There has been much speculation and debate over who should be in the ESPN Los Angeles class. The city of L.A. has had some of the most notable sports stars on the planet, so deciding on just five players was certainly difficult.
In the end the five individuals that were chosen were indeed five of the most notable Los Angeles sports icons in the city’s history.
The list was comprised of two Los Angeles Lakers, one Dodger, a legendary college coach, and a member of the Kings known as ‘The Great One.’
Let’s take a quick look at the inaugural class of the ESPN Los Angeles Hall of Fame.
5. Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky played for the Los Angeles Kings from 1988-1996 after being traded to Southern California from the Edmonton Oilers. He became one of the most popular athletes in the city, and turned hockey into a major sport. The Kings, who before had been at the bottom of the L.A. food chain, quickly became one of the hottest tickets in a city that was filled with superstars.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzkjKUnvkZk
Next: The Wizard of Westwood
4. John Wooden
John Wooden is the greatest coach of all time, and very few people will try and argue that. He led UCLA basketball to 10 NCAA championships in a 12 year period, including a remarkable seven titles in a row. During that time he also won an astonishing 88 consecutive games, which is still a Division-1 Men’s Basketball record. He orchestrated some of the greatest college teams in history, and his ‘Pyramid of Success’ became a shining symbol of his greatness.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MM-psvqiG8
Next: Mr. No-Hitter
3. Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax may not have been the longest-tenured pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the time he spent there was indeed memorable. Arguably the greatest left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball history, Koufax threw an astonishing four no-hitters, the last of which was a perfect game. He helped the Dodgers win four World Series championships, including their only title in Brooklyn in 1955.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJdli-ONL-8
Next: The Captain
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Abdul-Jabbar is a known Los Angeles legend for multiple reasons. After winning an astonishing three National Championships at UCLA under head coach John Wooden, Abdul-Jabbar ended up with the Los Angeles Lakers later on in his NBA career. After teaming up with Magic Johnson, who makes an appearance on this list as well, Abdul-Jabbar brought the City of Angels another five championships. He also scored more points than any other player in NBA history, and is widely considered one of the best centers in the history of basketball.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM6xCirDOKs
Next: The Magic Man
Earvin Johnson was drafted by the Lakers out of Michigan State, and never played for another team after that. His dizzying passes and electrifying style of play made him one of the most popular players on the planet. He helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships during the 1980s, and revolutionized the NBA and basketball as a whole. His charming smile and buoyant personality became legendary in L.A., and ‘Magic’ was truly an all-time legend.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHXe3eTooY