The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of the NBA, boasting a rich legacy of greatness and championship victories. When discussing the best player in the history of the Lakers, it’s hard to overlook the legendary figures who have graced the court in purple and gold, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. However, in recent years, LeBron James has also made an undeniable impact on the team’s success.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the title as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer and helped guide the team to five championships during his time with them. Magic Johnson, with his unmatched playmaking ability, revolutionized the point guard position and led the Lakers to five titles in the 1980s. Kobe Bryant, a beloved figure who spent his entire career with the Lakers, is often regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history and led the team to five championships of his own.
LeBron James, despite not starting his career with the Lakers, has immediately become one of the franchise’s most important figures since joining in 2018. With his leadership and talent, he led the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship in 2020, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.
Each of these players has made an indelible mark on the Lakers’ history, but it’s a matter of perspective whether LeBron, Kobe, Magic, or Kareem holds the title as the “best” player in the franchise’s storied history.
