Sports
10 Greatest Lakers of All-Time (Ranked)
The L.A. Lakers were officially founded in 1946, though they were not yet known by that name. The franchise began as the Detroit Gems but a year later, the team moved to Minneapolis and adopted the Lakers name, beginning what would become one of the most successful organizations not only in the NBA but in the broader world of professional sports.
Over the course of their history, the Lakers have captured 17 NBA championships. That total sits just one behind the Boston Celtics for the most in league history, while they have also reached the most NBA finals. Their latest title came during the 2019–20 season.
Many of basketball’s greatest players have suited up for the Lakers throughout the decades. In total, 26 former Lakers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Deciding the top 10 players to represent the Lakers was therefore no simple task, and some greats such as Gail Goodrich, Michael Cooper, Pau Gascol and Anthony Davis unfortunately missed out on a place.
But here’s a look at the all-time top ten…
10
LeBron James
Before joining the Lakers in 2018, LeBron James had already won three championships and put together an impressive resume as one of the greatest players of all time. After joining L.A., his resume has continued to grow.
In his seven seasons with the Lakers, LeBron has been a seven-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection. His best season so far in L.A. was in 2019-20, when he led the Lakers to their 17th championship in franchise history. That same season, he finished second in MVP voting to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As LeBron now enters the final years of his career, he will look to bring another title to Los Angeles and continue to add to his legendary resume.
Lakers Highlights
- 2020 Champion
- 2020 Finals MVP
9
George Mikan
George Mikan was the original NBA superstar. He was a pioneer of professional basketball that redefined the big man with his rebounding, shot-blocking and shooting skills. He was also known for his underhand free-throw long before Rick Barry began using it during his career.
Mikan played one season in the NBL in 1947, leading him to sign with the Lakers in 1948. After joining the then Minneapolis Lakers, he quickly became the face of the franchise and of the NBA thanks to his domination on the court.
|
George Mikan Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
439 |
|
PPG |
23.1 |
|
RPG |
13.4 |
|
APG |
2.8 |
|
FG% |
40.4% |
He played seven seasons in the NBA, all with the Lakers. Over those seven seasons, he averaged 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds. He also led the Lakers to their first five championships in their franchise’s history. He was also a four-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection.
Mikan also won three straight scoring titles from 1949-50 to 1950-51, topping out at 28.4 points per game in 1950-51. In 1959, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
After retiring, he became one of the founders and commissioner of the ABA.
Lakers Highlights
- 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954 Champion
- Hall of Fame Class of 1959
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8
Wilt Chamberlain
Although most of his success came with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, Wilt Chamberlain was still a dominant player during his time with the Lakers.
Chamberlain was traded to the Lakers from the 76ers in 1968. Although he was not as dominant of a player as fans saw during the beginning of his career, Chamberlain still dominated on both ends of the floor.
|
Wilt Chamberlain Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
339 |
|
PPG |
17.7 |
|
RPG |
19.2 |
|
APG |
4.3 |
|
FG% |
60.5% |
He spent the final five seasons of his career in L.A., averaging 17.7 points and 19.2 rebounds. In 1971-72, he helped lead the Lakers to a championship, and was named Finals MVP. He was also a four-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive selection. He made his only All-NBA team as a member of the Lakers in 1971-72.
Chamberlain retired in 1974 after sitting out the 1973-74 season due to signing with the San Diego Conquistadors of the ABA. After retiring, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979, capping off one of the most dominant careers in NBA history.
Lakers Highlights
- 1972 Champion
- 1972 Finals MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 1979
7
James Worthy
After dominating alongside Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina, the Lakers selected James Worthy first overall in the 1982 draft. He immediately made an impact and was a perfect fit next to Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his rookie season, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year race.
|
James Worthy Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
926 |
|
PPG |
17.6 |
|
RPG |
5.1 |
|
APG |
3.0 |
|
SPG |
1.1 |
|
FG% |
52.1% |
|
3PT% |
24.1% |
In his second season, he helped lead the Lakers to a championship, the first of three titles he would win during his 12 years with the franchise.
