Ranking the 15 Greatest Los Angeles Lakers Players of All Time

Published: March 29, 2025
Author: Steven Stiles
Category: Sports

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Magic Johnson is in the game, Lakers uniform

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in sports history, with a long list of legends who have worn the purple and gold.

From dominant big men to flashy playmakers, the Lakers have built dynasties across multiple eras, making it nearly impossible to rank their all-time greats. But we’re going to try anyway—here are the 15 greatest Los Angeles Lakers players of all time, ranked from legendary to all-time iconic.

15. Byron Scott

Scott was a key piece of the Showtime Lakers, providing scoring and defensive intensity in the backcourt. With three championships and years of clutch performances, he played a vital role alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

14. Michael Cooper

Cooper was the defensive backbone of the Showtime Lakers, shutting down the league’s best scorers while adding just enough offense to make opponents pay. He won five championships and even took home the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award.

13. Gail Goodrich

Goodrich was an elite scorer who helped lead the Lakers to their record-setting 1971-72 season, when they won 33 straight games and a championship. His smooth left-handed jumper and backcourt partnership with Jerry West made him one of the franchise’s earliest stars.

12. James Worthy

“Big Game James” earned his nickname by showing up when it mattered most, including his legendary triple-double in Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals. With three championships and a Finals MVP, he was the perfect sidekick to Magic Johnson during the Showtime era.

11. Pau Gasol

Gasol was the missing piece that helped Kobe Bryant and the Lakers return to championship glory. His skill, versatility, and clutch performances led to back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, securing his place in Lakers history.

10. Wilt Chamberlain

Though he spent only five seasons with the Lakers, Wilt helped deliver the 1972 championship while anchoring one of the greatest teams ever. His dominance on the boards and ability to score at will made him a key figure in Lakers lore.

9. George Mikan

Mikan was the NBA’s first dominant big man, leading the Lakers to five titles in the early days of professional basketball. Without him, the Lakers might not even be the legendary franchise they are today.

8. Elgin Baylor

Baylor was one of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history, dropping 61 points in a Finals game long before three-pointers even existed. Though he never won a ring, his impact on the franchise and the game itself cannot be overstated.

7. Jamaal Wilkes

Wilkes was the definition of smooth, contributing to three Lakers championships with his reliable scoring and clutch performances. His unorthodox but deadly jump shot made him a nightmare for defenders during the Showtime era.

6. LeBron James

LeBron joined the Lakers late in his career, but delivering the 2020 NBA Championship in the bubble instantly cemented his place among Lakers greats. With more years left to add to his Lakers legacy, he could climb even higher on this list.

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaq was an unstoppable force, bullying defenders in the paint while leading the Lakers to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. His combination of power, skill, and personality made him one of the most dominant and beloved players in Lakers history.

4. Jerry West

West is literally the NBA logo and one of the best guards to ever play the game. He was a scoring machine, a clutch performer, and the heart of the Lakers for over a decade, even though he only won one championship in 1972.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The all-time scoring leader for decades, Kareem brought his signature skyhook to Los Angeles and won five championships with the Lakers. His longevity and dominance made him one of the greatest to ever play the game.

2. Magic Johnson

Magic revolutionized basketball with his flashy passes, leadership, and ability to play any position on the court. With five championships and three MVPs, he defined the Showtime era and remains the best point guard in Lakers history.

1. Kobe Bryant

The Black Mamba embodied everything the Lakers stand for—work ethic, loyalty, and clutch performances. With five championships, two Finals MVPs, and countless unforgettable moments, he remains one of the most beloved Lakers of all time.