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From Kareem to Kwame – Ranking the best and worst starting fives in Lakers history

Posted on May 11, 2025 - 5:22 am by

Some Lakers players exceeded expectations while others didn’t meet them.

The Lakers' best and worst all-time starting 5 - Basketball Network - Your daily dose of basketball

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most celebrated franchises in NBA history. Founded in 1947, the Purple and Gold quickly established themselves as a powerhouse in the league. Their iconic colors have become synonymous with greatness, attracting fans from all over the world.

The Lakers have been home to some of the greatest players in the sport. Icons such as Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have donned the Lakers jersey and left an indelible mark on the franchise and the game itself. Each of these players brought unique skills and charisma, contributing to multiple championship victories and historic moments. 

However, the Lakers’ journey has not been without its share of challenges. Though the team is known for recruiting the best players in the league, they have also acquired a number of players who struggled to meet the franchise’s high expectations.

These players, despite making it to the NBA, failed to make a significant impact or connect with the Lakers culture.

Best all-time starting five: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Anthony Davis, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson

Center, Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has become a name synonymous with Lakers greatness and he stands as a towering figure in the history of the franchise. His legacy with the team is defined by his pivotal role during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era in the ’80s.

The long list of Abdul-Jabbar’s accolades is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dominance. He is a six-time NBA champion, five of which were with the “Purple and Gold,” six-time MVP, two-time scoring champion, 19-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP. Kareem also held the all-time scoring record with his 38,387 points for 38 years.

During his playing years, KAJ was arguably the best big man in the league. Kareem’s signature skyhook shot became one of the most iconic and unstoppable moves in NBA history.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Kareem’s impact extends into cultural and social realms. He was not only a dominant player but also a voice for social justice and equality. Throughout his career, “Cap” used his platform to advocate for civil rights, inspiring many both within and outside the sports community.

Power forward, AD

Many NBA fans consider Anthony Davis to be the greatest power forward in Lakers history. AD’s remarkable skills, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, have earned him this prestigious recognition.

In 2020, Davis played a crucial role alongside superstar LeBron James, helping the Lakers secure the NBA championship. This victory marked the franchise’s 17th title, a significant feat for the storied franchise. 

Davis became a household name in the league because of his all-around game, which displayed his defensive prowess and scoring ability. During his six-year stint with the Lakers, he demonstrated his value not only as a player but also as a leader.

As a Laker, “The Brow” averaged 24.8 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. All told, Davis’ run with the “Purple and Gold” solidified his status as one of the greatest players to ever represent the Lakers. 

Small forward, Baylor

The late great Elgin Baylor is often celebrated as one of the most influential players in the history of the sport. Elg’s impact on the game, remarkable athleticism, and lasting legacy make a strong case for his title as the greatest small forward in Lakers history.

Drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958, Baylor saved the franchise from bankruptcy by showcasing his extraordinary talent on the court. The 6’5″ forward spent his entire career with the Lakers and became the face of the organization during the late ’50s and the ’60s.

Baylor was best known for his acrobatic style of play, which included a unique jump shot and the ability to attack the basket with finesse. His dynamic skill set not only helped him score points but also made him a nightmare for defenders.

In his 14-year Lakers career, “Rabbit” averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. Though Elg never won an NBA title with the Lakers, he was treated by everybody in the organization with great reverence.

“He was unique. He helped build basketball here. The Lakers wouldn’t be the Lakers without him,” Lakers legend and former executive Jerry West once said of his former teammate. “This is one of the greatest men I’ve ever met in my life.”

Shooting guard, Kobe

As one of the most legendary figures in the sport, the late Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly the best shooting guard in Lakers history. His remarkable career was marked by a wide array of accomplishments and a profound impact on the game, cementing his legacy as a true Lakers icon.

“The Black Mamba” boldly entered the NBA straight out of high school and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. One major decision changed the trajectory of Kobe’s career as the Hornets opted to trade him away, leading him to the Lakers, where he would spend his illustrious 20-year career.

Kobe’s impressive list of accolades includes five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and 18 All-Star selections. He was also awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2008.

