Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson and the 40 greatest L.A. sports athletes

Number 6: Clayton Kershaw

By the time his career is over Clayton Kershaw could have a Hall of Fame resume that would make him the best pitcher in Los Angeles Dodgers history. He’s certainly the best pitcher of his era, winning three NL CY Young awards (2011, 2013-14) in three out of four seasons and finishing in the top three other times.

In 2014 Kershaw added an NL MVP award to his trophy case after tying his career-high with 21 wins and setting career-low with a1.77 ERA. He also threw his only no-hitter that year coming within one error of a perfect game. Kershaw has led the NL in ERA five times, wins three times, strikeouts three times and pitching WAR three times. His career 2.44 ERA is the lowest among active pitchers and ranks 37th all-time in baseball.

Kershaw has been maligned for postseason shortcomings but that doesn’t diminish the great things he’s done during October. Kershaw has struck out more than 10 batters in five playoff starts and has pitched on short rest five times and come out of the bullpen twice to end a series.

The longer his career continues Kershaw could be moving further up this list.