10 Greatest Players to Put on a Lakers Uniform: LeBron vs. Magic vs. Kareem

The Lakers, the most storied franchise in NBA history, just added arguably the most storied player in NBA history, LeBron James.

Now with 6 of the top 8 scorers in NBA history, including each of the top 3; 6 of the 13 players to win multiple MVPs; and 25 Hall-of-Famers (as for now), the Lakers now have an even greater dilemma: Who are the 10 Greatest players to put on a Lakers uniform?

*This list is NOT based on a players’ performance/accomplishments while a Laker, but based on the overall career of every player that has, or will officially wear a Lakers uniform. 

10. Steve Nash

Steve Nash’s Lakers run was hard to digest, but his career sure was not. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player was a floor general, a marksman, and a show stopper. The definition of the quintessential point guard: Steve Nash.

1. LeBron James

Who would have thought neither Magic nor Kareem would be number 1 on this list by the summer of 2018? LeBron has proven he can carry below average to the Finals, alter a game in every phase, come back down 3-1 against a 73-win team, deliver a championship in a city of chaos, and that he is the second greatest player in NBA history. LeBron James is the greatest player to ever put on a Lakers uniform.

9. Elgin Baylor

A career average of 27.4 ppg is impressive, but doing so without the 3-point line is ridiculous. Elgin Baylor was nearly impossible to defend and had a skill-set that nearly 50 years later is hard to match.

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8. Karl Malone

A man of many moves. Karl Malone not only could not be defended, he could defend. If it was not for Michael Jordan, he would have also been a champion.

7. Jerry West

He is the NBA logo, what more needs to be said? Maybe that he was clutch? Or being one of the best defensive guards that ever existed?

6. Shaquille O’Neal

There was a time, Shaq was the most dominant force eyes had ever witnessed. The leading piece to the Kobe-Shaq Lakers spent time as the best player in the NBA in the early 2000s. If he would have taken care of himself, and cared a little more, not only would he have been on the Mount Rushmore of Lakers but the Mount Rushmore of NBA players.

5. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s career has not aged ideally as the NBA has become a more efficient league since his departure, but that does not defeat his legacy. The Mamba was the most ruthless competitor the game has ever seen outside of Michael Jordan and never cheated the fans. As talented as today’s NBA is, there is a lack of “give me the ball, get out of the way” type players.

4. Wilt Chamberlain

It almost would seem fairer if the record book was titled “the records not held by Wilt Chamberlain.” Chamberlain may not have beaten Bill Russell enough, but he was, indeed, the better player. Truly a transcendent talent even before the monumental 100-point game.

3. Magic Johnson

No team in any era would have not benefited from having Magic Johnson running their show. The greatest passer ever changed the game forever. When you think the Lakers, you think Magic.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar edges out his former teammate Magic Johnson based on longevity and being responsible for presenting the most unstoppable move the basketball court has ever seen. Abdul-Jabbar is often left out of the discussion of the greatest of all-time, but a mention is deserved.