The more well-known team to come out of the Los Angeles teams, the Lakers made a huge splash back in the summer when they announced that they would be acquiring LeBron James for their 2019 roster. But, this is not the first time that the Lakers have gotten themselves a strong player. Throughout their 71 seasons, they have made playoff appearances 60 times, and have 16 championships to prove that they are one of the top dogs in the business.
Starting Lineup
Magic Johnson, PG/SG (99)
Age: 27
Height: 6’9”
Traits: One of a Kind
Best Stats: Passing, Layups, Steals
An extremely dedicated player, Magic Johnson’s career with the Lakers was nothing short of phenomenal. Even when he was bed-ridden with HIV, he was still able to keep up with his regular averaged, having 19.5 points averaged per game throughout his entire career, as well as 11.2 assists per game totaled, and even managing 1.9 steals per game, peaking with 3.4 steals per game during his ‘80-’81 year.
Kobe Bryant, SG/SF (98)
Age: 29
Height: 6’6”
Traits: All-Around Superstar
Best Attributes: Layups, Mid-Range, Lateral Quickness
When you think of the Lakers, you will almost immediately think of Kobe Bryant. Considered one of the all-time greats, right alongside Michael Jordan and Lebron James, Bryant made sure that people would always remember him. Averaging 25.0 points per game during his entire career, he peaked at 35.4 points per game during the ‘05-’06 year, while maintaining 4.7 assists overall, as well as 4.1 rebounds per game throughout his career.
Shaquille O’Neal, C/PF (98)
Age: 28
Height: 7’1”
Traits: Two-Way Star
Best Stats: Strength, Layups, Dunks
The big man at the wheel, Shaquille O’Neal played with the Lakers for most of his career. With 8 seasons under his belt with them, he was one of the few big men that were able to net lots of points. Averaging 27.0 points per game during his tenure with the Lakers, he was also able to solidify 11.8 rebounds per game and a monstrous 2.5 blocks per game as well.
Jerry West, PG/SG (97)
Age: 24
Height: 6’2”
Traits: All-around Superstar
Best Stats: Layups, passing, Steals
Another man that stayed tried and true with the Lakers, Jerry West was able to dominate most of his games through sheer willpower it seemed. At the end of his career, he had averaged a solid 27.0 points per game, peaking at 31.2 points per game averaged during his ‘69-’70 year. He was also able to gain a fantastic 6.7 assist average per game, as well as a daring 2.6 steals per game.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, C/PF (96)
Age: 29
Height: 7’2”
Traits: Two-Way Star
Best Stats: Post Offense, Rebounding, layups
Another big man to come out from the Lakers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a massive man on defense and offense for the Lakers. Averaging 22.1 points per game during his 14 season run, he was able to also have a strong 11.2 rebounds per game, as well as 2.6 blocks per game, meaning he definitely earned his hall of fame spot.