From the early days of George Mikan to the “Showtime” era with Magic Johnson to the “Black Mamba” era with Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have had no shortage of legends. Selecting the top ten players in Lakers history is no easy task. With so many legendary players to choose from, there are many factors to consider. To create a fair and objective ranking, factors such as the player’s statistics, championships won, longevity with the team, the impact on the team’s success, and overall legacy are all important considerations. Also important to consider are individual awards, such as MVP awards, All-Star selections, and All-NBA selections.
Honorable mentions
Jamaal Wilkes was a key player on the Lakers teams that won championships in 1980, 1982, and 1985. He was a reliable scorer and a tenacious defender who earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1981.
Gail Goodrich was a prolific scorer for the Lakers in the 1960s and 1970s. He earned four All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1974. He was also a key player on the Lakers team that won the championship in 1972.
Pau Gasol was a vital piece of the Lakers’ championship teams in 2009 and 2010. He was a skilled big man who could score, rebound, and pass at a high level. He earned two All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2011.
Derek Fisher was a clutch performer who hit several game-winning shots in the playoffs throughout his career. He won five championships with the Lakers and was a key member of the team’s “three-peat” from 2000-2002.
#10: Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was a dominant force in the NBA during the 1960s. He spent his entire career with the Lakers, earning 11 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA selections. He was a versatile forward who could score from anywhere on the court and was known for his acrobatic moves around the basket. Baylor’s best season came in 1961-62 when he averaged 38.3 points per game and 18.6 rebounds per game. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals that year but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games. Off the court, Baylor served as a pioneer for African-American athletes. He was one of the first black players to star in the NBA and helped pave the way for future generations of players.
#9: James Worthy
James Worthy was a vital member of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era teams in the 1980s. He was a versatile forward who could score, rebound, and pass at a high level. He earned seven All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1991. Worthy’s best season came in 1989-90 when he averaged 21.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game. He was named the NBA Finals MVP that year after leading the Lakers to a championship victory over the Detroit Pistons. Worthy’s impact on the Lakers’ success during the 1980s cannot be overstated. He was a clutch performer who always seemed to step up in big moments, whether it was hitting a game-winning shot or making a crucial defensive play.
#8: Pau Gasol
Gasol played an instrumental role in the Lakers’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, serving as the team’s second scoring option behind Kobe Bryant. He was also named to three All-Star teams as a Laker and was a vital piece in the team’s frontcourt, providing consistent scoring and rebounding.
#7: Jerry West
Jerry West is one of the most iconic players in NBA history, and his impact on the Lakers and the game as a whole cannot be overstated. He spent his entire career with the Lakers, earning 14 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA selections. He was a prolific scorer who could also pass and play defense at a high level. West’s best season came in 1965-66 when he averaged 31.3 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals that year but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games. Despite never winning a championship as a player, West’s impact on the Lakers’ success cannot be denied. He later went on to serve as the team’s general manager, where he helped build the Lakers teams that won championships in the 1980s and 2000s.
#6: Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt spent five seasons with the Lakers, earning one NBA championship and four NBA MVP awards. He was a prolific scorer and rebounder who could take over games with his size and athleticism. Chamberlain’s best season with the Lakers came in 1971-72 when he averaged 14.8 points per game and 19.2 rebounds per game. He helped lead the Lakers to a record-breaking 33-game winning streak that season and a championship victory over the New York Knicks.
#5: LeBron James
LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018 and quickly became the team’s leader and best player. He has earned one NBA championship and one NBA Finals MVP award with the Lakers. James’ best season with the Lakers came in 2019-20 when he averaged 25.3 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, and 10.2 assists per game. He was named the NBA Finals MVP that year after leading the Lakers to a championship victory over the Miami Heat.
#4: Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers, earning three NBA championships and three NBA Finals MVP awards. He was a formidable scorer and rebounder who could take over games with his size and athleticism. O’Neal’s best season with the Lakers came in 1999-2000 when he averaged 29.7 points per game and 13.6 rebounds per game. He was named the NBA Finals MVP that year after leading the Lakers to a championship victory over the Indiana Pacers.
#3: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earned five NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards. He was a prolific scorer and rebounder who could take over games with his size and skill. Abdul-Jabbar’s best season with the Lakers came in 1971-72 when he averaged 30.2 points per game, 16.1 rebounds per game, and 4.4 assists per game. He helped lead the Lakers to a record-breaking 33-game winning streak that season and a championship victory over the New York Knicks. He was a key member of the team’s championship teams in 1980, 1982, and 1985, and his skyhook shot remains one of the most iconic moves in NBA history.
#2: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the most iconic players in Lakers history, and his impact on the team is unlike any other. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, earning five NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards. He was a prolific scorer who could take over games with his scoring and clutch performances. Bryant’s best season came in 2005-06 when he averaged 35.4 points per game and led the league in scoring. He was named the NBA MVP that year but lost in the first round of the playoffs.
#1: Magic Johnson
For many decades, Magic Johnson’s name and likeliness was basically synonymous with Lakers lore. He spent his entire career with the team, earning five NBA championships and three NBA Finals MVP awards. He was a masterful passer and playmaker who could take over games with his scoring and leadership.
Johnson’s best season came in 1986-87 when he averaged 23.9 points per game, 12.2 assists per game, and 6.3 rebounds per game. He was named the NBA MVP that year after leading the Lakers to a championship victory over the Boston Celtics. He was the leader of the team’s “Showtime” era and helped revolutionize the way basketball was played with his fast-paced, up-tempo style.