Apart from his feats, Bryant’s work ethic and competitive spirit set him apart from other NBA greats. He was known for his famous mantra, the “Mamba Mentality,” a philosophy that emphasized hard work, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Point guard, Magic

Magic Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest playmakers to ever grace the NBA hardwood. Like Kobe, Earvin also played for the Lakers his entire career and went down in history as an iconic figure in the organization.

In 1979, the 6’9″ guard was selected by the Lakers as the first overall pick. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear that he was a transformative player, utilizing his mystical and flashy style of play.

Johnson’s charisma was undeniably infectious. During his playing years, he redefined the point guard position, combining size, skill and flair. His game was characterized by no-look passes, unbelievable open-court plays, and exceptional ball handling prowess. As a showman, Magic changed the way basketball was played and became an ultimate fan favorite.

Throughout his career, Johnson accumulated a plethora of accolades, including five NBA championships, three league MVP awards, three Finals MVP honors and 12 All-Star selections, among others. Many are convinced that Johnson rightfully deserves a GOAT status across his name. In fact, for former Lakers head coach Pat Riley, Magic is the greatest player of all time.

“He’s the greatest player of all time,” Riley said of Magic in 2017 via ESPN. “LeBron is the closest thing to Earvin that we’ve ever seen because of his size, his speed, his acceleration, his vision — everything that he can do. [James] just had more pressure on him to have to score all the time. He has a mentality of being a scorer. [Johnson] could’ve scored 30 points a game if he wanted to. And we could’ve won.”

Magic’s impact on the Lakers and the NBA itself is immeasurable. Time and again, he stood out in the face of adversity, exemplifying his resilience and determination.

Worst all-time starting five: Sam Bowie, Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Smush Parker, Marcelo Huertas

Center, Bowie

Being drafted ahead of Michael Jordan and right behind Hakeem Olajuwon already put more than enough pressure on Sam Bowie heading into the NBA. Bowie began his NBA journey with the Portland Trail Blazers, with fans holding their breath for his rise to superstardom.

However, the Kentucky product never reached the level of Olajuwon, let alone Jordan. Instead, Bowie, despite averaging 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in his 10-year NBA career, went down in history as one of the biggest busts in the league’s history.

Bowie was already in his 30s when he joined the Lakers. Still, there were high hopes for his impact on the team, even as a substitute big man. The Lakers faithful anticipated Sam to be a significant presence in the paint, but he struggled to demonstrate the skills expected from a 7’1″ center in the NBA. 

Apart from his underwhelming performances, Bowie’s injuries further limited him from contributing to the team. He finished his two-year stint with the Lakers, averaging 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Power forward, Kwame

Like Bowie, Kwame Brown was also supposed to be a dominant player in the league. Jordan and the Washington Wizards selected Brown as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, thinking they could significantly benefit from the 6’11” big man either on the court or via a trade deal. They were proven wrong.

In 2005, the Lakers acquired Kwame in the hope of replacing Shaquille O’Neal with a decent center. However, “Coffee” did not live up to those expectations during his entire stint with Purple and Gold.

One of the main challenges that Brown faced was his lack of essential basketball skills that are crucial for success in the NBA. While Kwame possessed size and power, his technical abilities, specifically scoring, and basketball IQ were remarkably low and often inconsistent. Though Bryant once commended Brown’s defense, many believed that it wasn’t enough to be worthy of wearing the iconic “Purple and Gold” jersey.

“You know what, he may have showed Andrew a couple of things though, especially on screen-and-roll coverages and one-on-one defense. Offensively? No way,” Bryant once said, per the Los Angeles Times. “Kwame, he’s a great defensive player. He’s one of the best defensive big men I’ve ever seen. But in terms of offense, he was challenged.”

Playing alongside Kobe, Brown’s deficiencies became even more apparent as he failed to meet the Lakers’ star shooting guard’s demands from a big man. Moreover, Kwame’s time with the Lakers coincided with a period of rebuilding and reestablishing the team’s competitive edge. 

That being said, the expectations for success were extremely high, and any inconsistency from a player was the last thing they wanted at the time. This ultimately led to Brown’s Lakers exit.