The Los Angeles Lakers stand as a franchise steeped in history, adorned with a constellation of talented players enshrined in the Hall of Fame. With a myriad of legends in their ranks throughout history, determining the GOAT of the Lakers, and an all-time quintet that universally satisfies the Lakers’ fanbase, is an arduous task.
That said, four names stand as unassailable in any hypothetical historical franchise lineup. Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal are titans whose contributions embody the franchise’s success and serve as the most revered players within the team. Hence, Lakers fans deliberated on who should fill the fifth spot in this illustrious lineup.
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A spirited debate ensued among Lakers enthusiasts, contemplating between LeBron James and James Worthy, two colossal sporting legends who left an indelible mark on the franchise.
“The best player to go there would be LeBron… but going by accomplishments, I gotta go with Big Game James,” remarked one user.
“LeBron… Worthy, West, or Robert Horry,” added another, introducing Robert Horry into the discussion.
“LeBron James or Jerry West,” mentioned another fan, including the NBA’s iconic Logo in the debate.
“There is only one James “worthy” of that spot!”, said another fan about James Worthy.
“That’s Pau. Simple.”, declared a fan preaching for Pau Gasol.
“Imagine being such a hater that you don’t pick LeBron”, stated a fan in the comments.
“Wilt, LeBron, Worthy, Jerry West in order too”, stated a fan including Chamberlain on the debate.
“LeBron earned his way at this point”, said someone in favor of the King.
“You always need a guy like Rodman or Draymond Green. So I would pick Rick Fox”, was also mentioned in the comments.
“Elgin Baylor or Jerry West”, said a fan at last.
LeBron James Or James Worthy Should Be On The Lakers All-Time Starting 5
Considering the accolades each player accumulated in the franchise’s history, few can match the accomplishments of LeBron James and James Worthy throughout their careers. While Jerry West contested nine NBA Finals and secured a championship, LeBron is widely regarded as perhaps the greatest player of all time, while Worthy clinched three championships and earned Finals MVP honors once with the franchise.
Despite James not playing a full decade with the Los Angeles team, his résumé speaks for itself. Moreover, his championship in the Bubble in 2020, following his signing with a team in reconstruction and bringing Anthony Davis aboard the following year, holds tremendous merit as it propelled the franchise back into championship contention each season.
In the case of Worthy, Big Game James stands as one of the franchise’s greatest legends. During the Showtime era alongside Magic and Kareem, Worthy secured championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988, earning Finals MVP during the last triumph. Additionally, he was a seven-time All-Star during his 12-season career, all with the Lakers, and a two-time selection for an All-NBA Team.
With one wing position remaining to fill in the Lakers’ historical lineup, Worthy and James stand as the most fitting choices, not only due to their positions but also owing to their contributions, both to the franchise’s glory and their individual greatness.
