The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the 1st pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, and were also be selecting fourth overall, putting them in great position to try and rebuild after the departure of LeBron James. However, having two lottery picks is not a guaranteed fix for success, just ask the Wizards if they would like to erase the 2001 NBA Draft and do it all over again. On the other hand, some teams can hit the jackpot and have the face of the franchise for years to come. The Lakers have hit the jackpot quite a few times and spoiled us Laker fans with such phenomenal talent for decades. This week we will take a look at the top 5 Laker lottery picks or in other words draft choices 1 through 13 since the NBA Draft Lottery has only existed since 1985.
5. James Worthy
Big Game James Worthy was the 1st overall pick of the 1982 NBA draft out of the University of North Carolina, and would join forces with another player on this list to bring multiple championships for the city of Los Angeles. He would play his entire career with the Lakers and in doing so garnering various accomplishments and honors. Worthy was three time NBA Champion and Finals MVP in 1988. He was selected to seven All-Star games and is now inducted to the Hall of Fame.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHkE2frHbG4
4. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was the 1st overall pick of the 1958 NBA Draft out of Seattle University, and the only player on this list to be drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers. Baylor was a transcending individual and completely changed the game of basketball. He spent his whole career with the Lakers before retiring in in the 71-72 season. His accomplishments include 11 All-Star selection, Rookie of the Year, and the NBA Hall of Fame.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jfmoUT6lXs
Next: The Logo
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3. Jerry West
The Logo of the NBA and better known as Mr. Clutch, Jerry West was drafted 2nd overall in the 1960 NBA Draft out of West Virginia University. Jerry West helped the Lakers win their first NBA Championship in Los Angeles along side Wilt Chamberlain. West played his entire career with the purple and gold, and in that time he was selected to 12 All-Star games and was an NBA All-First team selection 10 times. Not only did Jerry West contribute on the court, but just as much off the court for the organization. He has been a head coach but more recognized for being an astounding general manager.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FCoifWtapc
Next: Magic Mamba or Mamba Magic?
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2. Kobe Bryant
The Black Mamba was the last lottery pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, considered one of the best in NBA history. Even though technically the Lakers did not directly draft Kobe Bryant, they made the trade for Charlotte’s 13th pick the day before the draft. The Lakers gave up their popular starting center Vlade Divac for that skinny kid from Lower Marion High School. Ironically the one behind this master plan was Jerry West. Once he saw Kobe play, he knew he was something special, thank you Mr. West. We have all been fortunate enough and spoiled to have seen Kobe Bryant develop into one of the greatest players of all time, and also bringing this organization five NBA titles in the process.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8KznRFUKd0
1. Magic Johnson
With the first pick of the 1979 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers select: Magic Johnson, out of Michigan State University. The greatest point guard to to have ever lived was an absolute beast. Another player to completely transcend the game of basketball, with his famous no look pass and a smile that could light up a room. Magic brought 5 NBA Championships to Los Angeles, and was part of the first Laker team to defeat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Magic was the league’s most valuable player 3 times and was also selected to 12 All-Star teams along with 9 NBA First team selections. A pioneer on and off the court and more importantly his contributions to the Lakers organization and the city of Los Angeles.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBM3dTPc_k
Four NBA Hall of Fame inductees, and one future hall of fame inductee when he does retire. All of them did not wear another jersey but the purple in gold in their entire career, and all of them as important and valuable in their own special way.
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