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The greatest Los Angeles Lakers leaders in franchise history

By ANTHONY BISCIELLO

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Lakers legends Ervin Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shake hands with Jerry West as he speaks at the ceremony for the unveiling of a bronze statue for Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor at Staples Center on April 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 06: Los Angeles Lakers legends Ervin Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shake hands with Jerry West as he speaks at the ceremony for the unveiling of a bronze statue for Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor at Staples Center on April 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images).
(Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images). /

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Things were getting tough for the Lakers after their title run in 1972. They were sort of in a holding pattern somewhat as they looked to get back to the next level and return the team to greatness. Enter Kareem.

The seven-foot-two-inch center who came from the Milwaukee Bucks and helped lead them to their first title in 1970-71, was now a Laker. Once again, the team needed a leader. After all, there was no more Elgin Baylor, no Jerry West so the team clearly needed someone to come in and take leadership. Nobody more perfect than The Captain.

the 1969-70 Rookie of The Year, was a multiple threat. He could score, rebound, and block shots and was by far one of the most cerebral players of all time. Jabbar would lead the team in scoring and rebounding for various years as a Laker as he quickly became the focal point. He was another of the great Laker legit big men and dominated the role perfectly.

In his first season with the team, Kareem averaged 27.7 points per game and 16.9 rebounds per game, leading the NBA. He would win three MVP awards during his time with the Lakers in 1976, 1977, and 1980. Jabbar would also make the All NBA First team in 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, and 1986. Kareem would be named to the All NBA Defensive first team in 1979, 1980, and 1981.

Winning another title was no easy road for the team as they were doing their best to get back to the top of the mountain. Kareem would lead the Lakers to an NBA title in 1979-80 where he averaged 31.9 points per game in the playoffs that season. Kareem was the leader for that team, but they also had a solid lineup of talent with players like Ron Boone, Michael Cooper, Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes and a certain rookie point guard named Magic Johnson. Kareem was getting older and therefore he would pass the torch off to Johnson while still playing a very important and integral part of the team.

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