The Los Angeles Lakers were established in 1946 as the Detroit Gems of the NBL. In 1947, the team relocated to Minneapolis and adopted the name "Lakers," marking the beginning of one of the most successful franchises not only in the NBA but in all of sports. Since their founding, the Lakers have amassed 17 championships, just one shy of the Boston Celtics, who hold the record for the most in NBA history. Their latest title came during the 2019-20 season, allowing them to temporarily take the all-time lead before the Celtics matched their total in 2023-24. Over the years, the Lakers have been home to numerous legends, with 26 players enshrined in the Hall of Fame—second only to the Celtics, who have 34. Among the many greats, players like Gail Goodrich, Michael Cooper, Pau Gasol, and Anthony Davis narrowly missed making the top tier. Here’s a look at the top 10 players in the illustrious history of the Los Angeles Lakers.

10. LeBron James

Achievements: 2019-20 Champion, 2019-20 Finals MVP

Before joining the Lakers in 2018, LeBron James had already secured three championships and built an impressive legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Since arriving in Los Angeles, he has further enhanced his remarkable career. In his six seasons with the Lakers, LeBron has earned six All-Star selections and six All-NBA honors. His standout season came in 2019-20, when he led the Lakers to their 17th championship, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. That year, he also finished as the runner-up in MVP voting to Giannis Antetokounmpo. As LeBron approaches the twilight of his career, he aims to secure another title for Los Angeles and continue to expand his legendary legacy.

9. George Mikan

Achievements: 5 Championships, Hall of Fame Class of 1959

George Mikan was the original superstar of the NBA and a true pioneer of professional basketball. He redefined the role of the big man with his exceptional rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring abilities. Notably, he was famous for his underhand free throw long before Rick Barry popularized it. Mikan began his professional career in the NBL in 1947 before signing with the Lakers in 1948. Once he joined the Minneapolis Lakers, he quickly became the face of both the franchise and the NBA, dominating the court throughout his career. He played seven seasons in the NBA, all with the Lakers, averaging 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in leading the Lakers to their first five championships. In addition to his championships, Mikan was a four-time All-Star and a six-time All-NBA selection. He also claimed three consecutive scoring titles from 1949-50 to 1950-51, culminating in an impressive average of 28.4 points per game in the 1950-51 season. His contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959. After retiring, Mikan continued to influence the sport as one of the founders and the first commissioner of the ABA.

8. Wilt Chamberlain

Achievements: 1971-72 Champion, 1971-72 Finals MVP, Hall of Fame Class of 1979

While Wilt Chamberlain is often remembered for his extraordinary success with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, he was also a formidable force during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain was traded to the Lakers from the 76ers in 1968. Although he was not as dominant as he had been earlier in his career, he remained a significant presence on both ends of the court. Over his final five seasons in the NBA, all spent in Los Angeles, he averaged 17.7 points and an astounding 19.2 rebounds per game. In the 1971-72 season, Chamberlain played a crucial role in leading the Lakers to the championship, earning Finals MVP honors for his performance. He was also recognized as a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-Defensive selection during his tenure with the team. Notably, he made his only All-NBA team as a member of the Lakers in the 1971-72 season. Chamberlain retired in 1974 after sitting out the 1973-74 season due to a contract with the San Diego Conquistadors of the ABA. His illustrious career was capped off with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1979, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

7. James Worthy

Achievements: 3 Championships, 1987-88 Finals MVP, Hall of Fame Class of 2003

After a stellar college career alongside Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina, James Worthy was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1982 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, seamlessly fitting into the Lakers' lineup alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In his rookie season, he finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting. Worthy played 12 seasons with the Lakers, during which he averaged 17.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in the team's success, helping lead the Lakers to three championships. Notably, he was named the Finals MVP in 1987-88, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level when it mattered most. A seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Worthy's contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and clutch performances solidified his legacy as one of the greats in Lakers history.