Over those 12 seasons, Worthy averaged 17.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was a three-time champion, including winning the 1987-88 Finals MVP award. He was also a seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection. In 2003, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lakers Highlights
- 1985, 1987, 1988 Champion
- 1988 Finals MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 2003
6
Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was a superstar for the Lakers for all 14 seasons of his career. Despite never winning a championship or an MVP award, Baylor is still one of the best and most dominant players in franchise history.
|
Elgin Baylor Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
846 |
|
PPG |
27.4 |
|
RPG |
13.5 |
|
APG |
4.3 |
|
FG% |
43.1% |
The Lakers selected Baylor first overall in the 1958 draft. He dominated the NBA during his rookie season, averaging 24.9 points and 15.0 rebounds on his way to winning Rookie of the Year and finishing third in MVP voting.
Over his 14 seasons in L.A., Baylor averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. That includes his 71-point game in 1960, which tied for the ninth most in a single game in NBA history. He was an 11-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection. In 1977, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lakers Highlights
- 11-time All Star
- 1969 Rookie of the Year
- Hall of Fame Class of 1977
5
Jerry West
After being selected second overall by the Lakers in the 1960 draft, it did not take long for Jerry West to make an impact on the court. He spent all 14 seasons in the NBA with the Lakers, leading the Lakers to one championship in nine Finals appearances.
|
Jerry West Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
932 |
|
PPG |
27.0 |
|
RPG |
5.8 |
|
APG |
6.7 |
|
FG% |
47.4% |
In his 14 seasons, West averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists. “The Logo” revolutionized the point guard position, leading the Lakers to a championship in 1971-72. He also became the first and only player in NBA history on the losing team to win Finals MVP, which he did in 1968-69.
West was a 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive selection. Despite his 1-8 record in the Finals and his lack of an MVP award, West is still one of the best point guards of all time who helped grow the NBA to what it is today. In 1980, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lakers Highlights
- 1972 Champion
- 1969 Finals MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 1980
4
Shaquille O’Neal
After being selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, it did not take Shaquille O’Neal long to dominate the NBA, winning Rookie of the Year in his first season. In 1996, he left Orlando in free agency and took his talents to L.A., a move that would return the Lakers to championship contenders.
|
Shaquille O’Neal Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
514 |
|
PPG |
27.0 |
|
RPG |
11.8 |
|
APG |
3.1 |
|
BPG |
2.5 |
|
FG% |
57.5% |
Shaq dominated in his eight years with the Lakers, averaging 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. He helped lead the Lakers to a three-peat alongside Kobe Bryant from 1999-00 to 2001-02, winning Finals MVP in all three instances.
He was the 1999-00 MVP, the only MVP award he would win during his legendary career. He was also a seven-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection and three-time All-Defensive selection. After the 2003-04 season, he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he would win his fourth and final title before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Lakers Highlights
- 2000, 2001, 2002 Champion
- 2000, 2001, 2002 Finals MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 2016
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3
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was already one of the best players in the NBA in his first six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the franchise to their first championship in 1970-71. In 1975, the Bucks sent him to the Lakers in one of the best trades in franchise history.
|
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
1,093 |
|
PPG |
22.1 |
|
RPG |
9.4 |
|
APG |
3.3 |
|
BPG |
2.5 |
|
FG% |
56.7% |
His dominance would continue during his tenure with the Lakers, whom he spent 14 seasons with. In those 14 seasons, he averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Alongside Magic Johnson, the duo led the Lakers to five titles during his 14 seasons with the franchise, including being named Finals MVP in 1984-85.
During his time in Los Angeles, Kareem was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA selection and seven-time All-Defensive selection. He was also a three-time MVP winner and led the Lakers to five titles during their dominance in the 1980s.
By the time he retired in 1989, Kareem was the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, until LeBron surpassed him in 2023. In 1995, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, capping off one of the most successful and legendary careers any player has had in NBA history.
