Lakers: 50 Greatest Players in Franchise History

42 of 51

10. Jamaal Wilkes

It was a close one, but it is only right to start of the top ten with a player who has his jersey retired for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jamaal “Silk” Wilkes.

Despite being drafted by the Golden State Warriors and ultimately finishing his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, Wilkes’ Los Angeles Lakers’ ties are deeply rooted.

Just watching the highlights you can tell that Wilkes truly embodies his nickname: those sweet side burns, that smooth demeanor, Silk was a really bad mamajama.

A four time NBA champion, once with the Warriors, thrice with the Lakers, Wilkes was a cornerstone of the Showtime Lakers for four solid seasons. Alongside the Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper and Norm Nixon, Wilkes might actually be considered one of the forefathers of Showtime.

The modern NBA fan might not appreciate his game, but similar to Elgin Baylor, Jamaal Wilkes was very underrated and under appreciated. Standing 6 foot 6, a lankly 190 pounds, Wilkes averaged 18.9 points and 5.8 rebound during his tenure with the Lakers, not including his last half season.

Though many other players could have taken this spot, if the Los Angeles Lakers decide to retire your jersey, it speaks wonders of your game and is enough to warrant a top ten nod.

Next: No. 9 Gail Goodrich