15 Greatest Lakers Players of All Time
Magic Johnson
Revolutionized the game as a 6’9” point guard and led the Showtime Lakers to five championships. Magic’s charisma, transition passing, and ability to play every position made him the essential engine of the franchise’s glamorous 1980s dynasty.
Kobe Bryant
The ultimate competitor and five-time champion who defined the Lakers’ identity for two decades. "The Black Mamba's" relentless scoring, global appeal, and fierce loyalty set the standard for a generation of Laker basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Six-time MVP and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for decades, dominating with the unstoppable skyhook. Kareem bridged the gap between the dominant 1970s and the Showtime era, remaining an elite, durable center well into his 40s.
Shaquille O’Neal
The most dominant force of the 2000s, powering the Lakers to a legendary three-peat alongside Kobe. Shaq's raw size, athleticism, and charisma created an unguardable presence in the paint, making him the most physically dominant center ever.
Jerry West
“The Logo” himself—a scoring machine and clutch legend who carried the Lakers through the 1960s. West is one of the few Finals MVPs from a losing team, embodying perseverance and elite shot-making across his Hall of Fame career.
Elgin Baylor
One of the first high-flying scorers, averaging 27 points and 13 rebounds over his career. Baylor set numerous scoring records and was a trailblazer of above-the-rim athleticism, establishing the Lakers' tradition of superstar wings .
Wilt Chamberlain
Added championship credibility and unmatched size to the Lakers’ 1972 title run. Though past his statistical peak, Wilt anchored the defense and rebounding for the team that set the 33-game win-streak record, securing his single title in Los Angeles.
LeBron James
Revived the Lakers with his leadership and delivered a championship in 2020. LeBron continues to defy age, blending elite scoring, passing, and unmatched court vision. His arrival returned the franchise to the championship conversation immediately.
James Worthy
“Big Game James” lived up to his name, shining brightest under playoff pressure. A smooth, high-flying forward, Worthy was the crucial third piece of the Showtime dynasty, famous for his goggles and his Finals MVP performance in 1988.
George Mikan
The NBA’s first true superstar who laid the foundation for the Lakers dynasty. Mikan won five titles and was so dominant that he directly influenced several rule changes, cementing the franchise's identity as a winner in Minneapolis.
Pau Gasol
The perfect co-star to Kobe, helping secure back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Gasol was a versatile, high-IQ big man whose passing and scoring finesse perfectly complemented Kobe’s aggressive style, bridging the gap to the next title era.
Michael Cooper
A defensive genius and glue guy of the Showtime era, locking down elite scorers nightly. Cooper was a crucial component whose speed, length, and intensity earned him the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award, balancing the team’s offensive firepower.
Byron Scott
A sharpshooting guard who thrived running alongside Magic and Worthy during the 1980s. Scott’s efficient scoring and reliability made him an underrated starter on all three of the Showtime championships, providing vital perimeter offense and defense.
Derek Fisher
Clutch beyond belief, hitting some of the biggest playoff shots in franchise history. Fisher’s leadership, toughness, and timely shooting in the biggest moments were instrumental to five Lakers championships across two different eras .
Anthony Davis
A modern defensive anchor and elite two-way star who helped bring the Lakers back to glory in 2020. Davis is an athletic marvel capable of switching defensively onto anyone while dominating the interior with high-efficiency scoring.
