The Los Angeles Lakers' rich history is defined by legendary players like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James, whose impact, championships, and individual greatness cemented their status as the best Lakers of all time.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied, and thus, polarizing franchises in NBA history, with a legacy filled with championships, superstar talent, and unforgettable moments.
From the Showtime era to the dominant early 2000s and beyond, Los Angeles has been home to some of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Here are the 10 best Lakers of all time, considering their impact on the franchise, individual achievements, and championship success.
Top 10 Lakers players of all time
10. Pau Gasol (2008-2014)
Pau Gasol's arrival in 2008 changed everything for the Lakers, giving Kobe Bryant the perfect co-star to lead the team back to glory.
His elite footwork, passing, and versatility helped the Lakers win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
The Spaniard was not just a skilled scorer but also an underrated defender and playmaker, playing a crucial role in Phil Jackson's triangle offense.
Over his seven seasons in Los Angeles, he averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning three All-Star selections.
Gasol is undoubtedly among the greatest Lakers of all time.
Pau Gasol's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | BPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 429 | 429 | 17.7 | 3.5 | 9.9 | 1.6 | 52.2% | 0% | 78.9% |
9. James Worthy (1982-1994)
A key member of the Showtime Lakers, James Worthy's ability to rise to the occasion earned him the nickname "Big Game James."
He delivered a legendary triple-double in Game 7 of the 1988 Finals, cementing his place among Los Angeles Lakers legends.
Worthy's explosive finishing, smooth mid-range game, and defensive versatility made him a nightmare matchup.
Playing alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he was the perfect third star who thrived in the fast-paced Showtime system.
James Worthy's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 926 | 717 | 17.6 | 3.0 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 52.1% | 24.1% | 76.9% |
8. George Mikan (1947-1956)
The first true dominant big man in basketball history, George Mikan, was the foundation of the Lakers' early success.
He led the franchise to five championships in the early days of the NBA, establishing the Lakers as the league's first dynasty.
His physicality, rebounding, and scoring ability revolutionized the center position, forcing rule changes like the widening of the lane.
Though the game has evolved significantly since Mikan's era, his impact on the sport and the Lakers' legacy remains undeniable.
George Mikan's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | BPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 439 | - | 23.1 | 2.8 | 13.4* | - | 40.4% | - | 78.2% |
*Last 5 seasons with the Lakers/BAA.
7. LeBron James (2018-present)
LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018 and quickly restored the franchise to championship glory, leading them to the 2020 NBA title.
As the oldest player in the NBA, he continues to play at an elite level, rewriting record books while wearing the purple and gold.
LeBron's ability to play multiple positions and elevate his teammates has been instrumental in keeping the Lakers competitive in the modern NBA.
With Luka Doncic now a Laker teammate, his sights are set on another NBA title, which would only bolster his argument for GOAT status over Michael Jordan.
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 416 | 416 | 26.6 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 1.1 | 51.3% | 36.0% | 72.8% |
6. Shaquille O'Neal (1996-2004)
Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to a three-peat, winning Finals MVP in each championship run.
He was simply unstoppable in his prime, overpowering defenders at will and forming one of the most iconic duos ever with Kobe Bryant.
During his peak, Shaq was arguably the most unstoppable force in basketball history.
If he had stayed in Los Angeles longer, he would definitely have been higher on this all time Lakers players list.
Shaquille O'Neal's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | BPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 514 | 514 | 27.0 | 3.1 | 11.8 | 2.9 | 55.7% | 0% | 48.4% |
5. Jerry West (1960-1974)
The man whose silhouette became the NBA logo, Jerry West was the heart of the Lakers for over a decade.
Despite many heartbreaking Finals losses, he finally secured a championship in 1972.
West was an elite scorer, a fierce competitor, and a brilliant basketball mind who later helped build the Lakers' dynasty as an executive.
His ability to perform in clutch moments earned him the reputation of one of the greatest guards ever.
Jerry West's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 932 | 932 | 27.0 | 6.7 | 5.8 | 2.8 | 47.4% | - | 81.4% |
4. Elgin Baylor (1958-1971)
Elgin Baylor was one of the NBA's first high-flying players and a revolutionary talent.
Despite never winning a championship, Baylor's acrobatic moves and scoring ability changed the forward position forever.
Over his 14-season career with the Lakers, he led the team to eight NBA Finals appearances.
His innovative style of play paved the way for future generations of athletic forwards in the NBA, and he remains one of the best Lakers players of all time.
Elgin Baylor's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 846 | - | 27.4 | 4.3 | 13.5 | - | 43.1% | - | 78.0% |
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-1989)
Kareem Abdul Jabbar's skyhook was the most unstoppable shot in basketball history, and he used it to dominate the league well into his late 30s.
He won multiple MVPs with the Lakers and was the foundation of the Showtime era before Magic Johnson took over as the face of the franchise.
Even as he aged, Kareem remained a dominant force, adapting his game to complement Magic's playmaking.
By many, Kareem is considered the greatest center in NBA history.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | BPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1093 | - | 22.1 | 2.5 | 9.4 | 2.5 | 55.9% | - | 72.1% |
2. Magic Johnson (1979-1991, 1996)
He led the Showtime Lakers to five championships, famously stepping in at center as a rookie in the 1980 Finals.
His leadership and playmaking made him one of the most iconic players in basketball history.
At 6'9", Magic revolutionized the point guard position, proving that size and skill could be combined to create a new era of basketball dominance.
Magic Johson's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 906 | 870 | 19.5 | 11.2 | 7.2 | 1.9 | 52.0% | 30.3% | 84.8% |
1. Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)
No player embodied the Lakers' spirit like Kobe Bryant.
He spent 20 seasons with the franchise, delivering legendary performances, game-winners, and unforgettable moments.
His relentless work ethic, killer mentality, and loyalty to the Lakers made him an icon, while his NBA nickname, Black Mamba, became synonymous with focus and excellence.
Kobe's ability to reinvent himself and adapt to different teammates and playing styles was a major reason for his longevity.
From being Shaq's co-star to carrying the team on his own in the late 2000s, Kobe proved time and time again why he was the heart and soul of the franchise.
His 81-point game, five championships, and countless clutch moments define him as the greatest Laker of all time.
Kobe Bryant's stats with the Lakers:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1346 | 1346 | 25.0 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 1.4 | 44.7% | 32.9% | 83.7% |
