When it comes to the NBA, there is one team that is always on everyone’s minds: the Los Angeles Lakers.

Within this team alone, they have been lucky enough to have some of the greatest players in NBA history. The Lakers are always a team to keep an eye out for; thus, you should check out their LA Lakers odds to see how they are doing. 

Since there are so many, it can be difficult to compile the best players this team has had. However, we have managed to do just that!

This article will discuss the five greatest NBA players from the Los Angeles Lakers.

1. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is frequently recognized as the best point guard of his generation. In the 1980s, he helped the LA Lakers become a household name by taking them to 9 NBA Finals. While also helping them win five of them. 

He played center in the NBA Finals as a rookie, one of his best performances. He helped the LA Lakers win the championship and was named Finals MVP. In the history of the NBA, he is the first rookie to receive the renowned Finals MVP honor.

Johnson won numerous awards and set multiple NBA records. Over the course of his professional basketball career, he has been chosen for 12 All-Star games, 3 MVPs of the Finals, five titles, and 10 All-NBA teams.

In 1992 his No. 32 jersey was retired, and a statue of him can be seen outside the Staples Center. 

On this day in 1980… a rookie Magic Johnson started at center in place of injured teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and went off for 42 points and 15 rebounds to lift the Lakers to the NBA title! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/YodLuMjC0p

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 16, 2022

2. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, sometimes referred to as “Big Diesel,” is recognized as being one of the most formidable big men in NBA history. He swatted several shots, broke backboards, and posterized hundreds of players. 

Between 2000 and 2002, he guided the LA Lakers to a three-peat by guiding them to four NBA finals. He was given the Finals MVP award in each of the three games, making him the only player except Michael Jordan to receive it three times in a row.

Shaquille O’Neal was well known for his brutal dunks and rough play. In 2017, this saw the dedication of a statue of O’Neal dunking outside the Staples Center. 

In terms of points, rebounds, and blocks per game, he is ranked second in franchise history.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, an immovable force! pic.twitter.com/XBtM83VX4k

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2016

3. Kobe Bryant

One of the finest players to ever grace an NBA playoffs was the late Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s performance over his successful 20-year career was remarkable. A whole generation of players have been motivated by him.

The “Black Mamba” was among the league’s most devoted and illustrious icons. He led the LA Lakers to seven NBA Finals, where they won five rings and two Finals MVP awards. In 2008, he was named the league MVP. 

He has won two scoring championships and owns the title for the highest number of points recorded in LA Lakers history. The LA Lakers retired both of Bryant’s jerseys, No. 8 and 24. He is the only player in the franchise to have both numbers retired. 

Remembering Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/wac0NNZ7NP

— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2020

4. Jerry West

Jerry West is among the finest players in NBA history. He was referred to as “Mr. Clutch” due to his prowess under pressure. Between 1960 and 1974, Jerry West only played for the LA Lakers. 

In LA Lakers history, he is the team’s second-highest scorer. In addition, West was the only player in the history of the NBA to receive the NBA Finals MVP while playing for the losing team in 1969. This was thanks to his amazing playoff finals heroics.

Jerry West maintains the records in terms of 20+ point games, 30-point games, and 40-point games throughout NBA Finals history. Amazingly, he became an All-Star for each season of his playing career. 

With the score tied at 115, Jerry West picks off the inbounds & scores as time expires to win Game 3 of the 1962 #NBAFinals! #NBABreakdown pic.twitter.com/3Z5kl6hPuc

— NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2017

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

One of basketball’s best centers in history is thought to be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He led the LA Lakers through 8 NBA finals, winning five of them with his signature “skyhook.” Additionally, the most All-Star selections in NBA history are held by Abdul-Jabbar, who has received 19. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won numerous awards throughout his spectacular 20-year career because he consistently ranked among the top 5 players. With 38,387 points, he leads the NBA in points scored. Abdul-Jabbar is also the NBA’s all-time MVP leader, with six MVP awards.

Furthermore, Kareem is recognized as the best collegiate athlete in US history. His infamous “skyhook” was considered unguardable, and no one has ever tried to copy it.

One of the most unstoppable moves in NBA history… watch some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's most memorable skyhook's from his career. #BHMpic.twitter.com/0Az0PvJlEd

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 15, 2021

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have discussed the five greatest players that have come from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, there are many other players we could have talked about who have helped with the Lakers’ success over the years as well.

The Los Angeles Lakers are well known for having a keen eye on obtaining the best players possible. Thanks to the high caliber of players on the team, it is no surprise that they have dominated the NBA for so many years now. 

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Mandatory Credit: NBA.com