Los Angeles Lakers greatest scorers: 1. Kobe Bryant
No one could be at the top of this list other than Kobe Bryant. He may not be first all-time in points per game (he ranks fifth at 24.99) with the Lakers but he’s the franchise’s career leader in points scored. However, Kobe’s stature as the greatest scorer to ever wear the purple and gold goes well beyond that.
Bryant’s greatest attribute was always the ability to get a bucket. It didn’t matter how dire the situation was — if the Lakers needed someone to put the ball in the hole, Bryant was going to make it happen through force of will and his immense talent. There are too many clutch moments and too many unforgettable performances to count.
Of course, some stand out more than others. His historic 81-point game, the 60-point outing in the final game of his NBA career, the countless outbursts at Madison Square Garden, and many others deserve special attention. But all you had to do was watch Bryant to recognize that you were watching something historic whenever he was on the floor.
Kobe’s untimely passing early in 2020 brought back many fans remembering his greatness as he walked away from the league four years prior. One thing many of those memories had in common, though, was his ability to find the bottom of the net. And anyone arguing that there has been a better Laker in doing that is simply incorrect.