Greatest Los Angeles Lakers Ever – Top 10 Legends
2. Kobe Bryant
Easily one of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers Ever, Kobe Bryant, is also unarguably one of the greatest scorers to ever play in the NBA. The Black Mamba sits at third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a whopping 33,643 career points, and he averaged 25 points a night for his career.
Bryant will be remembered most for his unique scoring ability, though he was much more than a bucket-getter. The 20-year Laker was also an elite defender for much of his prime. It can be proved by his 12 selections to the league’s All-Defensive teams.
But most importantly, Kobe was a winner. He won five titles, with three of them coming from the early 2000s three-peat, when Bryant was paired with superstar center Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant won his last two titles in 2009 and 2010 alongside Pau Gasol. Los Angeles was able to defeat the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals in 2009, and then the Celtics in 2010. Kobe was named NBA Finals MVP both years.
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the greatest winner to ever wear a Los Angeles Lakers uniform. The Lakers were a great franchise when Magic arrived but he transformed them into a glorious franchise. There was nothing Magic Johnson could not do.
Born in Earvin 1939 to a large family, Johnson had a passion for basketball since his early life. At Everett high school, he earned his famous nickname “magic” after a sports writer witnessed him compile 36 points ,16 rebounds and 16 assists in a single game.
At Michigan state university he made an impressive point guard, standing 6 feet 9 inch tall, Johnson was drafted to the lakers in 1979 and won the NBA finals “most valuable player” awards for his effort in leading the Lakers towards victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. He led them to victory again in his 3rd season and earned the 2nd series MVP award.
In his first 10 years in the league Johnson played in a remarkable eight NBA Finals. He was named Finals M.V.P three times in that eight year span.
Magic made everyone around him a level better than what they actually were. If you were good in San Diego you were great in LA. If you were great in San Francisco you were a Hall of Famer in LA. He could take any player and almost “magically” make them special.