Currently owners of the best record in the NBA and led by arguably the game's best player, the Lakers are in the midst of a special season as they seek to win their first championship since 2002. As they appear headed for another trip to the Finals, it is a good opportunity to look back at the Lakers' storied past.
Their 14 championships, the first five when they were still in Minneapolis, tower over all NBA franchises except the Celtics (17). But the talent the Lakers have had on their roster over the years is second to none and reads like a Who's Who of the Hall of Fame. The list is so impressive that Wilt Chamberlain, whom some still regard as the greatest center in history, is only fourth best in franchise history.
The following is a look at the greatest Laker team of all time, a 12-man roster of the best who have worn the purple and gold over the years.
Guard Play both Clutch and Magic-al
Point guard: Magic Johnson popularized the "triple-double" (double-figures in three categories, usually points, rebounds and assists) and wound up with 138 such games, second only to Oscar Robertson's 181. Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA titles and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player three times. He had career averages of 19.5 points, 11.1 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. He is a member of the Hall of Fame and was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players during the league's 50th anniversary celebration in 1996.
Shooting guard: Nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" and the man whom the NBA's logo was patterned after, Jerry West may be the most influential figure in league history when his feats as a general manager are included. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Lakers and helped them reach the NBA Finals nine times, winning a title in 1972. His 27-point career scoring average ranks fifth in history, and he also averaged 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists for his career. He is also a Hall of Famer and was honored as one of the NBA's 50 Greatest.
Longevity, Unstoppable Shot the Hallmarks of Abdul-Jabbar
Center: The Lakers have had incredible talent at this most important of positions, butKareem Abdul-Jabbar was the most influential. He spent 14 of his 20 NBA seasons with the Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships while finishing his career as the league's all-time scoring leader. His legendary "skyhook" was all but unstoppable, and so was he. Abdul-Jabbar was MVP of the NBA six times; he won three with the Milwaukee Bucks before doing so with the Lakers in 1976, 1977 and 1980. He had career averages of 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Another Laker both in the Hall of Fame and honored as one of the NBA's 50 Greatest.
Pioneer Dunker and "Big Game" Player
Power forward: Before Dr. J, Elgin Baylorplayed above the rim. Like West, he starred for a team that could never shake the shadow of the Celtics, but he was able to avoid a great injustice by playing long enough to help the Lakers to one NBA title, in 1972. No player was more deserving of a championship. Baylor's 27.4 career scoring average ranks behind only Michael Jordan and Chamberlain in league history. He also averaged 13.5 points and 4.3 assists in a career that earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame and on the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list.
Small forward: Though he consistently received third billing behind Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, James Worthy was an incredible player in his own right. He was especially deadly finishing the fastbreak -- and in the playoffs. Worthy, nicknamed "Big Game James," had career averages of 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He helped the Lakers win three NBA titles and had a career playoff aveage of 21.1 points. He, too, is a Hall of Famer and one of the NBA's 50 Greatest.
On the Bench
Guards: Gail Goodrich is in the Hall of Fame and Kobe Bryant will be as soon as he is eligible. Goodrich spent nine years with the Lakers, and averaged between 17.5 and 25.3 points per game from 1971 to 1976. Bryant , NBA MVP in 2008, may eventually displace West in the starting lineup. He has helped the Lakers win three titles, and has career averages of 25.1 points, 4.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
Centers: George Mikan, Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. All three were named to the 50 Greatest Players list. Mikan was the NBA's first dominant big man. His Hall of Fame, eight-season career, all with the Minneapolis Lakers, produced five NBA championships and career averages of 23.1 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. O'Neal never averaged fewer than 21.5 points and 10.7 rebounds in eight seasons with the Lakers, while leading them to three NBA titles and earning the 2000 MVP Award. Chamberlain is arguably the league's greatest center, but the Hall of Famer spent just four full seasons with the Lakers (a fifth amounted to just 12 games). He was a member of the 1972 team, when he won his only title with the Lakers. He averaged 20.5 points and 21.1 rebounds in his first season in L.A. and followed that up with 20.7 points and 18.2 rebounds the next year.
Forwards: Jamaal Wilkes and Vern Mikkelsen. Wilkes, nicknamed "Silk" for his silky outside shooting touch, helped the Lakers win three NBA titles. He had career averages of 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Mikkelsen was a powerful presence up front for the Minneapolis Lakers, teaming with Mikan on a dominant front line. He spent all 10 years of his Hall of Fame career with the Lakers, and had career averages of 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists while helping them win four NBA titles.
