Wilt Chamberlain holds the top spot for the Lakers with the most rebounds in a playoff game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 17 championships in their history. Some of the league’s all-time greats have risen to the occasion in the postseason while with the Lakers. Let’s sift through their record books and highlight their top five leaders in rebounds for a single playoff game. You’ll notice that these rebounding performances are so incredible that they still stand among the franchise’s best over 50 years later.
Wilt Chamberlain, 33 Rebounds (1971 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 6)
The Lakers faced the Bulls in the 1971 Western Conference Semifinals. They were up 3-2 heading into Game 6, but the Bulls pulled out the win at home to even the series. In the defeat, Chamberlain recorded 13 points, 33 rebounds and nine assists. The Lakers went on to win the series in seven games.
Wilt Chamberlain, 31 Rebounds (1972 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 4)
The Lakers and Bulls met in the playoffs again in 1972. The Lakers made quick work of the Bulls this time, sweeping the series. In the deciding Game 4, Chamberlain produced eight points, 31 rebounds and eight assists across 48 minutes.
Wilt Chamberlain, 31 Rebounds (1969 NBA Finals, Game 4)
The Lakers and Celtics faced off in the 1969 NBA Finals. Game 4 was a hard-fought battle that the Celtics ultimately won by one point. Both teams shot under 40% from the field, which left plenty of rebounding opportunities. Chamberlain hauled in 31 rebounds in the defeat, while Bill Russell had 29 rebounds for the Celtics.
Wilt Chamberlain, 31 Rebounds (1969 NBA Finals, Game 5)
Chamberlain followed up his domination on the boards in Game 4 with another 31 rebounds in Game 5 against the Celtics. The Lakers won this time, scoring 117 points along the way. The Lakers were up 3-2 in the series, but the Celtics rattled off two straight wins to claim the NBA title.
Wilt Chamberlain, 30 Rebounds (1969 Western Division Semifinals, Game 1)
The Lakers took on the Warriors in this series, and Game 1 was a low-scoring affair. The two teams combined for just 193 points as they both shot under 42% from the field. Chamberlain hauled in 30 rebounds for the Lakers, while Nate Thurmond had 27 boards for the Warriors.
Wilt Chamberlain, 30 Rebounds (1973 Western Conference Finals, Game 2)
The Lakers took the first three games of the 1973 Western Conference Finals against the Warriors. They held them to 93 points in Game 2, which contributed to Chamberlain posting 30 rebounds. The Lakers lost Game 4 before eliminating the Warriors with a win in Game 5.
Wilt Chamberlain, 30 Rebounds (1973 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 4)
The Lakers took the first two games of this series against the Bulls before losing Games 3 and 4. Chamberlain scored just 11 points in Game 4 but chipped in 30 rebounds across 47 minutes. The series eventually went the distance with the Lakers pulling out the victory in Game 7.
