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
20 Greatest NBA Players of All Time Ranked By Fans
Basketball fans have had their say, and they have ranked the 20 greatest players in NBA history.
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
15 Best Selling NBA Jerseys of All-Time (Ranked)
Find out which NBA superstar has sold the most jerseys in history.
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
Michael Jordan Named His All-Time Dream NBA Starting 5
Michael Jordan put together a rather stacked five-a-side team in NBA history, but excluded some top, top legends in the process.
Tottenham Hotspur are now in advanced talks to complete a club-record deal to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs.
Even though they only avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season, Tottenham are showing huge ambition in the transfer market.
Spurs have already announced four signings that offer huge Premier League experience in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke for a combined fee of just over £50m, but now they are set to go one step further.
Tottenham are now lining up an audacious double swoop for their midfield to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Fernandes, who are valued at around £185m combined by their clubs.
When interest first broke in Fernandes, some may have assumed that it would either be Tonali or the Portugal international, but it quickly became clear that De Zerbi wants the north London outfit to get both as he looks to transform Spurs’ engine room.
Tottenham are also looking to make additions to their frontline too in what looks set to be one of their biggest and most important summer transfer windows in years, and potentially ever.
Jacobs: Tottenham in Advanced Talks for Fernandes Deal
According to Jacobs, posting on X on Wednesday evening, Tottenham are now in advanced talks over a deal to sign Fernandes from their London neighbours.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the club’s top transfer targets in recent weeks, and now they are looking to push a deal over the line and beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to his signature.
Separate reports have suggested that the north Londoners are ‘very close’ to an agreement on personal terms with the Portuguese star, who is keen to avoid playing in England’s second tier next term.
West Ham are in a strong negotiating position thanks to an incoming £90m cash injection, with the club seeking £80-85m for their prized asset this summer even though they are a Championship club.
That fee would smash Tottenham’s current transfer record, which is the £65m they paid to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.
United also remain in talks with the player and West Ham over a deal.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Tottenham Also Targeting Alex Scott
According to Jacobs, Tottenham remain strongly in the race to sign Tonali from Newcastle, although they face competition from Manchester City for the Italian’s signature, even though City are also working on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
It isn’t just Tonali and Fernandes who Spurs have an interest in though, as they also have Bournemouth star Alex Scott on their radar.
The Cherries are hoping to tie the England international down to a new contract, but he is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United alongside Tottenham.
In the world of Formula One, the Red Bull stable has long been the scene of several games of hot potato between drivers since the energy drink took over the Jaguar team and began operations in 2005.
It’s a place where even three or four poor results place substantial pressure on a driver in either the top team or sister outfit, VCARB (Visa Cash App Racing Bulls).
As standard, rumours of another switch have begun, as another contender from the feeder series, Formula Two, is being touted for a seat in the second team. This means one of those currently filling those two seats could soon find themselves out of a drive. For the driver that would likely get the chop, it would be a harsh call after their recent performances.
Red Bull Ruthless With Drivers
Red Bull showed they weren’t afraid to experiment with drivers from the moment they first entered the paddock in 2005.
In their first season, the second seat was alternated between Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi as David Coulthard kept his place as team leader. From then on, driver switches became a regular occurrence. Notable changes included Sebastian Vettel being drafted in from BMW Sauber to replace Scott Speed for 2007 and Jaime Alguersuari taking the seat of Sebastien Bourdais in the middle of the 2009 season, becoming the youngest driver to ever participate in an F1 race at the time.
F1 Driver’s Father is Putting ‘Serious Pressure’ on His Son to Quit Current Team
His own dad is trying to convince him to leave his current team after just a handful of races in the 2026 season.
The most famous one, however, came just four races into 2016, as Daniil Kvyat was ousted by fast-rising 18-year-old Max Verstappen, who won his very first outing for the senior team at the very next race in Spain. In 2019, Verstappen saw teammate Pierre Gasly be demoted for Alex Albon, who himself was dropped for Sergio Perez at the end of 2020.
Another reason those in the second team crave the top job is that holding a seat in VCARB is a much more perilous state to be in. This is because there is always a constant stream of Red Bull-affiliated drivers in the lower categories that want a crack at the big time and who the bosses want to assess. Verstappen is again relevant here, as Red Bull were that desperate to have him that he skipped F2 completely and jumped straight into the Toro Rosso seat in 2015.
The driver who is seemingly next to roll off the production line may not have had that luxury, but is causing enough of a stir to get the decision makers in Milton Keynes thinking about a potential seat for him in 2027, according to SoyMotor.
F2 Driver ‘Secured His Seat’ in F1 For 2027
Teenager Nikola Tsolov is currently driving for Campos Racing in F2. He has earned multiple race victories since arriving in the series, currently sitting second in the standings.
