Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
2. Kobe Bryant
One may argue that Bryant was selected by the Charlotte Hornets, but Jerry West specifically told Charlotte who to grab, knowing that a deal would be made immediately after. So technically, the Lakers “selected” Bryant with the 13th pick in the 1996 draft. The best Laker ever debate of Kobe and Magic will never end, so I chose Bryant at two simply because it was a draft night trade.
Bryant’s contributions to the Lakers out-weight any of the greats to wear the purple and gold. With 19 years as a Laker, Bryant stands as the all-time leader in points, games played, field goals, three-pointers, free throws, and steals. Bryant has won five championships, two scoring titles, a pair of Finals MVP’s and one regular season MVP. The list of career accomplishments goes on and on for Bryant.
Bryant’s clutch play over the years has brought countless amounts of excitement to Lakers fans over the past two-decades. No matter how bad the Lakers may be next year, Staples will sell out every games as long as the Black Mamba is suiting up.
Next: 1. Magic Johnson