Lakers Highlights
- 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 Champion
- 1985 Finals MVP
- 1976, 1977, 1980 MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 1995
2
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is not just the second-best Lakers player of all time, but he is also part of one of the best trades in both the history of the Lakers and the NBA. Bryant was drafted 13th overall in the 1996 draft by the Charlotte Hornets, who traded him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. It is safe to say that the Lakers came out on top in that deal.
|
Kobe Bryant Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
1,346 |
|
PPG |
25.0 |
|
RPG |
5.2 |
|
APG |
4.7 |
|
SPG |
1.4 |
|
FG% |
44.7% |
|
3PT% |
32.9% |
Kobe spent all 20 seasons of his NBA career in Los Angeles, averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He was a five-time champion, two-time Finals MVP winner and the 2007-08 NBA MVP. He was also an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection and 12-time All-Defensive selection. Bryant also won four All-Star Game MVP awards, which is tied with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history.
Bryant was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, capping off one of the best careers any player has ever had in NBA history.
Lakers Highlights
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010 Champion
- 2009, 2010 Finals MVP
- 2008 MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 2020
1
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is undoubtedly the best player in Lakers history. He is also part of the best trade in Lakers history due to the fact that his pick was originally owned by the New Orleans Jazz, now the Utah Jazz, who sent it to the Lakers in a deal in 1976, a trade that changed the Lakers’ franchise forever.
L.A. selected Magic first overall in 1979, and the rest is history. He impressed in his rookie season, averaging 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game on his way to being named an All-Star. Despite the impressive numbers of the 6-foot-9 point guard, he lost out to his rival, Larry Bird, in the Rookie of the Year race. He also led the Lakers to their first title since 1971-72 in his rookie season.
|
Magic Johnson Lakers Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
G |
906 |
|
PPG |
19.5 |
|
RPG |
7.2 |
|
APG |
11.2 |
|
SPG |
1.9 |
|
FG% |
52.0% |
|
3PT% |
30.3% |
Magic spent all 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Lakers, averaging 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game. He led the Lakers to five championships next to Kareem, and later on, James Worthy. In those five title runs, he was named Finals MVP three times.
He was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection. In 2002, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, capping off one of if not the best careers of any point guard in NBA history.
Lakers Highlights
- 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 Champion
- 1980, 1982, 1987 Finals MVP
- 1987, 1989, 1990 MVP
- Hall of Fame Class of 2002
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A 2026 World Cup fan has released a statement after they were assaulted for waving a rainbow-coloured flag in Canada.
Alex Alber, a 33-year-old from Berlin, travelled to Toronto to watch Germany play Ivory Coast in their second match of the tournament. The match ended 2-1 to Julian Nagelsmann’s side, with Denis Undav scoring a late brace to secure them the victory.
Afterward, Alex celebrated Germany’s victory in a sports bar with two of his friends. However, he was allegedly attacked and injured by a group of individuals believed to be motivated by homophobia.
Alex has now documented exactly what happened and showed an image of his injuries on Instagram.
Alex started by saying that he was attacked by a group of men in their early twenties. His injuries were so severe that he had to go to hospital, where he was forced to pay a $5,000 medical bill:
He said: “We were out at Club Paris Texas in Toronto. A friend brought a rainbow fan. That was enough. It started with slurs from a group of guys, early twenties. It ended with us being attacked. This photo is the result.
“I’m okay now. The jersey didn’t survive. A $5,000 medical bill did. But that’s not what leaves me speechless.
“What does: people in their early twenties, a generation we keep calling more open than the last, still carrying this kind of hate. I’m not gay myself. But I know the LGBTQ+ community lives with this every single day, and that’s exactly why I won’t stay silent.
“For us, that fan means one thing. Everyone gets to be who they are. Freedom. Diversity. People living as themselves. Experiencing this as a guest in someone else’s country breaks my heart.
“And the club was only the tip of the iceberg. My friend got harassed all day, in the stadium, by other fans, by German fans too. This isn’t about one nation. It’s everywhere, and that’s the point.”
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Alex said the police have been notified. He added: “We’ve spoken to the police. We have photos and videos of the people who did this. We’re deciding our next steps.
“This World Cup has written some beautiful stories. This is one of its ugly ones, and pretending it doesn’t exist helps no one. So we’re sharing it.
“To raise our voice and say it plainly: we will never tolerate this, and we will stand against it every single time. And to you: if you ever see something like this, step in. Don’t look away. Everyone deserves to be exactly who they are. That’s what we radiate.”
Alex released another statement where he gave an update on his injuries. He also encouraged everyone to ‘stand up and take a firm stance whenever someone tries to suppress opinions or beliefs with violence.’
