It’s April and March Madness is over. The UConn Huskies are sitting atop the college basketball world and have cemented themselves in NCAA history. Winning an NCAA title alone is an amazing accomplishment, but even more impressive is also winning an NBA championship as well. The Los Angeles Lakers have several individuals that have accomplished that feat, and it is time to recognize these individuals by ranking the top five.
5. Glen Rice
One of the best shooters to ever play the game, Glen Rice was a member of the Lakers 1999-2000 championship team. He was the third leading scorer behind Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal and an integral part of the Lakers run to the title. Rice, who attended the University of Michigan for four years, won an NCAA championship in 1989 and was also named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament after setting the record for most points in the NCAA tournament.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct4XZUqOlEM
Next: LA is in his blood
4. Gail Goodrich
The number 25 that hangs from the rafters at Staples Center belongs to Gail Goodrich. A member of the Hall of fame and native of Los Angeles was a part of the first NBA Championship won by the Lakers here in Los Angeles along with Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain. Goodrich was born and raised in Los Angeles, and played basketball at UCLA. During his time in Westwood he was also a member of UCLA’s first and second National Championship teams. He left UCLA as the all time leading scorer.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ug-ikmg6Fg
Next: Big Game James
3. James Worthy
“Big Game” James Worthy comes in at number three on this list and he is the first one with multiple championships with the Lakers. Worthy is a three-time NBA Champion and a member of the “Showtime” era. James Worthy attended the University of North Carolina and in his junior year he led the tar heels a National Championship against the Georgetown Hoyas. He was named MOP of the tournament and also teammates with a little freshman named Michael Jordan. Worthy was also named MVP of the 1988 NBA Finals when they defeated the Detroit Pistons.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxBMwNqGIFs&feature=related
Next: Simply Magic
2. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is a five time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and arguably one of the best players of all time. Before he ever put on the purple and gold, Magic Johnson played two years at Michigan State University. In his second year as a Spartan, Magic led Michigan State to the National title game against Larry Bird and Indiana State. The first installment of the Magic versus Bird rivalry went in favor of Magic Johnson as Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64. Magic is also one of few players to win a NCAA National Championship and the next year win an NBA Championship, but what is even more impressive is that he was named MOP of the National Championship with Michigan State and NBA Finals MVP in his rookie season with the Lakers.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUZJsJTA6M4&feature=related
Next: Utter Dominance
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Better known in his college days as Lew Alcindor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most decorated basketball players of all time. The NBA’s all time leading scorer is the only player on this list with multiple NCAA Championships and NBA titles. Kareem has six NBA titles, one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Lakers. Kareem played under John Wooden at UCLA and he instantly became a dominant force. He led the freshman team at UCLA (Freshman were not allowed to play with the varsity team) to a victory against UCLA’s #1 ranked varsity team. When he was finally eligible to play with the varsity he would go on to win three NCAA Championships, and if it were not for the freshman rule he would have had four. Abdul-Jabbar was also a three time MOP of the tournament and a two time NBA Finals MVP.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_k9LBuRriU
Some of the Lakers greatest players were winners even before they ever laced them up for the Lakers, and it is quite an amazing accomplishment to win both in the collegiate and professional level.