Kobe Bryant became one of the great scorers in NBA history while wearing purple and gold, climbing to the top of the Lakers’ all-time scoring list.
1. Kobe Bryant – 33,643 Points
The Black Mamba was an all-time legend.
Rising to third all-time on the scoring list, Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Lakers out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania in 1997. He quickly became a star, dueling with Michael Jordan in his first All-Star Game in 1998 and teaming with Shaquille O’Neal to bring Los Angeles a three-peat (2000, 2001, 2002).
Bryant became the Lakers’ main star, leading them back to championship glory in 2009 and 2010. He was a virtuosic scorer, capable of finding the basket with just a glimpse of open space. His contorting, improvisatory jumpers were customary – few attempted, or made, such difficult shots. He was also a relentless slasher, capable of attacking elite defenders at the rim, with a subtle flair for finding the open man.
Few can match his accolades – Kobe was an 18-time All-Star, two-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champion, 12-time All-Defense Team member, 15-time All-NBA team member, the 2008 Most Valuable Player and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Bryant scored 19.9+ PPG every year from 1999 to 2013, averaging 27.4 points on 45% shooting, along with 5.7 rebounds, 5.1 assits and 1.6 steals over the period.
He peaked as a scorer in 2006, when he dropped 35.4 points per game.
Kobe was the star of the Lake Show, a fixture for 20 NBA seasons and an inspiration to a generation.
2. Jerry West – 25,192 Points
Jerry West, “Mr. Clutch,” made the All-Star team in each of his 14 NBA seasons. He made 12 All-NBA teams, won a title in 1972 and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
West was the master of a silky, pure jump shot, which he used to become one of the game’s great scorers.
He averaged 27 points per game for his career, including four seasons with a scoring average of greater than 30 points and won the scoring title in 1970, when he put up 31.2 points per game on 50% shooting. His skill and athleticism also made him a threat on the drive – West averaged 9.4 free throws per game for his career.
“Jerry, you are, in every sense of the word, truly a champion. If I could have one wish granted, it would be that you would always be happy,” said Bill Russell upon West’s retirement.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 24,176 Points
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar turned the second act of his career into a triumph in Los Angeles. After being acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1975, Abdul-Jabbar played 13 seasons for the Lakers, averaging 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks while shooting 57% from the field.
Kareem’s signature sky hook made him impossible to guard, and a legend unique to the game’s history. No one could bother “Cap” when he got in his groove.
Abdul-Jabbar was also renowned for his conditioning – he played 74+ games in 12 of his 13 seasons with the Lakers. He won five titles with the Lakers during the 1980s and won three MVPs while wearing purple and gold.
Kareem was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
4. Elgin Baylor – 23,149 Points
One of the first players to live above the rim, Elgin Baylor starred for the Lakers and became the prototype for the slashing, aggressive wing scorers of future generations.
Baylor burst onto the scene in 1959, scoring 24.9 points per game on his way to being named Rookie of the Year, an All-Star and a member of the All-NBA First Team.
He stepped it up to 29.8 points in his second season, then went on a tear. Baylor averaged 35.3 points from 1961-1963, including dropping 38.3 points per game in 1962.
An 11-time All-Star and 10-time member of the All-NBA team, Baylor was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
5. Magic Johnson – 17,707 Points
Earvin “Magic” Johnson powered the “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s, using his size, passing genius and steady scoring to lead one of the greatest offenses in NBA history.
Johnson averaged 17.6+ points in 12 of his 13 NBA seasons, building off his slashing ability and post game while adapting to the 3-point shot in the latter half of his career. He peaked with 23.9 points in 1986-87, shooting 53% from the field while also handing out 12.2 assists per game.
A 12-time All-Star, 10-time member of the All-NBA team, three-time MVP, five-time champion and three-time Finals MVP, Magic set a new standard for point guard play in the NBA.
