Iconic : Top 10 Lakers of All Time
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, boasting a long list of legendary players. The Lakers are more than just a basketball team and left an indelible mark on the NBA from the fast paced excitement of the “Showtime” Era to the dominance of Shaq and Kobe. The Lakers have consistently set a standard for excellence. Further in this article we will explore all about the Top 10 Lakers of all time.
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, an iconic figure in basketball, dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and a winning attitude, leading the team to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 alongside Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant’s remarkable career includes 5 NBA championships, 2 Finals Most Valuable Player awards, 18 All-Star selections, 4 All-Star Game MVP awards, 2 scoring championships, and 2 Olympic gold medals. His contributions to the sport have rightfully earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson was better in getting a player in a position to score .Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championship during the showtime”Era of the 1990’s leadership on the court and his ability to make everyone around him better make magic the greatest Lakers of all time. his iconic jersey N0. 32 was retired by Los Angeles Lakers in 1996.
career achievement : 5× championship, 3× NBA finals most valuable player, 3× Most valuable player, 12 × NBA All star appearances , 2× NBA All star mvp, Olympic gold medalist in 1992 , NBA All Rookie First Team in 1980, Naismith memorial basketball hall of fame in 2002
3. Kareem Abdul jabbar's
In this 3rd position Kareem jabbar’s the NBA All time leading scorer Until 2023 . His trademark shot skyhook was nearly unstoppable and many times he led the Lakers to five NBA titles during his time . Kareem’s consistency for the game is Unmatchable which makes him one of the greatest Basketball players in the history of Lakers legends. HIS iconic jersey No. 33 was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989.
Career Achievement : 6 time NBA championship , 6 time NBA Most valuable player, 19 time NBA All star appearances, 2 times NBA fina , NBA rookie of the year in 1970, Naismith memorial basketball hall of fame in 1995
4. Shaquille o' neal,
Shaquille O’Neal, was the most dominant force in the NBA during his time with the Lakers. His size and strength were key factors that made him one of the greatest defenders for the Lakers. He won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 for the Lakers. Shaquille’s partnership with the legend Kobe Bryant created one of the most formidable duos in NBA history.HIS iconic Jersey No. 34 Retired by Lakers in 2013
Career achievements: 4-time NBA champion, 3-time Most Valuable Player, 15-time NBA All-Star, 3-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team, NBA Rookie of the year (1993 ) Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee In ( 2016 )
5. Jerry west
Jerry West is undeniably one of the greatest players of all time. Renowned as “The Logo,” he was the heart and soul of the Lakers from 1960 to 1970. His exceptional ability to win crucial matches in high-pressure situations made him indispensable to the team. His standing as one of the greatest guards in NBA history unequivocally secures his place among the top Lakers Legends His Iconic jersey No. 44 Retired by Lakers In 1983
Career Achievements : 1 title with the Lakers , 1× NBA finals most valuable player, 14 × all star appearances, Olympic gold medalist in 1960 ,Naismith memorial basketball hall of fame in 1980 , Lakers All Time Leading Scorer Until 1984
6. Elgin baylor
Elgin Baylor played 14 seasons for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers after being the No. 1 draft pick in 1958. Widely considered one of the greatest players in the NBA, Baylor was celebrated for his exceptional shooting, rebounding, and passing skills. His trademark hanging jump shot, acrobatic moves, scoring ability, and remarkable athleticism left an indelible mark on the game. Baylor’s NO. 22 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers, Honoring his legacy with the franchise
Career achievements: As the NBA rookie of the year in 1959 and an 11-time NBA All-Star his legacy continues to inspire. In 1996, Baylor was rightfully named as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977
7. Wilt Chamberlian
Wilt Chamberlain is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. Chamberlain spent his last five years with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he helped them win an NBA title over the New York Knicks in 1972. During his time with the Lakers, Chamberlain continued to solidify his legacy as a dominant force in the game. His iconic NO. 44 Jersey was retired by Lakers franchise in 1983.
Career achievements: – 2× NBA Champion 4× Most Valuable Player All-Star – 7× All-NBA First Team NBA Rookie of the Year In 1960 – Rebounding Champion – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame In 1976
8. George Mikan Mr basketball
Widely regarded as one of the greatest dominant big men in basketball history, Mr. Basketball played for the Lakers in the NBA from 1948 to 1956. During this period, he helped the Lakers win 5 NBA championships. Known for his revolutionary center position with his 6’10” size and skills, his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, along with his skill to shoot over smaller defenders with his hook shot, helped to change the game. His shooting technique made the Lakers one of the strongest teams of that era. The Los Angeles Lakers retired Mikan’s Jersey No 42 In .1995
Career achievements include : 5× NBA championships, 3× NBA scoring championships, 4× NBA All-Star appearances, and winning the Most Valuable Player award in 1953. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame In 1959
9. James worthy "Big Game James"
James Worthy spent his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history, the Lakers received the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 1982 first-round draft pick in 1979 in exchange for Don Ford. Known for his exceptional athleticism, great speed, agility, and leaping ability, Worthy, also known as “Big Game James,” will always be remembered for his clutch performances. The Los Lakers retired Worthy’s No 42 jersey In 1992
Career achievements : – 3× NBA championships – In 1988, he won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award – 7-time NBA All-Star – 1990 and 1991 NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1983 – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003
10. LeBron James
LeBron James stands as one of the most complete basketball players in NBA history, often drawing comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan. Selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is renowned for his versatility in playing multiple positions from point guard to power forward. His exceptional ability to read defenses and make astute decisions has been instrumental in his remarkable basketball journey.
Career achievements: – 4 Time NBA champion – 4 Time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player – 19-time NBA All-Star – 3-time NBA All-Star Game MVP – 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year – 1-time NBA scoring champion (2008) – 2-time Olympic gold medalist – 1-time Olympic bronze medalist – 2007-2010 ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete – 2020 AP Athlete of the Year