Los Angeles Lakers: The five best trades in franchise history
By Jason Reed
4. Wilt Chamberlain trade:
Wilt Chamberlain is the most dominating player in NBA history, period. While the case can be made that Chamberlain is not the most talented, he was years beyond his time and absolutely dominated the league. The seven-foot-one center played in a time before seven-foot centers and it was directly apparent by his stat line.
Of course, as every one knows, Chamberlain holds the record for the most points per game; 100. That performance came with the Warriors, the team he called home for six seasons to start his career. Chamberlain’s best season, 1961-1962, he averaged 50.4 points per game. 50-point games are career highlights for players; Chamberlain averaged that per game.
After playing on the Warriors for six seasons, Chamberlain was traded to the 76ers; who were the new team in Philly after the Warriors moved to San Francisco. Chamberlain played on the 76ers for three and a half seasons before being traded to the Lakers.
After 76ers head coach Allex Hannum left the 76ers, Chamberlain requested a trade and was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers. On the Lakers, Chamberlain partnered up with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor to form perhaps the first ever super team.
The Lakers won one title with Chamberlain. Los Angeles definitely got Chamberlain on the downswing of his career, however, he was still great. As a Laker, he averaged 17.7 points and 19.2 rebounds per game. If he was still in his prime, this trade would have been much higher.