LA Lakers retired numbers

With one of the most successful histories in the NBA, the Lakers’ rafters are packed with retired jerseys. The franchise has honored 13 numbers, plus a microphone for legendary announcer Chick Hearn. Here’s an overview of the 13 numbers the Lakers have retired.
1. Kobe Bryant – No. 8 and No. 24
Although the Lakers have retired 13 numbers, only 12 players wore them, as Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 are both in the rafters. The late Lakers legend spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the franchise, earning 18 All-Star selections, one MVP and five championships.
2. Wilt Chamberlain – No. 13
Chamberlain joined the Lakers for the final five seasons of his legendary career, already boasting four MVPs. While past his prime, Chambrlain made four All-Star appearances, placed in the top four of MVP voting twice and helped the Lakers secure a title.
3. Pau Gasol – No. 16
Gasol teamed up with Bryant to deliver two more championships for the Lakers. In his six seasons with the team, he made three All-NBA teams and solidified his place as one of the franchise’s key contributors.
4. Elgin Baylor – No. 22
Baylor debuted with the Minneapolis Lakers, winning Rookie of the Year. In 14 seasons, he was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times and although he never won a championship, Baylor remains one of the greatest forwards in NBA history.
5. Gail Goodrich – No. 25
Goodrich’s legacy is boasted by a crucial role during his two stints with the franchise. After an All-Star season in Phoenix, Goodrich returned to Los Angeles and made four more All-Star teams while helping the Lakers win a championship.
6. Magic Johnson – No. 32
Johnson’s resume is among the most decorated in NBA history: five titles, three MVPs, three Finals MVPs and four assist titles. Spending his entire career with the Lakers, his impact on the game transcended statistics.
7. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – No. 33
Already a three-time MVP and champion with the Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar joined the Lakers and played another decade, winning three more MVPs and six titles. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader until 2023, Abdul-Jabbar was the centerpiece of the Lakers’ dominance during the 1980s.
8. Shaquille O’Neal – No. 34
O’Neal’s eight seasons with the Lakers helped earn him an MVP and three titles alongside Kobe Bryant. The duo formed one of the most dominant partnerships in NBA history, with O’Neal also earning three Finals MVPs.
9. James Worthy – No. 42
Worthy played his entire career with the Lakers (1982-94), winning three championships. A seven-time All-Star and Finals MVP, “Big Game James” thrived in the spotlight and was a key player during the Lakers’ “Showtime” era.
10. Jerry West – No. 44
West is synonymous with the NBA itself. Playing 14 seasons for the Lakers, he made 10 All-NBA First Teams, won a Finals MVP on a losing team and was one of the most consistent stars in league history.
11. Jamaal Wilkes – No. 52
Wilkes contributed on both ends of the court during his eight seasons with the Lakers, winning two titles and earning two All-Defensive Team honors. Known for his smooth play, Wilkes exceeded 20 points per game in three seasons with L.A.
12. George Mikan – No. 99
Mikan was the Lakers’ original star, dominating the early days of professional basketball. Playing for the Minneapolis Lakers, Mikan led the league in scoring three times and rebounds twice, winning five championships in seven seasons.