lakers and earned the NBA Finals MVP award in each of those championship runs. O'Neal's combination of size, strength, and agility made him one of the most unstoppable players in NBA history.
5. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor is often overshadowed by some of the more recent Lakers superstars, but his impact on the game cannot be overlooked. Baylor was a scoring machine, known for his acrobatic moves and ability to score from anywhere on the court. He spent 14 seasons with the Lakers and was an 11-time NBA All-Star. Although he never won an NBA championship, Baylor's influence on the game and his contributions to the Lakers franchise make him one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
6. Jerry West
Jerry West, also known as "Mr. Clutch," is one of the most iconic Lakers players in history. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Lakers and was known for his scoring ability and clutch performances. West was an integral part of the Lakers' success in the 1960s and 1970s, leading them to the NBA Finals nine times. Although he only won one NBA championship, West's impact on the game and his consistent excellence make him one of the greatest Lakers ever.
7. James Worthy
James Worthy, also known as "Big Game James," was a key member of the Lakers' "Showtime" era teams. Standing at 6'9", Worthy was a versatile forward who could score from anywhere on the court. He won three NBA championships with the Lakers and earned the NBA Finals MVP award in 1988. Worthy's ability to perform in big moments and his contributions to the Lakers' success make him one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
8. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Although he only spent five seasons with the Lakers, Chamberlain's impact on the team was significant. Standing at 7'1" and weighing over 300 pounds, Chamberlain was a dominant force in the paint. He won one NBA championship with the Lakers and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1972. Chamberlain's sheer dominance and statistical achievements make him one of the greatest Lakers in history.
9. Gail Goodrich
Gail Goodrich was a key member of the Lakers' championship teams in the 1970s. Known for his scoring ability and smooth shooting stroke, Goodrich played a vital role in the Lakers' success during that era. He won two NBA championships with the Lakers and was named an NBA All-Star five times. Goodrich's contributions to the Lakers' success and his overall impact on the game make him one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
10. George Mikan
George Mikan is often referred to as the first dominant big man in basketball history. He played for the Lakers during their time in Minneapolis and was a dominant force in the early years of the NBA. Mikan won five NBA championships with the Lakers and was named the league's first NBA Finals MVP. His impact on the game and his contributions to the Lakers franchise make him one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been home to some of the greatest basketball players in history. From Magic Johnson to Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' rich history is filled with talented individuals who have left a lasting impact on the game. These top 10 greatest Lakers have not only achieved individual success but have also contributed to the team's championship legacy, making them true legends of the game.
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