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| Steven Taylor : Los Angeles Tribute to Kobe Bryant |
When you want to start an argument, ask just a Laker fan for
his list of the top 10 Lakers players of all time. Then stand back, because
that’s when the arguments begin.
One typical Laker Super Fan is Los
Angeles native and Real Estate professional Steven
Taylor. You may know Steve as the LA mover and shaker who has completed
over a half billion dollars in real estate transactions in the Southern
California real estate market. But inside, he’s a life-long Lakers Super Fan
who takes his team seriously and isn’t afraid to share his views.
“Can you imagine,” he says, “the kind of team we’d have if,
through some kind of time warp, we could bring together history’s all-time
Laker greats and dress them for a game? No other team in the NBA could mount a
roster of outstanding players quite like the Lakers.”
Think you can argue with that? Taylor would love to take you
on. Here’s his list:
10. George Mikan
The third leading rebounder in Lakers history, and one of the first players
enshrined in the Hall of Fame. His famous hook shot propelled him to multiple
MVP titles and a career average of 23 points and 13 rebounds per game.
9. James Worthy
A lifelong Los Angeles Laker,
James was a NBA leader in steals, points scored and field goal percentage. In
his career, he averaged over 17 points and 5 rebounds per game. All good
reasons why his jersey hangs in the rafters of Stables Center.
8. Elgin Baylor
Ranked 4th on the Lakers all-time best rebounders (averaging 13.5
per game), Elgin averaged over 27 points per game. He was a giant game changer
on both offense and defense. Not only does his jersey hang in Staples Center,
but in 2018, his statue was unveiled just outside the stadium entrance.
7. Shaquille O’Neal
Possibly one of the best big players of all time, on all
teams, Shaq lead the Lakers to 3 straight titles in the early 2000’s, winning 3
MVP awards. Had some trouble with free throws, but an indomitable force on both
offence and defense.
6. Jerry West
The third player to score over 25,000 points, Jerry racked
up 27 points per game, 6 rebounds and 7 assists over 14 seasons. His frequent
game-winning plays won him the moniker of “Mr. Clutch.”
5. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt earns his top 5 spot (many would list him at No. 1) by
scoring an average of 20 rebounds and a phenomenal 30 points per game. Smooth,
fast and agile, “Wilt the Stilt” undoubtedly makes every Top Ten Laker list
ever compiled. The game many never see another like him.
4. Magic Johnson
For a guy forced to retire early due to physical issues,
Magic makes you wonder what his record might have been with full health.
Regardless, he won 5 NBA titles, three MVP trophies, and three NBA Finals MVPs.
His 11.2 assists per game record is one of the highest in NBA history.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Winner of eight NBA titles, Kareem was named to 19 All-Star
games and chalked up a career average of 24 points and 11 rebounds per game.
2. Kobe Bryant
Many consider Kobe the greatest Laker of all time. He
surpassed Michael Jordan in total points scored, with five championship rings
and two Finals MVP awards. Many of his peers regard him as the all-time,
all-around best player the game has ever seen. He has to be at the top—or close
to it—on any serious Lakers Top Players list ever created.
1. The Best Ever?
LA
native Steven Taylor doesn’t name a #1 Best Ever player, not with someone
like Lebron James still playing. Lebron surely needs to be on this list, Steven
believes. But where? Is he number one, as many fans believe, or does he rank
further up the list? Is he really better than Wilt, Magic, Kareem or Kobe?
Only time will tell.
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