The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful basketball teams in history, with 17 NBA championships to their name. One aspect of the team that fans pay close attention to is the jersey numbers worn by their favorite players.
Jersey Number 42 in the Lakers’ Franchise
The first player to wear jersey number 42 for the Lakers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who wore it during his final season with the team in 1998. Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ success during his time with the team.
Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy on the court and off the court continues to be celebrated today. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his faith and his dedication to giving back to the community. He also established a foundation to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Los Angeles.
After Abdul-Jabbar retired, the Lakers retired his jersey number (33) in 1999. However, the number 42 has been worn by several other players in the team’s history.
Who Wore Jersey Number 42 After Abdul-Jabbar?
One player who wore jersey number 42 for the Lakers after Abdul-Jabbar was Kobe Bryant. Bryant was a 5-time NBA champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most beloved players in the history of the sport. He wore jersey number 8 during his time with the team, but he later changed it to 23 in honor of Michael Jordan.
Bryant’s tragic death in 2020 shocked the world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. His number 23 was retired by the Lakers in 2017, and his jersey is displayed in a special exhibit at Staples Center.
Another player who wore jersey number 42 for the Lakers was Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal, also known as “The Big Diesel,” played for the Lakers from 1996 to 2004 and won five NBA championships with the team. He later retired his jersey number (34) in 2006 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Current Player Wearing Jersey Number 42
As of now, no current Lakers player is wearing jersey number 42. However, it is worth noting that the team has a long history of using the number to honor and celebrate its greatest players.
In recent years, the team has retired the jerseys of several legendary players, including Abdul-Jabbar, Bryant, O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, jersey number 42 holds a special place in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. The number has been worn by several iconic players throughout the team’s storied history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. While no current player is wearing the number at the moment, it remains a symbol of the greatness that has defined the Lakers for decades.