Consequently, should the Bulgarian get the seat, it leaves one of the incumbents looking over their shoulder. Arvid Lindblad’s contract may be expiring at the end of this season, but there is an option for another year, and with him only being 18, it is unlikely that he will be the one who makes way.
That, of course, leaves only one person.
This year has been a bit of a resurgence for Liam Lawson so far. The man from New Zealand has been getting a lot out of his car, securing several points finishes and currently lying in 10th place in the standings with 15 more points than his rookie teammate.
His reputation and career was at rock bottom in the early stages of last season, having to give up his Red Bull seat to Yuki Tsunoda after just two races, where he failed to score points and failed to make it to the second part of qualifying both times.
How Max Verstappen Reacted After Red Bull Asked Him to Sign A Six-Year Contract
The four-time world champion made his feelings clear…
It got even worse during the season, as rumours emerged he’d be dropping off the grid entirely to free up a seat for Lindblad, but with Isack Hadjar being promoted, he held on and has improved.
However, how the Red Bull machine works means that if someone is seen as having more potential than you, it is often out of your hands, regardless of performance. It could be the situation Lawson finds himself in at the end of this year, as he may have to begin another career rebuild.
Manchester United have put themselves in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta once again this summer, according to SportBILD, as the club continues to assess potential striker arrivals.
It comes as the Red Devils look to build their squad for the coming season, adding both depth and quality in all positions to keep competing across all competitions.
While Benjamin Sesko impressed last season, a likely exit for Joshua Zirkzee means that there is a lack of natural number nine options available for Michael Carrick.
Robert Lewandowski has been linked as a target, following the end of his contract at Barcelona, but it appears as though Mateta is the latest link.
Man United Join Jean-Philippe Mateta Transfer Race
As Man United consider their options, SportsBILD reports that the club are showing interest in Crystal Palace star Mateta this summer.
The French striker is entering the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park, and appears incredibly unlikely to renew with the club in the coming months.
The 28-year-old was close to joining AC Milan in the winter transfer window, but an issue in his medical meant that a deal fell apart at the last moment.
It means the Eagles only have the next two transfer windows to recoup a fee for Mateta, with Man United joined by Barcelona in the race for his signature.
The fee touted by the report is a bargain €25 million (£21.5 million) valuation, a move that could see a club land a striker entering the peak years of his career with plenty of quality to show for such a small price.
Any transfer is likely to come after the World Cup, with his involvement with France being the current priority, meaning some work can begin for all clubs on getting the terms of a deal in place.
You scored
out of 20
Mateta Would Be Ideal For Man Utd
Mateta may be the exact kind of striker that Manchester United need to sign for such an important season that is right around the corner.
The forward offers experience and quality as he enters the peak years of his career, having shown an ability to play at the very highest level in the Premier League.
While his form has been in and out, Mateta has been described as ‘one of the best strikers in Europe’, and when he’s at his very best, that’s exactly what he is.
Man Utd Lining Up Surprise Move to Sign 6 ft 5 Scotland Star
He’s emerging as an alternative transfer option for Manchester United this summer
He offers a presence in the box and in general play, which could make him perfectly complement a player like Benjamin Sesko in the forward line.
Given the jump in quality and the increased schedule that comes with a return to the Champions League, Mateta would be an ideal rotation option with Sesko up front.
At a bargain fee on top of that, United should go all out for the Crystal Palace star this summer.
We’ll pursue legal remedies to protect Kwankwaso – Kwankwasiyya tells Primate Ayodele
Tottenham Now in Advanced Talks to Seal Mateus Fernandes Signing
Nikola Tsolov ‘Secures’ Racing Bull Seat Next Season
Simi Sanya and Femi Dapson Are Now Legally Married and It Is Beautiful to See
FCT Area Council Election: Live results from polling units
Premier League Set-Piece Goals (2025/2026)
-
Sports2 days agoJurgen Klopp Delivers 9-Word Verdict on Lionel Messi at World Cup
-
Sports2 days agoMiroslav Klose’s Opinion on Lionel Messi Breaking World Cup Record
-
Sports2 days agoCristiano Ronaldo Sent Rio Ferdinand Angry Texts About Lionel Messi
-
Sports1 day agoWorld Cup Commentator Banned by FIFA After Epic On-Air Meltdown During Game
-
Sports1 day agoFIFA Want to Change Rule For World Cup Penalty Shootouts
-
Sports1 day agoDjed Spence Refuses Thomas Partey Handshake
-
Sports1 day agoWhy Senegal and Iraq Haven’t Been Eliminated Despite Being on 0 Points
-
Sports1 day ago‘Real Reason’ Behind Ibrahimovic and Lalas’ World Cup ‘Hatred’