- The Los Angeles Lakers have gone through a massive transition over the past decade
- Young players and bonafide superstars shared the spotlight in Los Angeles
- The Lakers always managed to attract top-tier free agents and make blockbuster deals
Over the past decade, the Los Angeles Lakers have experienced a rollercoaster of seasons, witnessing highs and lows on their journey to reclaiming their status as one of the NBA’s most dominant franchises. From 2011 until 2023, the Lakers’ roster has seen an array of remarkable talents, each leaving their mark on the storied franchise.
It is time to delve into the annals of Lakers’ history to highlight the best players who have donned the Purple and Gold during this period. From iconic superstars to rising phenoms, join us as we celebrate the standout performances and contributions of these Lakers legends who have shaped the team’s legacy in the recent era.
We have already seen the greatest Los Angeles Lakers between the 2001 and 2010 seasons, and it yielded fascinating results of how dominant Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were together in Los Angeles. Let’s take it a step further and name the best Lakers players until this past 2023 season.
2010-11 – Kobe Bryant
Stats: 25.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive First Team Selection, All-Star Game MVP
Kobe Bryant’s 2010-11 season was marked by his exceptional scoring ability, leadership, and determination on the court. Despite battling injuries, Bryant continued to perform at an elite level, averaging 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in the regular season. In the playoffs, Bryant’s competitive fire was on full display as he delivered several clutch performances, hitting game-winning shots and leading the Lakers through tough matchups.
One of the standout moments was his game-tying three-pointer in Game 5 of the first round against the New Orleans Hornets, showing his ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-filled situations. Although the Lakers’ playoff run ended in the Western Conference semifinals, Bryant’s performances throughout the season further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
2011-12 – Kobe Bryant
Stats: 27.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, All-Defensive Second Team Selection
Despite facing various challenges, including injuries and a condensed schedule due to the NBA lockout, Kobe Bryant continued to showcase his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. In the regular season, Bryant averaged an impressive 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He demonstrated his ability to carry the Los Angeles Lakers offense, providing a consistent scoring threat night in and night out.
One of the standout moments of the season came on December 20, 2011, when Bryant reached a historic milestone by surpassing the 28,000-point mark, further solidifying his place among the league’s all-time scoring greats. Despite the Lakers’ eventual exit in the Western Conference semifinals, there was no doubt that Bryant was still in the conversation for being the best player in the world although it was accepted that the younger LeBron James had surpassed him as The King won his first championship.
2012-13 – Kobe Bryant
Stats: 27.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection
Kobe Bryant’s 2012-13 season was a testament to his enduring greatness and his ability to perform at an elite level even in the later stages of his career. Despite battling injuries and playing through pain, Bryant continued to be the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers offense. In the regular season, Bryant averaged an impressive 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
Bryant’s competitive spirit and leadership were evident throughout the season, as he continued to be the focal point of the Lakers’ offense and a mentor to the younger players on the team. Despite Bryant’s individual brilliance, the Lakers faced a challenging season as they struggled to find consistency and faced injuries to key players. The team ultimately fell short of their championship aspirations, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs despite the Lakers’ addition of Dwight Howard.
2013-14 – Pau Gasol
Stats: 17.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: None
With Kobe Bryant doing his best to get the Lakers into the playoffs and tearing his Achilles, he would miss almost the entire 2013-14 season other than six irrelevant appearances. With Bryant out with an injury, Pau Gasol was the best player on the Lakers. He had a solid campaign, posting 17.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG, but he was not able to lead a below-average team to the playoffs, as the Lakers only won 27 games.
Gasol’s 2013-14 campaign would be the final one with the Lakers as he would depart to the Chicago Bulls the following season. Interestingly, Gasol would go on to make back-to-back All-Star selections with the Bulls in 2015 and 2016, which probably indicated that the Spaniard was not used properly in Mike D’Antoni’s offense.
2014-15 – Kobe Bryant
Stats: 22.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.3 PG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Kobe Bryant’s 2014-15 season was unfortunately marred by injuries, which significantly impacted his ability to perform at his usual elite level. Throughout the season, Bryant faced various health issues, including a torn rotator cuff that required surgery, limiting his playing time and effectiveness on the court. In the limited games he played, Bryant continued to showcase his scoring ability and competitive spirit, but it was evident that he was not the same dominant force he once was.
That showed just how poor the Lakers roster was if a 36-year-old player with injuries was still the best player on the team. One of the standout moments of the season came on December 14, 2014, when Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan to become the third all-time leading scorer in NBA history. This achievement further solidified his status as one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of the Lakers season.
2015-16 – Kobe Bryant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRdZUdR8bqM
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Kobe Bryant’s 2015-16 season was a highly anticipated one as it marked the final chapter of his illustrious 20-year NBA career. With retirement looming, fans and players alike eagerly awaited every game to witness the farewell tour of one of basketball’s greatest icons. Throughout the season, Bryant showcased glimpses of his vintage brilliance, reminding everyone of the scoring phenom he once was. However, it was clear The Black Mamba was on nothing but a retirement tour.
