The Lakers’ Top Five Rebounders: A Legacy of Dominance on the Boards
The Los Angeles Lakers are a name that resonates with NBA excellence, celebrated for their storied history filled with Hall of Famers and legendary talents. Among the numerous accolades that players have achieved, rebounding remains a critical statistic that illustrates the tenacity and skill on the court. Below is a look at the top five rebounders in Lakers history, showcasing some of the greatest talents to ever wear the purple and gold.
1. Elgin Baylor (1958-1971)
Elgin Baylor stands tall as the franchise’s leading rebounder, with a staggering 11,463 rebounds to his name. A Hall of Famer, Baylor was a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 24.9 points and 15 rebounds as a rookie. His dominance was consistent, pulling down no fewer than 12 rebounds per game during his first seven seasons and exceeding the 10-rebound mark in the following four seasons as well. His ability to score and rebound made him a dual threat and a key player for the Lakers during his era.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-1989)
Following closely behind in the rebounding ranks is the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who amassed 10,279 rebounds during his illustrious career with the Lakers. Initially recognized for his scoring prowess during his tenure in Milwaukee, he further solidified his legacy in Los Angeles. In his first six seasons with the team, he averaged over 10 rebounds per game, with a career-high 16.9 rebounds in 1975. Notably, he maintained a strong rebounding presence, netting at least 7.7 rebounds per game for the subsequent four seasons.
3. Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)
The late, great Kobe Bryant is celebrated not just for his scoring ability but also for his all-around game. He ranks third on the Lakers’ all-time rebounding list with 7,047 rebounds. Throughout his two-decade career in Los Angeles, Bryant showcased remarkable consistency, averaging 5.2 rebounds per season. His relentless work ethic and competitive spirit set a standard for future generations of players.
4. Magic Johnson (1979-1991, 1996)
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, another iconic figure associated with the Lakers, enjoyed a 13-year career that signified more than just jaw-dropping passes and scoring. Johnson ranks fourth all-time for the Lakers, with 6,559 rebounds. He showcased his rebounding prowess, averaging under six rebounds per game only twice in his career while frequently recording between 6.2 and 9.6 rebounds in the other seasons. His unique height and skill set for a point guard enabled him to contribute significantly on the boards.
5. Wilt Chamberlain (1968-1973)
Completing the top five is one of the greatest players in NBA history, Wilt Chamberlain, who collected 6,524 rebounds during his tenure with the Lakers. Although his time in Los Angeles was relatively short, he made an immediate impact, averaging 21.1 rebounds in his first season. He continued to dominate the glass, recording at least 18.2 rebounds in each of his remaining four seasons. His sheer physical presence and ability to control the boards made him an invaluable asset.
The legacy of these players encapsulates the essence of rebounding excellence in Lakers history, solidifying their places among the all-time greats in the sport. Their contributions to the game of basketball extend beyond individual statistics, shaping the course of NBA history through outstanding performances on the court.