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Lakers History: Ranking the Lakers' 5 Greatest Centers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Dec 5, 2024 6:01 PM ET

Since the 1960s, when the Minneapolis Lakers first became the Los Angeles Lakers , the franchise has seen legendary centers influence the direction of the NBA. From Wilt Chamberlain to Anthony Davis, the Lakers organization has produced so many Hall of Fame big men that power ranking them all is a near impossible task. Nevertheless, these five stand out among the crowd.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Los Angeles Lakers: 1975–1989

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975. Known for his legendary skyhook, Abdul-Jabbar became the NBA's all-time leading scorer and gave the Lakers a potent offensive weapon. A six-time MVP and a key figure in five championship-winning teams, his impact on the franchise cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in Lakers history.

2. Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers: 2019-Present

This one might be controversial, but Anthony Davis’s raw athleticism and ability to step back and shoot the three gives him a leg up on the competition. While his career is still in progress, the 31 year-old is only shows signs of improvement. Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, Anthony Davis quickly established a dominant partnership with LeBron James, helping lead the team to an NBA championship in 2020. Known for his versatility, Davis has became an offensive force with the ability to score from multiple areas on the floor, while also showcasing elite shot-blocking and rebounding skills.

3. Shaquille O'Neal

Los Angeles Lakers: 1996–2004

Signed as a free agent in 1996, Shaquille O'Neal, nicknamed the "Diesel," quickly rose to prominence as the cornerstone of the Lakers' dominant three-peat dynasty, leading the team to NBA championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002 alongside Kobe Bryant. along with his dominant presence in the paint, unmatched footwork, and sheer physicality, O'Neal was a force on both ends of the court. During his time with the Lakers, he captured three Finals MVP awards, securing his place as one of the most iconic players in the franchise's storied history.

4. Wilt Chamberlain

Los Angeles Lakers: 1968–1973

It's tough to judge players by the era in which they played. One could argue that times have changed too much. Players are stronger, faster, and taller than they were when Chamberlain played. That said, Chamberlain is partly responsible for the evolution of the game, so his influence cannot be ignored. Acquired by the Lakers in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, Chamberlain quickly cemented his legacy as one of the NBA's most dominant centers. Known for his incredible rebounding and ability to score at will, Chamberlain became a formidable force in the paint. His time with the Lakers culminated in an NBA championship in 1972, alongside fellow stars Jerry West and Gail Goodrich. Over the course of his career in LA, "Wilt the Stilt" earned four MVP awards, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in basketball history.

5. Pau Gasol

Los Angeles Lakers: 2007–2017

Maybe he wasn't as physical or exciting as other Lakers centers, Gasol's consistency cements his position on this list. Traded to the Lakers from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, Pau Gasol quickly developed a dynamic partnership with Kobe Bryant, helping lead the team to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Known for his exceptional low-post skills and finesse in the paint, Gasol’s ability to stretch the floor made him a crucial piece in the Lakers' success. His two All-Star selections during his time in LA provide even more evidence that he has earned his legacy as one of the greatest centers to ever wear the purple and gold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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