The Los Angeles Lakers are one of, if not the most storied franchise in NBA history.
After moving from the snowy cold state of Minnesota, the Lakers franchise found a new home in sunny Southern California. The Lakers have spent 50+ seasons in Los Angeles, and have hoisted the NBA Championship trophy an astonishing 11 times.
The franchise has also showcased some of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. The all-time great Lakers are more than just franchise legends, they are considered the most celebrated players in NBA history.
The multiple jerseys hanging from the rafters in Staples Center hold special memories and have brought something extraordinary to the entire league. Ranking these players in order of greatness is like teaching a toddler to play tackle football.
It is nearly impossible, as hundreds of players are competing for the position. Nearly every decade featured legendary players who dazzled the crowd with their spectacular moves and unforgettable plays.
I will attempt to partake in a daring adventure of placing all the great Lakers into one roster. And what is a talented team without a good coach? Just take a look at the Miami Heat and tell me whether or not a good coach is needed to balance talent.
Along with the twelve man roster, there will be one great Laker coach on the bench facilitating the players. Many outstanding players will be cut, and many legends will be envying those who made the team.
First cut—the point guard position. Any guess who will end up with the spot?
Next: Point Guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Earvin Johnson had a certain swagger and charisma; his upbeat attitude and bright smile could light up any room. Along with his off-court personality, Johnson was the catalyst to the “Golden Era” in Lakers’ history.
That era was better known as “Showtime.” It was a style of play that was fast-paced, and exited both the home and opposing crowd.
Magic Johnson has always been an iconic player for the Lakers, the 1979 1st overall pick changed the team for the moment he stepped onto the court.
In his illustrious 13-season NBA career, Magic Johnson led the Lakers to five championships. Magic, himself, won three Finals MVPs, 2 All-Star Game MVPs and three regular-season MVPs.
Johnson set various Laker and NBA records, and retired the game averaging 19.5 points per game, 11.2 assists per game and 7.2 rebounds per game.
No other Laker point guard comes close to accomplishing what Magic Johnson did in his NBA career. There is no argument in the point guard position, Magic Johnson will beat the cut by a landslide.
Next: Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant began his Laker career as a young teenager from the city of Philadelphia. Bryant was placed along side Shaquille O’Neal, and they quickly became one of the most dominant duos of all-time.
Kobe was the young, flashy player who made the breath-taking plays and dunks; he captured the fans’ love due to his remarkable skill set at such an early age.
Kobe Bryant continued to produce for the Lakers, even after Shaquille O’Neal left for the Miami Heat. Bryant has developed the reputation of being the best closer in the game, and many people believe Kobe is the best player to ever wear a Lakers jersey.
Kobe has five championship rings and he is looking for his second “three-peat,” which will give him an unprecedented sixth title.
In his fifteen year NBA career, Bryant has averaged 25.3 points per game, 4.7 assists per game and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Kobe has also received three All-Star Game MVPs, two Finals MVPs and one regular season MVP.
Bryant has no doubt deserved this position on the all-time Lakers roster, the greatest player in franchise history has been an icon the minute he first wore a jersey.
Next: Small Forward Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor has never won a league title, he has never reached basketball immortality; however, he had one of the most productive careers in league history.
Baylor was an assassin on the court and he completely dominated the league during his days. Baylor began his career in Minneapolis, but after two years he too moved to Los Angeles.
In his 14 seasons, Baylor averaged an incredible 27.4 points per game, 4.3 assists per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. Yes, Baylor never brought glory to Los Angeles, but his efficient play and knack for scoring has earned him a retired jersey and a spot on the roster.
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Next: Power Forward Pau Gasol
Unlike many great Lakers, Pau Gasol did not start his career wearing the coveted purple and gold. Instead, Gasol was a star on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gasol played six and a half years with the Grizzlies until he was traded to the Lakers in 2008.
Once the Lakers acquired the Spaniard, they would instantly turn into championship contenders.
The Lakers went from a possible seventh seed, to the best team in the West in the blink of an eye.
The Lakers have not seen many great power forwards in their 50+ seasons in Los Angeles, but no other player had made a quicker impact on the Lakers than Pau Gasol.
