In light of Andrew Bynum’s recent success I think it is a good idea to take a trip down memory lane and remember the best performances delivered by some of the greatest centers of all time. Given the rich tradition of Laker big men to try and find the best five performances was quite a daunting task.
I am sure there are many performances that would not only qualify, but deserve to be recognized but in fairness and respect to all great Laker centers, each of them will have a place on the list because they all can arguably have a list of their own top five performances.
With that being said let’s take a look at some of the history making performances of all time by Laker centers.
5. George Mikan
The Minneapolis Lakers were the winners of the first NBA Finals and the Lakers were also the first team with a larger than life superstar. George Mikan was the anchor that led the Lakers to five NBA Championships, and transcended the newly created NBA.
In the first installment of the NBA playoffs George Mikan averaged 31.3 points per game, really dominating the inside with his size and strength. Mikan began and established the winning tradition that we have all have grown so accustomed to and it is only fitting that he have a spot on this list.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRO1jCPrzg
Next: Wilt the Stilt
4. Wilt Chamberlain
As of late Andrew Bynum has had a different mindset in the second half of the season, letting the offense come to him, but really taking control of the paint defensively but more importantly dominating the rebound battle day in and day out. Wilt Chamberlain another Hall of Fame and transcending individual who is better known for his scoring (100 points in a game) and dominance of the game of basketball holds records for rebounding.
Chamberlain holds the Lakers record for most rebounds in an NBA contest, grabbing 33 boards versus Chicago on April 4th 1971. Not only is that a Laker’s record, but he also set the record for most rebounds in a half in that very same game with 19 rebounds.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLrMw3vvhQw
Next: The Diesel
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Coming in at number three is Shaquille O’Neal’s performance in Game 1 of the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers set the tone for the entire series. Coming off an average performance in the infamous Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, Shaq came back with a vengeance, scoring 43 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.
After surviving the Blazers scare, this game sent a message to not only the Pacers but the rest of the NBA that this Laker team was a force to be reckoned with. This Game 1 victory would eventually lead the Lakers to their first title since 1988, and the first of three straight championships.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjETgzSbg9k
Next: Mr. Sky Hook
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The 1985 NBA Finals were a rematch of the 1984 Finals which featured one of sports all time great rivalries. The hated Boston Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1984 the Celtics were victorious and defeated the Lakers in seven games, so in 1985 the Lakers were out to redeem themselves and become the first Laker team to ever beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. In Game 1, things did not go as planned for the Lakers as the celtics crushed them 148-114 and that game would be remembered as the “Memorial Day Massacre.”
History was repeating itself, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar responded with 30 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 blocks in the Boston Garden. That performance not only sealed the victory in Game 2, but more importantly gave the Lakers the confidence to finish out the series in six games and finally win an NBA Championship against the Boston Celtics.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iok5KaoQLMQ
Next: Simply Magic
1. Magic Johnson
Wait! Magic Johnson was not a center, why is he in this list you might ask? In the 1980 NBA Finals the Lakers faced the Philadelphia 76ers, and in Game 6 in Philadelphia the Lakers started a 20 year old rookie center by the name of Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an injured ankle and was unable to play so Magic powered the Lakers to victory with 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. The win gave the Lakers their first title since 1972, but more importantly is was the beginning of the Lakers dynasty in the 1980’s. Magic’s performance earned him MVP honors and that was just a glimpse of an illustrious hall of fame career for number 32.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbHXUk7k3sI
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ6YABjeh58
The Lakers have been fortunate to have had some of the best centers to ever play this game, and each in their own right contributed to the great organization and established a level of excellence that is matched by no one.
To simply pick five individual performances in a team that had so many hall of fame centers was a difficult task, but that is what makes the Lakers one of the best organizations in sports. Who is next to be added to this list? Hopefully soon well have that answer.