James Worthy Names The 5 Greatest Lakers Players Ever

James Worthy, a Los Angeles Lakers legend and three-time NBA champion, recently shared his list of the five greatest Lakers players of all time during an appearance on Byron Scott’s podcast. When asked to name the top players in the franchise's illustrious history, Worthy confidently selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor.

Worthy started his list with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer until recently surpassed by LeBron James. Kareem’s skyhook remains one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball history, and his dominance spanned two decades. As a Laker, Kareem won five championships and three MVPs while leading the team to their iconic Showtime success. 

Over his career, Kareem averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. His accolades include six NBA championships, six MVP awards, 19 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, and 11 All-Defensive Team honors. Worthy emphasized Kareem’s work ethic and leadership as foundational to the Lakers’ success during the 1980s.

Next on the list was Magic Johnson, Worthy’s longtime teammate and the architect of Showtime basketball. Magic’s court vision, passing wizardry, and leadership revolutionized the point guard position and defined an era. 

Magic averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game over his career and was a five-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, three-time league MVP, and a 12-time All-Star. Known for his unselfish play, Magic also led the league in assists four times and was named to 10 All-NBA Teams. Worthy, who shared many of his career’s greatest moments with Magic, praised his ability to make everyone around him better and his relentless drive to win.

Worthy’s third pick was Kobe Bryant, a player who embodied the spirit of determination and the drive for excellence. Kobe spent all 20 seasons of his career with the Lakers, winning five championships, two Finals MVPs, and earning the respect of basketball fans worldwide. 

Bryant averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game and was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection, 12-time All-Defensive Team honoree, and the 2008 league MVP. Worthy highlighted Kobe's ability to elevate his game in crucial moments and carry the Lakers through tough times, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise's most iconic figures.

Jerry West, the fourth player named, represents the bridge between the Lakers’ early days in Los Angeles and their rise to basketball prominence. Known as "The Logo," West’s scoring ability and competitive fire made him a cornerstone of the Lakers during the 1960s and early 1970s. 

He averaged 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game and was a 14-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, NBA champion (1972), and Finals MVP (1969). Worthy acknowledged West’s influence not only as a player but also as an executive, where he played a pivotal role in assembling championship rosters for the Lakers.

Rounding out the list was Elgin Baylor, a trailblazer who revolutionized the forward position with his athleticism, scoring, and flair. Baylor averaged 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over his career, setting the stage for future stars to emulate his style of play. 

Despite never winning a championship as a player, Baylor was an 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and remains one of the greatest offensive talents in basketball history. Worthy credited Baylor as a pioneer who transformed how forwards approached the game and elevated the Lakers in their formative years in Los Angeles.

Worthy’s choices reflect the Lakers' unparalleled legacy in the NBA, featuring legends from different eras who shaped the team’s identity. While many fans might debate the inclusion of others like Shaquille O’Neal or LeBron James, Worthy’s list pays homage to the players who defined the franchise over decades of excellence.