10 Best-of-the-Best Lakers’ Players

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Determining the greatest Lakers of all time is no small feat, given the franchise’s rich history and stars who have graced its roster. While sports analysts often debate such rankings, Ranker has allowed fans to vote on their top choices. Here are the top 10 legendary players who have donned the purple and gold according to over 17,000 voters.

Magic Johnson

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Magic Johnson changed the point guard position with his 6’9″ frame and exceptional court vision. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the 1980s and earned three NBA Finals MVP awards. Johnson’s career averages of 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game show his all-around brilliance.

Kobe Bryant

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Bryant spent his 20-year career in purple and gold, where he won five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. He was an 18-time All-Star, a member of the All-NBA Team 15 times, and the 2008 NBA MVP. His 81-point game in 2006 remains the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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For two decades, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA, winning six championships (five with the Lakers) and a record six MVP awards. It took 38 years for his 38,387-point record as the leading scorer in the NBA to be broken. Abdul-Jabbar was selected to 19 All-Star teams and earned 15 All-NBA Team selections.

Shaquille O’Neal

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Shaquille O’Neal’s size, strength, and skill made him one of the most prevalent centers in NBA history. From 2000 to 2002, he won three back-to-back NBA championships with the Lakers and won the NBA Finals MVP honors each time. O’Neal was named to the All-NBA First Team five times as a Laker.

Jerry West

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Known as “Mr. Clutch” and the player depicted in the NBA logo, West was a model of excellence throughout his 14-year career with the Lakers. He was a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA Team selection, leading the Lakers to nine NBA Finals. West won an NBA championship in 1972 and was named NBA Finals MVP in 1969.

Wilt Chamberlain

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The final five seasons of Wilt Chamberlain’s illustrious career were with the Lakers, helping the team win the 1972 NBA championship. He is the only player in NBA history to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game—he did it seven times over his career. Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 remains the single-game scoring record in the NBA.

Elgin Baylor

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A creative forward, Elgin Baylor brought a new level of athleticism to the league. He had an average of 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds for each game during his career with the Lakers. Baylor was an 11-time All-Star. His career-high 71 points in a single match stood as a record until Chamberlain’s 100-point performance in 1962.

James Worthy

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Nicknamed “Big Game James,” Worthy was vital to the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty. He won three NBA championships with the team and was awarded the Most Valuable Player in the 1988 NBA Finals. Worthy was a seven-time All-Star. His performance in fast-break opportunities made him an invaluable asset to the Showtime Lakers. 

LeBron James

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LeBron James joined the Lakers and quickly made a significant impact. He led them to an NBA championship in 2020, earning his fourth NBA Finals MVP award. While playing for the Lakers, James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing record. He has earned All-Star selections in each of his seasons.

George Mikan

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Often referred to as basketball’s first superstar, George Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships during the 1940s and 1950s. Mikan topped the league in scoring thrice and rebounding once. His hook shot was a precursor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook, and his goggles became iconic in basketball history.

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