The Top 10 Lakers of All-Time

With Shaq set to become the latest Laker legend to get his number immortalized in the Staples Center rafters, there's no better time to count down the greatest players to ever play for arguably the NBA's greatest franchise. For the most part, the Western road to a championship has gone through the purple and gold for the past four decades. So here we go, the 10 greatest Lakers of all-time. And to Dwight Howard, Luke Walton and Derek Fisher: Sorry, you didn't make the cut. 

 

10. Gail Goodrich 

Originally doubted as an NBA threat due to his 6'1" stature, Goodrich was very quick to prove doubters wrong. Part of a great Laker run in the early 70s that included the historic 71-72 season with the 33-game winning streak, Goodrich held the backcourt together while L.A. remained competitive. Looking back, Goodrich can be seen as one of the first great combo guards in NBA history. 

9. Jamaal Wilkes

Wilkes was a 6'6" forward who could play center. One of the most athletic players in the league during his career, Wilkes spent much of that career winning. Although never being seen as the main threat, he won four championships in a ten-year stretch. His four rings in the 70s and 80s as well as his three all-star games over this time are indicative of the long-term consistency that Wilkes played with during his career as a Laker. 

8. James Worthy

He did it in college and he did it in the NBA, Worthy had no problem playing with and winning with other great players. A tough power forward who could score and rebound, Worthy was one the the best players in the NBA in the late 80s and has three rings to show for it. During this time, Worthy was known as Magic's running mate for Showtime. However, it was Worthy himself who lead the Lakers to a championship in 1988, and he has the Finals MVP to prove it. 

7. Elgin Baylor

The first great Laker, Baylor's ability was truly astounding. One of the best NBA players of the 1960s, Baylor's all-around game and talent for that era can only be matched by Oscar Robertson. His sweet jumper made him the most gifted scorer in the league and his rebounding number are eye-popping for a guy his size. Baylor's one knock is that he finished his storied career without winning a ring. 

6. Wilt Chamberlain

Possibly the most dominant scorer ever, some of Wilt's records will never be touched. He spent five years in L.A., winning one of his two career championships in that historic 71-72 season. When he felt up to it, a 30-20 game was easy for Wilt. And even though he's known more as a Sixer, Wilt's numbers and impact are too great not to make him an all-time great Laker. 

5. Shaquille O'Neal

Perhaps the most physically dominant big man since the days of Wilt and Russell, Shaq had the best years of his great career as a Laker. Winning Finals MVP all three times during the 00-02 three-peat, Shaq was the first Undisputed Best Player in the NBA after Jordan retired. His only MVP came in 2000, but it was one of the most dominant campaigns of all-time. A larger than life figure, Shaq was destined for Lakerland. Even though 2004 his exit was unceremonious, his number retirement will be a much needed memory of his tenure in L.A.  

4. Jerry West

The Logo has the distinction of being the most underrated Laker of all-time. Even with 14 all-star games and a 27-7-6 career line, West is still overlooked when reminiscing about Laker legends. The leader of the classic 71-72 team and a rare player who was actually better come playoff time, West is a great Laker by any measure, especially when you add on his exceptional G.M. work in the 90s and 00s. 

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The NBA's all-time leading scorer, Kareem is the third guy on this list that went from great UCLA Bruin to great Laker. His accomplishments are simply insane. 19 all-star games, six rings and six MVPs are just the beginning. Not only could Kareem rock the goggles better than any other Laker (sorry Worthy and Rambis), but his patented Skyhook is the most indefensible shot in NBA history. 

2. Kobe Bryant

The Black Mamba is the only active player to make this list. Amazingly in his 17th season and still a top player in the league, Kobe is the Lakers all-time leading scorer and is fourth all-time in league history. A five-time champion, 15-time all-star and the most clutch player since Jordan, Kobe plays with an intensity that lacks in today's NBA. Though his career has not always been smooth sailing, Kobe is not lauded enough for remaining a Laker his whole career. Even he would be okay being second on this list. 

1. Magic Johnson

Who else? The ringleader of the Showtime Dynasty, Magic was the best player in the 80s and is the greatest point guard of all-time. His career 20-11-7 line is more impressive considering the intense defense played during his era. And five rings, three MVPs and 12 all-star games aren't bad either. He's the only Lakers player with a statue and once again, it's Winnin' Time for Magic.