The Lakers franchise is one of the NBA’s model organizations with 16 NBA titles, winning 5 in Minneapolis and 11 in Los Angeles.
Who is the greatest Lakers player? (answer below)
LONGETIVITY:
Simply put, are you synonymous with the Lakers franchise? Some of the greatest players – such as Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal – have come and gone without leaving their imprint on the franchise.
Most Seasons Played for Lakers Franchise
NBA History
Seasons
Kobe Bryant 19
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 14
Elgin Baylor 14
Jerry West 14
Derek Fisher 13
Magic Johnson 13
TEAM SUCCESS:
The Lakers franchise has had its share of success and to be the greatest Laker you must have been a major part of the franchise’s track record of winning. A staggering 29 players have won at least 3 titles with the Lakers franchise! (Jerry West is not one of those players).
Most Championships with Lakers
NBA History
NBA titles
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5
Kobe Bryant 5
Michael Cooper 5
Derek Fisher 5
Magic Johnson 5
George Mikan 5
Jim Pollard 5
INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS:
There have been 4 Lakers named MVP, accounting for 8 total awards. There have been 30 players who made at least 1 All-Star game as a Laker, totaling 134 All-Star selections.
Most MVP Awards
As a Lakers Player
MVPs All-NBA Selections
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3 10
Magic Johnson 3 10
Kobe Bryant 1 15
Shaquille O’Neal 1 8
Most All-Star Selections
As a Lakers Players
All-Star Selections
Kobe Bryant 17
Jerry West 14
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 13
Elgin Baylor 11
Magic Johnson 11
PRODUCTIVITY:
The only players on each list of criterion so far – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson – are our three finalists. A final head-to-head comparison with strict regard for productivity will reveal the greatest Lakers player ever.
A combination of PER (Player Efficiency Rating) and win shares per 48 minutes, which helps account for discrepancies in seasons and minutes, will make the final determination.
Comparing the Greatest Lakers
PER Win Shares/48 Min
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 23.4 .203
Kobe Bryant 23.2 .178
Magic Johnson 24.1 .225
Seeing as Magic Johnson was the most efficient Lakers player of the finalists, as well as responsible for the greatest percentage of his team’s wins, he’s the choice as greatest Laker ever.
Note: statistics are reflective solely of time with Lakers franchise
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.