Kobe Bryant surpassed Jerry West, a.k.a “The Logo” last night against the Grizzlies, to be come the greatest scorer in Lakers franchise history. At just 31 years old, it’s very possible Bryant could continue over the next 2-3 years to push that record out of reach for any Laker. Over the last few weeks, I have heard more and more discussion over who is the greatest Laker of all time. Hopefully, my list of the top five lakers ever will shed some light on the topic.
5. Elgin Baylor
One of the most underrated players of all-time, Baylor was THE MAN in L.A long before many on this list. Baylor led the franchise to the NBA Finals eight different times, though he never won a NBA title.
4. Shaquille O’ Neal
Shaq could have been known as the greatest Laker of all time, had he played his entire career in Hollywood. His frequent travels throughout the league make his Showtime days a memory, albeit a good one.
3. Jerry West
The Logo picked up where Baylor left off for the storied franchise, though he was able to deliver a NBA title to the Lakers in 1972.
A career stat line of 27 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds is enough to put West in consideration among anyone’s all-time greats.
2. Kobe Bryant
Even if Bryant is able to secure another title or two, I would be hard pressed to place him above the guy who sits above him on this list. Not to take nothing away from Kobe, who is a Laker lifer, and has endured greatness, demise, and redemption before our very eyes. Perhaps the player people love to hate more than anyone on this list, Bryant’s skillset has been above any of his peers for a longer period than critics give him credit for.
1. Magic Johnson
Magic IS the Lakers. He embodies all that the Lakers were when he played there, the swagger, the finesse, the persona. Magic has had a tremendous influence on moves the Lakers have made since he has left the team, and is easily the most recognizable name associated with the franchise. Just as Michael Jordan will ALWAYS be a Chicago Bull, and Larry Birh will ALWAYS be a Celtic, Magic will ALWAYS be the face of the Lakers.
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