- Kobe Bryant has the fourth-most points in NBA history.
- Magic Johnson is the only player in NBA history to be a Finals MVP as a rookie.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has the most blocks in franchise history.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had numerous legends in their franchise history, which has helped them win 17 championships, tied for most in NBA history.
When you look at lists of the best NBA players of all time, you may see many of these names (and understand why the squad’s betting lines were so popular back then).
Best Los Angeles Lakers Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Lakers Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kobe Bryant | Shooting Guard/Small Forward | 1996-2016 |
| 2 | Earvin “Magic” Johnson | Point Guard | 1979-1991; 1995-96 |
| 3 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Center | 1975-1989 |
| 4 | Jerry West | Point Guard/Shooting Guard | 1960-1974 |
| 5 | Shaquille O’Neal | Center | 1996-2004 |
| 6 | LeBron James | Small Forward/Power Forward | 2018-Present |
| 7 | Wilt Chamberlain | Center | 1968-1973 |
1. Kobe Bryant
Whether it be the pull-up or turnaround fadeaway jumper, Kobe Bryant mastered the art of scoring the ball in isolation. Bryant would also attack the rim recklessly, rendering himself unguardable.
18 years ago today: Kobe Bryant had 10 points in the first half against the Clippers.
In the second half, Mamba dropped 40. 🐍
pic.twitter.com/r0GdEYo575— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) January 7, 2024
The “Black Mamba’s” work ethic rubbed off on the organization during his two-decade stay in the “City of Angels,” winning five championships. The 2008 MVP also earned two Finals MVP Awards and 15 All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive team selections.
Bryant is the Lakers’ all-time leader in points, 3-pointers and steals and has the second-most assists, third-most rebounds and fifth-most blocks in franchise history. Bryant also has the fourth-most points in NBA history.
2. Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Magic Johnson would put on a passing clinic nightly. He would throw no-look passes on the fastbreak, alley-oop lobs from halfcourt or bullets past multiple defenders to set up his teammates for easy looks.
The three-time MVP helped the “Showtime Lakers” win five championships while earning three Finals MVP Awards along the way. Magic is still the only rookie in NBA history to win a Finals MVP Award.
The 10-time All-NBA guard has the most assists and second-most steals in franchise history.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was known for the skyhook, which helped him hold the record for the most points ever scored by a single player for nearly 39 years.
Abdul-Jabbar earned five championships, three MVP Awards, one Finals MVP Award and 10 All-NBA and seven All-Defensive team selections throughout his time in the purple and gold.
Abdul-Jabbar has the most blocks, second-most rebounds and third-most points in franchise history.
4. Jerry West
Jerry West led the Lakers to the Finals nine times but only won once, in 1972.
However, West became the first and only player to be named Finals MVP despite being a member of the losing team back in 1969, as he averaged nearly 38 points per game before being taken down by the Boston Celtics in seven games.
The 12-time All-NBA guard has the second-most points and third-most assists in franchise history and was also named to five All-Defensive Teams.
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was not only box office on the court, but his infectious personality made him a perfect fit for the bright lights of Hollywood.
Shaquille O'Neal vous manque sur les parquets ? Nous aussi…😔
Pour l'occasion, voici quelques highlights du Most Dominant Ever ! 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/n7AqMHcfTK
— Lakers World France 🇨🇵 (@Lakers_World_Fr) September 3, 2022
The 2000 MVP was an absolute menace inside the paint, which helped him earn three championships, three Finals MVP Awards, eight All-NBA and three All-Defensive team selections and the second-most blocks in franchise history during his time as a Laker.
6. LeBron James
LeBron James helped bring championship glory back to LA after a decade, leading the Lakers to a championship in 2020 while earning Finals MVP.
The Clippers reactions to LeBron’s poster were priceless pic.twitter.com/OAsymeDAKu
— BetMGM Canada (@BetMGMCanada) January 8, 2024
LeBron has earned five All-NBA Team selections thus far as a Laker.
7. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain helped take the Lakers to the Finals four times, as they won it all just once in 1972, where he took home Finals MVP honours.
Chamberlain helped the Lakers win an NBA record 33 straight games during the 1971-72 season.