Germany have already clinched top spot in Group E. They will face Ecuador in their final group match on Thursday, June 25.
Die Mannschaft will contest their last 32 match at Boston Stadium on Monday, June 29. Their opponents for the game are currently unknown but, as things stand, they are due to take on Paraguay.
UFC President and CEO Dana White is not afraid of speaking his mind and offending people. A close ally of Donald Trump and a very clear Republican, there are many out there who support him, but also many that strongly dislike the man.
At times, he has surprised many, such as when he didn’t side with Josh Hokit, who called Michelle Obama a man during his interview following his win against Derrick Lewis at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the 14th of June. This seemed like a comment that White would brush off as a joke, but he instead gained respect from many by calling the comment “disgusting.”
But it didn’t take too long for the CEO to lose that respect he’d gained from some fans after he appeared in an interview for Tomi Lahren is Fearless.
Dana White on UFC Hosting Pride Nights
If there is one person to ask about the inclusion of Pride Night within the UFC, it is the big boss himself.
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Despite his personal views, White has done a lot for the sport, managing to transform MMA from background noise to a money-making franchise loved by many. He entered his current role in 2001 and has remained a figurehead of the sport ever since. Many athletes come and go, but White has been a constant who doesn’t look to be leaving anytime soon.
When asked about why there are no pride nights within the UFC, however, White replied: “I don’t give a s***. I don’t care what you are or who you are or what you do. We don’t talk about that or any of that stuff.”
The NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and NFL all host Pride Nights, making the UFC kind of look like the odd one out. With pretty much all major sports in America hosting these nights, it comes across as quite embarrassing for the UFC to still refuse to be inclusive and open to hosting these events.
White continued discussing the matter by saying: “Everybody do your own thing. I’m just not into it. I let everybody be themselves and do their thing. There’s a lot of things that some of my guys say that I don’t love.”
It seems like fans of Pride Nights and the UFC will have to wait a long time before they see the two combine, but with more pressure being put on White to make the change, it is never out of the question that one day these events might happen.
Newcastle United are now said to be ahead of Aston Villa in the queue to sign a former Premier League frontman who is impressing at the World Cup. The Magpies are in need of more quality this summer after a disappointing season that saw them finish firmly in the bottom half.
Eddie Howe will be hugely frustrated by the season just gone, and he knows his bosses are not going to put up with another campaign of that nature. Fortunately for the Magpies boss, he is set to be backed in the summer transfer window, and the Toon Army should have money to spend, given the wealth of their owners and the sale of Anthony Gordon, which will appease the Profit and Sustainability overlords.
Newcastle have the edge in striker race
According to Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle are ‘very interested’ in signing AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, who has been impressing so far at this summer’s World Cup, and have made contact over a potential deal. Balogun has been with Monaco since leaving Arsenal in 2023, going on to scored 24 goals in 72 league appearances to date.
The forward, described as being “a proven goalscorer at the highest level”, was born in New York before he and his mother returned to England to live. He has scored two and provided an assist in his first two World Cup games with USMNT this summer. With Christian Pulisic dealing with an injury early in the competition, Balogun has been his nation’s standout star so far.
Wayne Rooney said during a BBC Sport broadcast recently: “He has pace, he has power, this is about Balogun, his directness, his rawness and his ability to drive with the ball.”
Olivier Giroud added: “He’s doing really well, he’s scored 19 goals this year with Monaco, full of confidence, a lot of composure. He’s really available for his teammates, he’s not just standing up front, he does a lot of movement, can run in behind, he can hold the ball. He has a really good connection with Ricardo Pepi also. I’m enjoying seeing him play and I hope he will score more goals,”
Newcastle face obstacles in completing a deal
His form has perhaps played a part in Newcastle rekindling interest from April, and the report claims the Magpies have already been in touch with Monaco over a possible deal. It’s claimed Monaco won’t sell for less than £43million, or 50million euros, and that does put Newcastle in an awkward position because of the strikers they currently have at the club.
In fact, it’s claimed the Magpies would have to offload Yoane Wissa, who only joined last summer, before pressing ahead with a Balogun deal. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, who can offer Champions League football, are said to be monitoring the situation, but they have not made their move yet.
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