I’ve been a fan of basketball ever since I bought Los Angeles lakers Tickets to see the popular team play against longtime rivals the Boston Celtics and I’ve been hooked ever since. The Lakers are one of the toughest teams to play in the professional basketball league, and also one of the most successful. The team has won a staggering 17 NBA Championships with three consecutive three wins which came back in the mid 1950’s and then again in the mid 1980’s.
The Lakers were formed back in 1946, and over the course of their long and illustrious history, have featured some of the finest athletes in the world who have impressed the critics and fans with their wooden court abilities, high-flying slam dunks and superior athletic prowess. These athletes have played a crucial role in transforming Lakers into one of the toughest teams to play against in the NBA which gives opponents panic attacks every time they have to encounter them.
Here are some of the legends of the game who have played for the Lakers during their career and won accolades for the team.
The Lakers were formed back in 1946, and over the course of their long and illustrious history, have featured some of the finest athletes in the world who have impressed the critics and fans with their wooden court abilities, high-flying slam dunks and superior athletic prowess. These athletes have played a crucial role in transforming Lakers into one of the toughest teams to play against in the NBA which gives opponents panic attacks every time they have to encounter them.
Here are some of the legends of the game who have played for the Lakers during their career and won accolades for the team.
Paul Gasol
Before there were Shaq and Kobe, there was Paul Gasol. The super skilled Spaniard, during his career, played three NBA Finals winning two Championships for the Lakers.
James Worthy
Magic Johnson had a trustworthy wingman in the form of “Big Games James”. Known as the best finisher in the history of the game, Worthy was named NBA Finals MVP in 1988.
Wilt Chamberlain
The Lakers won their first championship in Los Angeles with Wilt Chamberlain leading the squad. The Lakers owned the 1972 NBA Finals, setting a record of 33 consecutive wins which stands till date. Chamberlains defensive tactics and scoring from rebounds makes him one of the best Lakers of all time.
Shaquille O’Neal
The Lakers had the most dominant and powerful basketball player in the world in the form of 7 foot tall Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq as he is more commonly known was top dog, along with the unstoppable Kobe Bryant. Together this duo helped the Lakers win three consecutive championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Kobe Bryant
Nicknamed “The Black Mamba” Bryant is one of the most lethal shooting guards NBA has ever seen. He’s done it all. Won five NBA Championships, three with former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, and two Olympic Gold Medals.