On the “All The Smoke” podcast, analysts and NBA legends argue over the five best players in basketball history.
The hosts of the “All The Smoke” podcast, Rod Strickland, former NBA player Matt Barnes, and former player Stephen Jackson, had a great conversation about the players they believe are the best of all time. Every member contributed a distinct viewpoint, derived from their individual encounters and knowledge acquired throughout their tenure in the league.
“Jordan, Kobe, Bron, Magic, Tim Duncan… Shaq is 5-B”
LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan were the first five players listed by Stephen Jackson to start the conversation. It’s worth noting that Jackson ranked Shaquille O’Neal a very close sixth, demonstrating how difficult it is to rank someone so highly respected.
“I have MJ, Magic, Bird, LeBron, then if I gotta put a big, Hakeem.”
Among his own top five were Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Rod Strickland presented the list. Across many eras of basketball history, Strickland’s list demonstrated a profound appreciation for the abilities and contributions of each player.
“MJ, you can 2 or 3 wherever you want, Kobe, Bron, Magic and Shaq. So I got 4 Lakers on mine too.”
After presenting his top five choices, Matt Barnes concluded the conversation with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal. Four Los Angeles Lakers players were prominently included in Barnes’ list, highlighting the team’s legendary history and influence on basketball.
The variety of standards used to determine greatness is what distinguishes these varied lists. While some place more weight on individual honors and numerical accomplishments, others place more emphasis on leadership, the contribution to team success, and intangible traits like competitiveness and clutch plays.
In the end, every list will have a different set of players on it, but one thing is certain: these players are the best of the best and have had a lasting impact on basketball.
In NBA history, the Lakers have had the greatest number of players ever.
With a legacy spanning several generations, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be a shining example of basketball greatness. The Lakers have a long history of being associated with greatness thanks to their 17 NBA titles and 32 NBA Finals appearances. But what really makes them unique isn’t just their unmatched on-court performance; it’s also the quality of players who have worn purple and gold throughout the franchise’s illustrious past.
The Lakers have an unparalleled presence among the greatest players in NBA history. Eighteen players, out of the NBA 75 Greatest Players list, have worn the Lakers jersey at some point in their storied careers. This astounding figure demonstrates the franchise’s indisputable influence on the development of basketball history.
The NBA’s all-time top scorer, LeBron James, is at the forefront of this outstanding group of Lakers legends. Considered by many to be among the best players to have ever played basketball, LeBron’s move to Los Angeles cemented the Lakers’ reputation as a destination for elite players. His talent, physicality, and basketball IQ have elevated the team and written a new chapter in its remarkable history.
Another Lakers legend whose impact lives on in NBA legend is Magic Johnson, the maestro of Showtime. Throughout the 1980s, Magic changed the Lakers into a worldwide sensation with his brilliant passes and contagious charisma, winning five championships in the process.
The Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, personified the grit and competitive spirit that typified Lakers basketball. His five NBA championships solidified his place in Lakers history, and his unwavering commitment to excellence and unrelenting work ethic won him the admiration of fans all over the world.
Alongside these legends are players like Shaquille O’Neal, whose imposing presence and sheer dominance helped lead the Lakers to three straight titles in the early 2000s, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose skyhook came to symbolize dominance in the paint.
But the Lakers’ legendary history goes beyond their well-known identities. The Lakers have produced an incredible range of talent, from Elgin Baylor, whose acrobatic playing style revolutionized the game, to Jerry West, whose iconic silhouette is immortalized as the NBA logo.
Not only do the Lakers’ players individually possess exceptional talent, but they also have a collectively significant impact on the sport. Whether it’s Shaq’s massive dunks, Kobe’s fadeaway jumpers, or Magic’s no-look passes, these moments have left an enduring impression on basketball history and have influenced how the sport is played and enjoyed.
Standing tall in the NBA franchise pantheon as a symbol of excellence, the Lakers’ legacy is shaped by the extraordinary players who have worn purple and gold. From Magic to LeBron, Kobe to Kareem, these legends have irrevocably changed the game and made sure that the Lakers will always be associated with excellence.