25. Jim Pollard
Jim Pollard played for the Minneapolis Lakers for his entire seven year career between 1948 and 1955, and makes the top 25 of the best Lakers in franchise history for one simple reason.
Yes, he averaged around 13 points and 8 rebounds for his career, but what it is most impressive is the fact that he won five championships with the Lakers, four in the NBA and one in the BAA.
Nicknamed “The Kangaroo Kid,” at 6’4″, per Hoophall.com, “It was reported that he could touch the top of the backboard and dunk from the foul line, predating today’s athletic players.”
Long before the wide spread use of cameras, this becomes even more unbelievable when you again consider that Pollard played in the 50’s! Do you remember what kind of footwear they were sporting the in the 50’s?
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978, after his playing career Pollard also went on to coach in the NBA and the ABA, even coaching the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1959-60 season for 39 games in which the team went 14-25.
That said, it seems like Pat Riley is the only former Laker to find success as a coach, I’m talking to you Magic Johnson, Byron Scott and Kurt Rambis.
Next: No. 24 Vlade