The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful basketball teams in history, with a storied legacy that spans over half a century. As with any team, there are many players who have worn the purple and gold jersey throughout the years, but one number stands out above all others: 42. In this article, we will explore the history of the number 42 on the Lakers, and who some of the most notable players to wear it are.
History of Number 42 on the Lakers
The number 42 has been associated with the Los Angeles Lakers for several reasons. One is that it was the jersey number worn by Magic Johnson during his illustrious career with the team from 1979 to 1991. Johnson was one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning five MVP awards and leading the Lakers to four NBA championships during his time on the team.
Another reason that the number 42 is associated with the Lakers is that it was also worn by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of Johnson’s most successful teammates. Abdul-Jabbar spent over 20 years with the Lakers, winning six NBA championships and becoming the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
In recent years, the number 42 has also been associated with LeBron James, who wore it during his time with the Miami Heat before joining the Lakers in 2018. While James has not won a championship with the Lakers yet, he is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and has already won four NBA titles.
Notable Players Who Wore Number 42 on the Lakers
As we have seen, the number 42 has been worn by some of the most legendary players in Lakers history. Here are a few more notable players who have donned the jersey:
- Shaquille O’Neal: Known as “The Big Aristotle,” O’Neal spent several seasons with the Lakers and won four NBA championships during his time on the team. He also wore the number 42 for a short time before switching to the number 34.
- Magic Johnson: As we mentioned earlier, Johnson is one of the greatest players in NBA history and spent over a decade with the Lakers. He won five MVP awards and led the team to four championships during his time on the team.
- Kobe Bryant: While Bryant never wore the number 42 for the Lakers, he was known for his intense rivalry with Johnson and often wore the number 8 to pay homage to Johnson’s jersey number.
In Conclusion
The number 42 has a storied history on the Los Angeles Lakers, with some of the greatest players in team history wearing it over the years. While the number may have different meanings to different people, one thing is clear: the Lakers have produced some incredible talent during their long and storied history. Whether you are a fan of the team or simply an NBA enthusiast, there is no denying that the Lakers have left an indelible mark on the sport.
