It's Kareem or Magic IMO. I'll take Magic. If you pick Kobe or Shaq you have to be at least 30 years old, you had to be able to see Magic and the fellas play when you were old enough to realize what was going on...to form a valid opinion here.
2007-08-06 17:06:25 · 19 answers · asked by bullitt_711 2 in Sports ➔ Basketball
Agree. It's got to be Magic Johnson but Kareem should be a very close second. Magic Johnson resurrected not only the Lakers but the whole league as well with his exciting brand of "showtime" basketball. His all-around talent and artistry kept the NBA alive after a rather forgettable 70's. Of course, he led the Lakers to 5 championships. As a footnote, however, he won all those titles with Kareem by his side and never won again after Cap retired.
2007-08-06 18:59:08 · answer #1 · answered by bundini 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very hard question.
You just can't compare them anyway tho.
They played different positions. Kareem in his prime was unstopable. He had many records during his time and still has a couple. And Magic... wow. Don't forget about West and Baylor. Not as great but they should get a mention.
I'll take Kareem as the best Laker of all time but Kobe is a great player(has a large ego).
But my favorite laker of all time is Shaq (might not be the best but is my favorite).
2007-08-07 00:13:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm close enough to thirty to know. It's Magic- right now. His charismatic nature and his ability to pass the ball although he was 6'9" was just beautiful. The leadership he had trumps Kareem's all-time scoring record only becuase he was the true glue that held the Lakers together. If Kobe can lead the Lakers to at least 2 more championships- then I will say he is the greatest Laker ever.
2007-08-07 00:16:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in my young 20s and I still would say it Magic...he revolutionize Showtime and he is a 6'9" point guard....6'9" point guard!!!! Who can play every position.
In terms of scoring, its a toss up betwen Baylor and Bryant but I still go with Magic though. As much of a Kobe fan that I am now, Magic was and is still the man!!! He had the now famous in history hook shot to win the game against the hated celtics and once you have that then you have to be considered the best laker since that's like driving a stake knife through your rival's opponent.....i gotta wait and see still since the Kobe Saga is still not over...you will never know what else he has left in his career...5 more blissful years of basketball can definitely change my mind....and maybe Kobe winning one more championship before he retires
I was gonna say Benoit Benjamin as a joke, but that's too low of a blow :)
2007-08-07 01:36:36 · answer #4 · answered by I get buckets 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic Magic
Made the Lakers better. Won a championship on his rookie season, while Kareem was out. (played center actually and PG roles could anybody do that?) Actually have 5 championship ring as a Laker. 3-time MVP. The NBA's top assist man during his time. for complete details of greatness please click the links below:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsma02.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson
Get the point? It's Magic!
2007-08-07 01:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by Red Auerbach: The Thinker 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to agree with you. Either Kareem or Magic, although I'd give the edge to Magic as he spent his entire career with the Lakers and Kareem spent his first few years with Milwaukee. Also, close contenders are Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. Elgin was doing things Michael Jordan was doing before anyone knew Michael Jordan existed, and Jerry's nickname is "The Logo" because it was a silhouette of him dribbling that is the logo for the NBA. (and NO! they should not change the logo!)
2007-08-07 00:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by BillH 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is no doubt it was the magic man. he played every position on the court. he was a great leader and was respected by all. it was always about the team with him not personal accomplishments. he signed a 25 year 25mill. contract when we all know he was worth much more. he even renegotiated his contract at one point and took less so they could sign worthy, tell me who would do that nowadays. kareem was great, but with magic dishing out the ball, he could make any center great. as for shaq and kobe its all about me time not total team focus. if they would have focused more on the team they could have gone down as one of the greatest dynasty's ever they had the talent.....
2007-08-07 00:15:55 · answer #7 · answered by fishindave5117 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Kobe Bryant because he dropped 81 and in this time in age, the NBA is much more competitive (taller players and more rules) If I had to pick between Kareem or Magic: Magic.
2007-08-07 00:11:46 · answer #8 · answered by Kevin 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Magic the lifetime Laker
2007-08-07 05:31:05 · answer #9 · answered by iknowball 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Magic. Loyalty, MVP and championship rings. George Mikan deserves a nod even though he's just a Lakers not a true blue LA Lakers.
2007-08-07 09:03:25 · answer #10 · answered by MyKill 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