While the Lakers struggled as a team, the focus remained on celebrating the legacy of Bryant. His last game on April 13, 2016, against the Utah Jazz, became one of the most memorable farewells in sports history. Bryant poured in an astounding 60 points, leading the Lakers to a thrilling comeback victory and providing a fairy-tale ending to his illustrious career.
2016-17 – Lou Williams
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: None
Lou Williams’ 2016-17 season was a career-defining year for the seasoned veteran. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and later traded to the Houston Rockets, Williams showcased his scoring prowess and ability to impact games as a dynamic combo guard. Starting the season with the Lakers, Williams immediately established himself as one of the team’s primary scoring options. His ability to create shots and knock down three-pointers made him a valuable offensive weapon as a starting guard.
This remarkable performance cemented his status as one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Despite the individual success, the Lakers struggled as a team, and Williams was traded to the Houston Rockets in February 2017. While some might argue for D’Angelo Russell for being the best player on the 2017 Lakers, Williams was the go-to scorer and was incredibly successful at it.
2017-18 – Brandon Ingram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTUQj7OLasw
Stats: 16.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Achievements And Awards: None
Brandon Ingram’s 2017-18 season was a crucial step in his development as a rising star in the NBA. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram showcased significant improvements in his all-around game and demonstrated his potential as a future franchise player. As a second-year player, Ingram was tasked with shouldering more responsibility on both ends of the floor. He showed significant growth in his scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities. Throughout the season, Ingram’s scoring average increased to 16.1 points per game, and he became a reliable offensive option for the Lakers.
One of the standout aspects of Ingram’s game was his ability to attack the basket and draw fouls, leading to an increased number of free-throw attempts. Additionally, his improved three-point shooting and mid-range game made him a versatile scoring threat. Even if the Lakers only won 35 games and missed the playoffs, Ingram’s play was one of the few bright spots.
2018-19 – LeBron James
Stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team Selection
LeBron James’ 2018-19 season was his first with the Los Angeles Lakers, and it proved to be a noteworthy chapter in his illustrious career. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, expectations were high as he joined a young Lakers team with aspirations of returning to championship contention. Throughout the season, James demonstrated his enduring brilliance and all-around skills on the court. Despite missing a significant number of games due to a groin injury, he still managed to average an impressive 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
One of the defining moments of his season came on December 30, 2018, when he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fifth all-time leading scorer in NBA history. This milestone further solidified his status as one of the most prolific scorers the league has ever seen. Unfortunately, that would be the highlight because the Lakers would only win 37 games and missed the playoffs in The King’s first season.
2019-20 – LeBron James
Stats: 25.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: NBA Champion, Finals MVP, All-Star, All-NBA First Team Selection, Assist Champion
The 2019-20 season was the best in LeBron James’ stint with the Los Angeles Lakers so far. Finally, the Lakers were able to make a blockbuster deal for a superstar player, and that was the move for Anthony Davis. James and Davis were too dominant to be stopped, as The King led the NBA in assists per game (10.2), and Davis led the Lakers in scoring (26.1 points per game). Despite COVID-19 turning the world into chaos, the Lakers were able to remain focused on their contention.
The Lakers made quick work of the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat in chronological order in the playoffs. LeBron, for his fantastic efforts, would win his fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP with his third NBA franchise. There is no doubt that James was the star of the show in Los Angeles despite Davis’ presence.
2020-21 – LeBron James
Stats: 25.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team Selection
After winning the 2020-21 championship, LeBron James and the Lakers tried to run it back. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way. James had a solid regular season, posting 25.0 points and 7.8 assists per game, but he struggled with injuries with only 45 games played. Similarly, Anthony Davis was not healthy, as he only played 36 games. That won’t cut it when it comes to trying to win a championship and build momentum.
Unsurprisingly, the Lakers finished with the 7th seed in the West and were defeated in the first round of the playoffs against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns. Despite the disappointing end to the season, James was still a top-5 player in the world and was the undisputed leader of the Lakers.
2021-22 – LeBron James
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFuAKfUWswU
Stats: 30.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team Selection
Once again, LeBron James would be the best player on the Lakers in the 2021-22 season. The Lakers tried to make a massive deal by bringing in Russell Westbrook but the trade ultimately backfired as the point guard could not mesh well with James and Davis. Even if the Lakers only won 33 games, James had himself a magical season.
Over 56 games played and once again dealing with injuries, James averaged 30.3 PPG as he took control of the offense completely. Using his body and size, James was able to score around the paint consistently and even nail outside shots. Averaging 52.4% from the field and 35.9% from three, James was not slowing down yet.
2022-23 – LeBron James
Stats: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team Selection
This past season, LeBron James was able to return to the Lakers and continue where he left off. The King had some iconic moments during the year, including passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the all-time scoring list. James averaged 28.9 PPG throughout the season and was still one of the most impactful players in the league in terms of physicality and basketball IQ.
However, it seemed like the Lakers would be missing the playoffs again until Rob Pelinka managed to shake up the roster at the trade deadline. Los Angeles quickly built chemistry with new players and made a push to the Western Conference Finals, eventually losing to the eventual champion Denver Nuggets. With individual and team success, James was still the man in Los Angeles and continues to be heading into the 2023-24 campaign.
