Top 5 Power Forwards In Los Angeles Lakers History

Top 5 Power Forwards In Los Angeles Lakers History

By Chris Lehman

Los Angeles Lakers: Top 5 Power Forwards In Team History

Kurt Rambis
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the team’s history, the Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most successful and talented teams in the NBA. The power forward position might be the all-time weakest spot for this illustrious franchise, but it’s still full of great players.

5. Robert Horry

Robert Horry, Lakers
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Robert Horry

Robert Horry, Lakers
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Horry was not that talented of a basketball player. He was a decent shooter, an okay rebounder and an average defender at best. But as a seven-time NBA champion, three with the Lakers, the stretch power forward made a career of being in the right place at the right time. His basketball awareness and a few clutch shots solidified his spot in Lakers history.

4. Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It sounds laughable to include Lamar Odom on this list, but people who didn’t watch the Lakers closely during his seven years with the team will never understand his impact. His 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game with the Lakers alone are solid stats, but the 6-foot-10 point forward’s ability to rebound the ball and create a fast break by himself made him one of the more dynamic players in the league.

3. Vern Mikkelsen

Vern Mikkelsen, Minneapolis Lakers
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Vern Mikkelsen

Vern Mikkelsen, Minneapolis Lakers
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Comparing players across completely different eras is always a difficult task. Since they can’t play against each other, it’s important to remain objective. Because of that, Vern Mikkelsen, a double-double machine from the 50s, has to make this list. Mikkelsen averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds for his career on his way to four NBA championships and six All-Star appearances.

2. A. C. Green

A.C. Green, Los Angeles Lakers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. A.C. Green

A.C. Green, Los Angeles Lakers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A.C. Green played an integral role in the Showtime Lakers’ success. Much like Kurt Rambis, Green wasn’t known for scoring or flashy play. Instead, Green made his presence known by being the best rebounder on this fast-paced team. Green won three championships with the Lakers – two with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and one with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. His longevity was incredible, hence the nickname “Iron Man.”

1. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After arriving in Los Angeles in 2008, Pau Gasol, under the leadership of Kobe Bryant, helped bring two immediate championships to the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. In six-and-a-half seasons with the Lakers, Gasol averaged 17.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and appeared in three All-Star games. His ability to make the immediate impact that he did solidifies his spot as the best Lakers power forward of all time.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Teams in this article »
Los Angeles Lakers
Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like

Related Stories

Watch: Lakers' Lonzo Ball Raps Big Baller Brand Theme Song
Watch: Lakers' Lonzo Ball Raps Big Baller Brand Theme Song
Watch: Facebook Releases Trailer For 'Ball In The Family' Reality Show
Watch: Facebook Releases Trailer For 'Ball In The Family' Reality Show
Pacers File Tampering Charges vs. Magic Johnson, Lakers Over Paul George
Pacers File Tampering Charges vs. Magic Johnson, Lakers Over Paul George
Lakers' Lonzo Ball Has Interesting Answer Which Asked to Choose Between LeBron and Kobe
Lakers' Lonzo Ball Has Interesting Answer Which Asked to Choose Between LeBron and Kobe
NBA Rumors: Warriors To Target Paul George In 2018 Free Agency
NBA Rumors: Warriors To Target Paul George In 2018 Free Agency
LaVar Ball Hilariously Impersonated By Keenan Thompson On 'SNL: Weekend Update'
LaVar Ball Hilariously Impersonated By Keenan Thompson On 'SNL: Weekend Update'