The Los Angeles Lakers are always in the conversation when comes to which are the greatest NBA dynasties and franchises in NBA history, with so many NBA championships, retired jerseys, and highlight reel moments.
From “Showtime” to the “Mamba Mentality,” the Lakers have always brought in the big crowds, big celebrities and glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle.
Our list highlights the best Lakers players who have thrown on the purple and gold, representing a legacy of excellence.
Best Los Angeles Lakers Players Ever
From the days of West, Magic and Kareem to Kobe and Shaq, here are our top 10 Lakers players of all-time.
*Stats with Lakers only.
1. Magic Johnson
- Career Stats: PPG: 19.5 | RPG: 7.2 | APG: 11.2 | SPG: 1.9
- Games Played for Lakers: 906
- Titles Won: 5
- League MVPs: 3
- Finals MVPs: 3
- All-NBA Teams: 9x First Team, 1x Second Team
Magic Johnson changed the point guard position with his 6’9” frame and unmatched court vision. Known for his dazzling passes and leadership of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, Magic led the team to five NBA championships.
His rivalry with Larry Bird defined a generation of basketball, and his ability to perform in clutch moments cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
2. Kobe Bryant
- Career Stats: PPG: 25.0 | RPG: 5.2 | APG: 4.7 | SPG: 1.4
- Games Played for Lakers: 1,346
- Titles Won: 5
- League MVPs: 1
- Finals MVPs: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 11x First Team, 2x Second Team, 2x Third Team
- All-Defensive Teams: 9x First Team, 3x Second Team
Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” inspired a generation of basketball players. Known for his incredible work ethic, scoring ability, and clutch performances, Kobe spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five championships.
His 81-point game in 2006 remains one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history. With two Finals MVPs and 18 All-Star selections, Kobe’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Career Stats: PPG: 24.6 | RPG: 11.2 | APG: 3.6 | BPG: 2.6
- Games Played for Lakers: 1,093
- Titles Won: 5
- League MVPs: 3 (with Lakers, 6 total)
- Finals MVPs: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 10x First Team, 5x Second Team
- All-Defensive Teams: 5x First Team, 6x Second Team
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook was one of the most unstoppable shots in NBA history. The all-time leader in points until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023, Kareem’s form was at an elite level for two decades.
With the Lakers, he added five championships to his six total and was an anchor during the “Showtime” era. His longevity and consistency make him one of the greatest big men to ever play the game.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
- Career Stats: PPG: 27.0 | RPG: 11.8 | APG: 2.5 | BPG: 2.5
- Games Played for Lakers: 514
- Titles Won: 3
- League MVPs: 1
- Finals MVPs: 3
- All-NBA Teams: 8x First Team (with Lakers)
- All-Defensive Teams: 3x Second Team
Shaquille O’Neal was the most dominant force the NBA had ever seen during his prime with the Lakers. His physicality, combined with his agility for a man of his size, made him virtually unguardable.
Shaq led the Lakers to three straight championships from 2000-2002, earning Finals MVP honors in each series. His partnership with Kobe Bryant during the early 2000s created one of the most feared duos in NBA history.
5. Jerry West
- Career Stats: PPG: 27.0 | RPG: 5.8 | APG: 6.7 | SPG: 2.6
- Games Played for Lakers: 932
- Titles Won: 1
- Finals MVPs: 1
- All-NBA Teams: 10x First Team, 2x Second Team
- All-Defensive Teams: 4x First Team, 1x Second Team
Jerry West, known as “The Logo,” was one of the most skilled and relentless scorers in NBA history. Despite his single NBA championship, West made the Finals nine times, showcasing his consistency and leadership.
His ability to score, pass, and defend at a high level earned him a Finals MVP award in a losing effort, the only player to ever achieve that feat.
6. Elgin Baylor
- Career Stats: PPG: 27.4 | RPG: 13.5 | APG: 4.3
- Games Played for Lakers: 846
- All-NBA Teams: 10x First Team
- All-Defensive Teams: Data not available
Elgin Baylor was one of the greatest scorers and rebounders in NBA history, and he was doing it at just 6’5”.
Baylor’s acrobatic drives and mid-range game were ahead of his time, and though he never won an NBA championship, his impact on the Lakers and the game itself was undeniable. He was an 11-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA First Team member.
7. Wilt Chamberlain
- Career Stats: PPG: 22.1 | RPG: 18.6 | APG: 4.5 | BPG: Data not available
- Games Played for Lakers: 339
- Titles Won: 1
- League MVPs: 0 (with Lakers, 4 total)
- Finals MVPs: 1
- All-NBA Teams: 2x First Team (with Lakers), 1x Second Team
- All-Defensive Teams: 2x First Team
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant players ever, had a significant impact during his time with the Lakers.
Though most of his legendary stats were achieved before he joined the Lakers, Chamberlain helped lead Los Angeles to an NBA championship in 1972, winning Finals MVP honors. Known for his scoring, rebounding, and stunning athleticism for a man of his size, Wilt was a force to be reckoned with in any era.
8. James Worthy
- Career Stats: PPG: 17.6 | RPG: 5.1 | APG: 3.0 | SPG: 1.1
- Games Played for Lakers: 926
- Titles Won: 3
- Finals MVPs: 1
- All-NBA Teams: 2x Third Team
James “Big Game” Worthy earned his nickname with his clutch performances in the playoffs. A key part of the “Showtime” Lakers alongside Magic and Kareem, Worthy was known for his smooth mid-range game and finishing ability.
He earned Finals MVP honors in 1988 after leading the Lakers to victory with a triple-double in Game 7.
9. George Mikan
- Career Stats: PPG: 23.1 | RPG: 13.4 | APG: 2.8
- Games Played for Lakers: 439
- Titles Won: 5 (pre-NBA & NBA)
- League MVPs: N/A (MVP did not exist during his prime)
- All-NBA Teams: 6x First Team
George Mikan was the NBA’s first true big men to take control of the league and is often credited with revolutionizing the game. A five-time champion, Mikan led the Lakers during their early years in both the NBL and NBA.
His skills around the rim and ability to score made him the league’s first superstar, and he paved the way for the modern center.
10. Pau Gasol
- Career Stats: PPG: 17.7 | RPG: 9.9 | APG: 3.5 | BPG: 1.6
- Games Played for Lakers: 429
- Titles Won: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 3x Second Team, 1x Third Team
Pau Gasol was the perfect complement to Kobe Bryant during the Lakers’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. His skill as a big man—particularly his passing, footwork, and post moves—helped elevate the Lakers after his arrival in 2008.
Gasol’s impact on both ends of the floor earned him multiple All-Star selections and a place in Lakers history as one of the best big men to ever play for the franchise.
LA Lakers All-Time Starting 5 Lineup
*Stats with Lakers only.
| Pos | Player | PPG | RPG | APG | Titles | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Magic Johnson | 19.5 | 7.2 | 11.2 | 5 | 906 |
| SG | Kobe Bryant | 25.0 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 5 | 1,346 |
| SF | Elgin Baylor | 27.4 | 13.5 | 4.3 | 0 | 846 |
| PF | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 24.6 | 11.2 | 3.6 | 5 | 1,093 |
| C | Shaquille O’Neal | 27.0 | 11.8 | 2.5 | 3 | 514 |
From Magic’s “Showtime” era to Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality,” the Los Angeles Lakers have always been defined by the greatness of their players. This list represents not only the top players in Lakers history but some of the greatest to ever play the game.
If you love a top 10 list, check out our greatest Chicago Bulls Players All-Time and our best Knicks players of all-time lists.
