Fan Breakdown: Five Greatest Lakers of All Time
Ranking the top five Los Angeles Lakers of all time is just as sticky as naming the actual top five. Do I consider impact on the teams history as a whole (Jerry West)? Do I consider only on court accomplishments by players that played their entire careers for only the Lakers? Do I rank them by position?
The order is most important. Do I consider how many rings the player has worn? Do I take into consideration a player that won with the Lakers then jumped ship and now plays for the dreaded Boston Celtics (he shall remain nameless)? When reading the list all these answers will become apparent. The following are the top five Los Angeles Lakers of all time.
No.5 Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain holds the Los Angeles Lakers record for most rebounds per game, averaging an amazing 19.24 rebounds per game as a Laker and in the 1968-1969 season he averaged 21.1 rebounds per game. If it were not for Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain would have won many more NBA Championship rings.
No.4 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is playing for his sixth NBA Championship this season and he is the leading scorer in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. Why is Kobe Bryant not the number one Los Angeles Laker of all time? The top three Los Angeles Lakers were instrumental in creating the atmosphere that led to Kobe Bryant's five NBA titles and some day Bryant may ascend to the top spot if he takes on a leadership role after his playing career ends.
No.3 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did not play his entire career as a Los Angeles Laker but is known first and foremost for his patented sky hook while wearing his Lakers purple and gold No. 33 jersey. Jabbar was the rock solid personality on the floor that brought along a talented young rookie in Magic Johnson and made a man out of the exuberant and excitable point guard from Michigan State.
No.2 Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson was the total package athletically when he arrived in Los Angeles as a rookie. Johnson had instincts and the desire to win that invigorated an aging Jabbar. When Magic Johnson won his first game as a Laker in 1979 he was so excited that he leaped into the arms of a startled Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Taken aback by the enthusiasm, Jabbar eventually fed off Johnson's energy and they became a formidable force in the NBA.
No.1 Jerry West
Jerry West, also known as "The Logo", is the number one Los Angeles Laker of all time based on more than his accomplishments on the court. Jerry West has been the architect of the Los Angeles Lakers success from the '80s through the new century. Most recently by spotting Kobe Bryant and moving heaven and earth to clothe him in the purple and gold.
West will go down in history as a Hall of Fame pro basketball player but he is the greatest NBA general manager of all time. Feel free to list opposing top five Lakers lists below since I am sure there will be little agreement on this subject.
Statistical sources:
Published by Todd Jacobs
Todd Jacobs is from Anaheim, California and resides in the city of Las Vegas. Todd worked for Orange Coast Magazine as News Editor in the 80s and recently began writing for several online sites including:... View profile
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