6. Elgin Baylor

Achievements: 11-Time All-Star, 1958-59 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame Class of 1977

Elgin Baylor was a true superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his entire 14-season career. Despite never winning a championship or an MVP award, he remains one of the most dominant players in the franchise's history. Selected first overall by the Lakers in the 1958 NBA Draft, Baylor made an immediate impact in the league. He dominated during his rookie season, averaging 24.9 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, earning him the Rookie of the Year title and a third-place finish in MVP voting. Over his illustrious career in Los Angeles, Baylor averaged an impressive 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. His remarkable performance included a legendary 71-point game in 1960, which ranks among the highest single-game scoring outputs in NBA history. Baylor was an 11-time All-Star and a 10-time All-NBA selection, showcasing his consistent excellence on the court. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1977, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

5. Jerry West

Achievements: 1971-72 Champion, 1968-69 Finals MVP, Hall of Fame Class of 1980

Selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1960 NBA Draft, Jerry West quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league. He spent his entire 14-season career with the Lakers, leading the team to one championship while appearing in nine NBA Finals. West averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and skill. Known as "The Logo," he revolutionized the point guard position and played a pivotal role in the Lakers' championship run in the 1971-72 season. Notably, he is the only player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP award while playing for the losing team, which he accomplished in 1968-69. A 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA selection, and five-time All-Defensive selection, West's accolades reflect his all-around excellence on the court. Despite his 1-8 record in the Finals and never winning an MVP award, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time and a key figure in the growth of the NBA. His contributions were honored with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

4. Shaquille O'Neal

Achievements: 3 Championships, 3 Finals MVPs, 1999-00 MVP, Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Shaquille O'Neal was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force by winning Rookie of the Year in his debut season. In 1996, he made a pivotal move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a crucial role in transforming the team into championship contenders. During his eight seasons with the Lakers, Shaq averaged an impressive 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His dominance on the court helped lead the Lakers to a three-peat from 1999-00 to 2001-02, and he was named Finals MVP in all three championship series. O'Neal was named the 1999-00 MVP, marking the only MVP award of his illustrious career. Additionally, he earned seven All-Star selections, eight All-NBA selections, and three All-Defensive selections, showcasing his all-around impact on the game. After the 2003-04 season, he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he won his fourth and final championship. In recognition of his incredible contributions to basketball, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Achievements: 5 Championships, 1984-85 Finals MVP, 3 MVPs, Hall of Fame Class of 1995

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began his illustrious career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he quickly became one of the NBA's elite players, leading the franchise to its first championship in the 1970-71 season. In 1975, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that would significantly elevate both his career and the team's fortunes. During his 14 seasons with the Lakers, Kareem averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His partnership with Magic Johnson formed one of the most iconic duos in NBA history, leading the Lakers to five championships throughout the 1980s. He earned the Finals MVP award in 1984-85, further solidifying his status as a clutch performer. Kareem was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA selection, and seven-time All-Defensive selection. He also won three regular-season MVP awards, showcasing his dominance in the league. By the time he retired in 1989, he was the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a record that stood until LeBron James surpassed it in 2023. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career is celebrated as one of the most successful and legendary in NBA history, marked by his unmatched skill, work ethic, and contributions to the game.

2. Kobe Bryant

Achievements: 5 Championships, 2 Finals MVPs, 2007-08 MVP, Hall of Fame Class of 2020

Kobe Bryant is not only regarded as the second-best player in Lakers history but also as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Drafted 13th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, he was traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac, a move that would become one of the most significant trades in both franchise and league history. Spending his entire 20-season career with the Lakers, Kobe averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His relentless work ethic and competitive spirit helped him secure five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. He was named the NBA MVP for the 2007-08 season, further solidifying his legacy. Kobe was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection, and 12-time All-Defensive selection, showcasing his excellence on both ends of the court. He also won four All-Star Game MVP awards, tying him with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, Kobe Bryant's career is celebrated for its remarkable achievements, iconic moments, and indelible impact on the game of basketball. His legacy continues to inspire players and fans around the world.

1. Magic Johnson

Achievements: 5 Championships, 3 Finals MVPs, 3 MVPs, Hall of Fame Class of 2002

Magic Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest player in Los Angeles Lakers history and one of the most transformative figures in basketball. His journey began when the Lakers acquired the first overall pick in the 1979 Draft, a move that would change the franchise forever. Magic, a 6'9" point guard, made an immediate impact, averaging 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in his rookie season, leading the Lakers to their first championship since 1972. Over his 13-season career with the Lakers, Magic averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and an astounding 11.2 assists per game. He was instrumental in leading the team to five NBA championships alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. His exceptional playmaking ability earned him three Finals MVP awards during those title runs. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection, Magic was known for his charisma, leadership, and ability to elevate the play of those around him. His impact on the game extended beyond the court, as he became a global ambassador for basketball. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, Magic Johnson's career is celebrated as one of the finest in NBA history, particularly for a point guard. His legacy continues to influence players and inspire fans, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.