Dec 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers Top Ten: Who’s the best player in franchise history?
George Mikan
Dec 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Staples Center exterior on Figueroa St. and downtown Los Angeles skyline before an NHL match between the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
George Mikan played for the Lakers before they came to Southern California. As a member of the Minneapolis team, Mikan was part of a handful of championship teams.
The center was a factor in three of the franchise’s first four title runs. Winning it all in 1950 before going on a three-peat between 1952-54.
Mikan was also a four-time All-Star and is considered to be one of the 50 best players in NBA history.
His role with the team helped establish a tone of both confidence and success that translates all the way to today’s young core.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed him into their midst during 1959.
