Commentary

Who's the greatest Laker ever?

PER Diem: Jan. 28, 2010

Updated: January 28, 2010, 5:49 PM ET
By John Hollinger | ESPN.com

OK, everyone -- it's time for something different. Much of my writing to date has focused on leaguewide issues, but today I want to tackle a franchise-level question. And when it comes to franchises, none can rival the recent history of the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Celtics dominated the '60s, the Lakers have been the league's marquee team ever since. With L.A. entrenched atop the Western Conference, its string of dominance shows no sign of ending anytime soon.

They've also employed an unusual number of superstars over the years. Any list of the game's 20 greatest players has to include at least seven Lakers, all of whom require just one name (Magic, Kobe, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Elgin and West).

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