The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of professional basketball. Founded in 1948, the Lakers have won 16 NBA championships and have had some of the greatest players to ever play the game suiting up for them.
One of the most notable Lakers of all time is Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Johnson played point guard for the Lakers from 1979 to 1991, leading the team to five championships during his tenure. He was known for his incredible vision on the court and his ability to make his teammates better. Magic was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Finals MVP three times.
Another Lakers legend is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar played center for the Lakers from 1975 to 1989, and he is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He won six championships with the Lakers and was also a 19-time NBA All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar was known for his unstoppable skyhook shot and his incredible durability, as he holds the record for most games played in the NBA.
In the recent year, the Lakers have once again become one of the elite teams in the league, thanks in large part to the efforts of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James, a four-time NBA MVP and 17-time All-Star, joined the Lakers in 2018 and has since led the team to two consecutive NBA championships in 2020 and 2021. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and continues to be a dominant force on the court, averaging over 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists per game.
Anthony Davis, a 7-time All-Star, was acquired by the Lakers in 2019, and his combination with James has proven to be a powerful one. Davis is a versatile player and one of the best big men in the league, averaging over 25 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.