Tom Foster
Ranking the top 10 LA Lakers players of all time isn’t that easy. But it’s fun to see who people put on top.
Kobe Bryant
Did you expect to see someone else at the top? In the history of the LA Lakers, he’s great, but in the NBA he was pure awesome.
Magic Johnson
There’s a good reason why Earvin was nicknamed “Magic”. His rivalry with Larry Bird was a massive highlight of his career, but what he did for the NBA in LA was iconic.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
How many people remember that he won a ring with the Milwaukee Bucs? True, his time in LA did overshadow this in a big way, but he was a champion from the word ‘go’.
Jerry West
Saying goodbye to a legend of the sport and one of the more iconic LA Lakers is tough. But recognizing his contributions via his gameplay and nicknames, “Mr. Logo”, Mr. Clutch”, and a few more, make an ironclad case for counting him among the greatest players in LA.
Shaquille O’Neal
Watching Shaq come on the scene was intense. From shattering backboards to creating a power couple with Kobe, he’s been one of the greats no matter where he ended up.
James Worthy
Many would argue that Worthy didn’t get enough credit as part of the Showtime Lakers in the 80s, and they’d be right. He was a vital part of the team during his time.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt’s career is tied to Jerry West’s thanks to their historical games, and rightly so. But his name in the NBA is still said with a certain reverence.
Elgin Baylor
It’s way too easy to overlook someone like Baylor, who played for the team when they were still in Minneapolis. But looking back into the records it’s simple to see how he helped to create the dynasty to come.
George Mikan
What feels unfair when talking about players like Baylor and Mikan is that they played in an era that predates the Lakers’ move to LA. But it’s justifiable to say that they laid the groundwork for the team.
LeBron James
Let’s put it this way, LeBron is a great player. But he’s also riding high on the backs of many great players who have come before him. There’s nothing to take away from his game, just a need to recognize who built the franchise.