In just three years, the Lakers have gone to three NBA Finals and have come out victorious in two of them.
Gasol is currently playing in his fourth year with the Lakers, and he has averaged 19.1 points per game, 3.6 assists per game and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Pau Gasol has to be credited for the Lakers resurgence in the late 2000s; the Lakers would not be where they are today if it weren’t for Pau Gasol. For that reason, Pau Gasol has survived the cut and is named the starting power forward.
Next: Center
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is regarded as the best center to ever play the game of basketball. Abdul-Jabbar retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and helped the Lakers win five titles in the 1980s.
Abdul-Jabbar played along side Earvin “Magic” Johnson during the “Showtime” era in Lakers’ history.
Both players developed an incredible amount of chemistry, and they were the most dynamic duo in the league during the time.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spent 20 years in the NBA, six with the Milwaukee Bucks and 14 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Abdul-Jabbar averaged 20.4 ppg, 3.2 apg and 9.4 rpg and had a total of 38,387 career points.
No other center in Lakers’ history was as dominant or productive as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he has made the roster without any competition what’s so ever.
Next: Sixth Man and Coach Phil Jackson
It is difficult to pick any other coach besides Phil Jackson to facilitate a squad. Jackson is considered the greatest coach in all of the professional sports in America, since he has won 11 championships.
Jackson began his coaching career with the Chicago Bulls, were he worked along side the Great Michael Jordan. In the Windy City, Jackson won two sets of “three-peats” for a total of six NBA championships.
Jackson’s second stay in the NBA was in Los Angeles, where he coached the Lakers. While in LA, Jackson has added five more championship and he could get his sixth this year.
No disrespect to Pat Riley, but Jackson’s Triangle Offense and 11 championship rings have earned him the spot on the bench.
Sixth Man: Jerry West
Jerry West was the ideal Laker player, he worked hard and his play featured glamour and style. The current NBA logo was designed after West, since he was one of the greatest players in league history.
West played along side Wilt Chamberlain, but the duo only won one NBA championship. Most importantly, Jerry West never beat the arch rival— Boston Celtics.
In his 14 seasons in the league, Jerry West averaged 27.0 ppg, 6.7 apg and 5.8 rpg. West will be the first man off the bench on the all-time team, who is perhaps the greatest sixth man of all-time.
Next: The Other Reserves
James Worthy
James Worthy has made the roster as a bench player for his successful career as a Los Angeles Laker. Worthy played along side Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the “Showtime” era. “Showtime” would never have existed if it weren’t for the play and skill set of James Worthy. In his 12 year NBA career Worthy played every game for the Lakers, and averaged 17.6 ppg, 3.0 apg, and 5.1 rpg.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, otherwise known as Shaq, was the most dominant player in the NBA during the early 2000s. Shaq played along side Kobe Bryant, and together they won three consecutive titles. In his nine years in Los Angeles, Shaq averaged 23.0 ppg, 2.5 apg, and 10.0 rpg.
Byron Scott
Byron Scott was another player who played during the “Showtime” era and he was definitely one of the fan-favorites. Scott started and ended his career in Los Angeles, with an average of 15.0 ppg, 3.2 apg and 3.1 rpg.
Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper will be joining his “Showtime” teammates on the all-time Lakers’ roster. Cooper was another fan-favorite in Los Angeles, as his hustle-plays won over the LA faithful. In his twelve years with the Lakers, Cooper averaged 8.9 ppg, 4.2 apg and 3.2 rpg.
Gail Goodrich
Gail Goodrich is sometimes the forgotten Laker great. Although his jersey his hanging from the rafters, many fans do not actually know who he is. When playing for the Lakers, Goodrich averaged 18.7 ppg, 4.1 apg and 3.0 rpg.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1968, and he quickly created buzz in the city. However, just like the Miami Heat, Wilt was “over-hyped.” The dynamic duo of Chamberlain and West only brought one title to Los Angeles, and they fell to the Celtics every time they met. Chamberlain spent five seasons in LA, and averaged 19.3 ppg, 8.7 apg and 4.2 rpg