Dec 5, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) smiles after hitting a shot in the fourth quarter of a game against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena. The Lakers defeated the Hornets 103-87. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
1. KOBE BRYANT
5x NBA champion
2x Finals MVP
NBA MVP
15x NBA All-Star
Kobe Bryant, or the Black Mamba, has been the closest thing the NBA has ever seen to Michael Jordan. He’s seen a number of highs and lows as a Laker, but his greatness has remained a constant.
At the end of the 2012 season, Bryant had played 17 seasons, 1,234 games and 45,166 minutes as a Laker – the most of any player.
He is the Lakers’ all time leader in points (31,457), steals (1,819), field goals made (10,976) and free throws made (7,876).
In Lakers’ postseason history, Bryant ranks 1st in points (5,640), 2nd in assists (1,040), 1st in games played (220), 2nd in steals (310), 4th in blocks (144) and 6th in rebounds (1,119) all time.
The best part is, as of 2013, he’s still going strong.
Honorable Mentions: George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy, Gail Goodrich