Last spot is between West and Shaq like you said. As a player, Shaq easily. But West's impact on this franchise involves both Shaq and Kobe.
I would go with West for spot #4 personally. And I have great respect for Shaq...the Lakers Mt. Rushmore is serious. _________________ Love, Laker Lanny
Can’t have West or Baylor as the are reminders of the Celtic dominance in the 60s.
Jerry West appeared in 9 finals with the franchise (55 games), finishing with 1679pts (all time record), 277 rebounds and 306 assists. 30.5ppg, 5rpg, 5.6apg averages. Against the Celtics dynasty he appeared 6 times (wasnt present in 1959 when Elgin was), putting up 33ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.9apg. When he wasnt playing "alone" without Elgin, he lost in 7 games 3 times and in 6 games 2 times. Lost in 5 in 1965 when Baylor got injured in the conference finals.
Elgin Baylor appeared in 7 finals with the franchise (44 games, missed 1965 due to injury), finishing with 1161 points, 603 rebounds and 158 assists* (plus whatever he had in 3 games of the 1959 finals for which i cant find his assist numbers). 26.4ppg, 13.7rpg, 3.7apg* on average. Against the Celtics he appeared 6 times (was there as a Mpls. Laker in 1959, but missed 1965 due to injury), putting up 28ppg, 14.2rpg, 3.5apg*. When he wasnt playing "alone" without Jerry, he lost in 7 games 3 times and in 6 games 2 times. Got swept in 1959 as a rookie.
Still, they are number 1 and 2 all time in finals lost, West 1st with 8, Baylor 2nd with 7, so i understand why some people dont view them as THAT great, but everyone lost against that Celtics dynasty with the exception of the Hawks when Russell was injured and at that point in time the greatest team ever, the 1967 76ers. Considering how Lebron gets away with his shortcomings however (whos 3rd all time in losses btw, with 6), id say theirs are more justifiable considering they played the "Durant Warriors" each year _________________ 48 49 50 52 53 54 72 80 82
85 87 88 00 01 02 09 10 20
1. Earvin Johnson
2. Jerry West
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Shaquille O'Neal
I have my reservations about Abdul-Jabbar. He was of considerable value for the 1980, 1982 and 1985 titles but was more of a role player for the 1987 and 1988 titles. O'Neal was of more value for the Lakers than Abdul-Jabbar even when comparing 2000, 2001 and 2002 to 1980, 1982 and 1985. By 1987 and 1988, it was firmly the Magic Johnson show and Kareem was a decent starter but no longer a superstar and was replaceable.
Joined: 14 Apr 2001 Posts: 144624 Location: The Gold Coast
Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 8:39 am Post subject:
4evARaBruinLG wrote:
My sincere hope is that after all is said and done, 6 and 23 have done sufficiently enough to add their names to this conversation.
Lebron might have what, 4-5 seasons here? Not enough but AD could spend a decent amount of his career here. _________________ RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.
My sincere hope is that after all is said and done, 6 and 23 have done sufficiently enough to add their names to this conversation.
Who is #6?
My assumption of their numbers if they make the switch next season, so for current purposes: 3 and 23.
Not saying they belong, but hoping they leave a legacy that adds them to the discussion. Heck, I will take them dominating past 2025 and leaving no doubts.
My sincere hope is that after all is said and done, 6 and 23 have done sufficiently enough to add their names to this conversation.
Who is #6?
My assumption of their numbers if they make the switch next season, so for current purposes: 3 and 23.
Not saying they belong, but hoping they leave a legacy that adds them to the discussion. Heck, I will take them dominating past 2025 and leaving no doubts.
I think AD can leave a lasting impact here for a ~decade, but James wont stay so long. AD can win 1-2 rings with James, but then we would have to rebuild the team for him to bring home more. If the cards are played right, i think he can get there. James however i dont think so, hes another Wilt in terms of Lakers legacy.
Also, i hope they dont change numbers _________________ 48 49 50 52 53 54 72 80 82
85 87 88 00 01 02 09 10 20
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
Joined: 14 Apr 2001 Posts: 144624 Location: The Gold Coast
Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 8:22 am Post subject:
JuliusRandall wrote:
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
That would kick the Logo out
The Logo was responsible for more than 2 titles. Sorry, Lebron is a Cav. _________________ RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.
Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 90326 Location: Formerly Known As 24
Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 9:20 am Post subject:
Mikan established three greatness of the lakers and led the first dynasty. West went to all those finals vs the Celtics, won the finals mvp on the losing team, and managed showtime and then built the three peat lakers. Magic was Showtime. And Kobe won both with Shaq and after. All four guys were also lifetime laker players. I don’t have heartburn with people who want to insert Shaq or Kareem, and you can argue they have some advantages over West the player, but all in all, that’s my four. _________________ “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ― Elie Wiesel
Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 22890 Location: La Jolla, San Diego
Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 11:31 am Post subject:
JuliusRandall wrote:
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
That would kick the Logo out
Lebron is arguably on the Mt Rushmore of the entire history of the NBA. So I don't think he cares he won't be on the Lakers because he didn't spend enough time here.
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
That would kick the Logo out
Lebron is arguably on the Mt Rushmore of the entire history of the NBA. So I don't think he cares he won't be on the Lakers because he didn't spend enough time here.
lebron should never be on any rushmore list for anyone who has seen the NBA prior to 2005 lol.
Lebron might be the most unskilled guy in the entire top 50 players list.
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
That would kick the Logo out
Lebron is arguably on the Mt Rushmore of the entire history of the NBA. So I don't think he cares he won't be on the Lakers because he didn't spend enough time here.
lebron should never be on any rushmore list for anyone who has seen the NBA prior to 2005 lol.
Lebron might be the most unskilled guy in the entire top 50 players list.
Joined: 14 Apr 2001 Posts: 144624 Location: The Gold Coast
Posted: Thu May 28, 2020 11:55 am Post subject:
SuperboyReformed wrote:
Runway8 wrote:
JuliusRandall wrote:
I think that Lebron is easily 3rd best all time behind Jordan and Kobe(#1). If he is able to win two titles with us and reestablish us as the leading basketball franchise and pass the Celtics he belongs in our Mt. Rushmore.
3rd Best Player All Time
Actually chose us wen he had independence in his career.
(Two Titles big if)
That would kick the Logo out
Lebron is arguably on the Mt Rushmore of the entire history of the NBA. So I don't think he cares he won't be on the Lakers because he didn't spend enough time here.
lebron should never be on any rushmore list for anyone who has seen the NBA prior to 2005 lol.
Lebron might be the most unskilled guy in the entire top 50 players list.
Not on a Laker Mt. Rushmore but he is a top 10 NBA player. _________________ RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023.
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