[ThePundit]

1st Team
Jerry West
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Elgin Baylor
James Worthy

2nd team
Koby Bryant
Gail Goodrich
Wilt Chamberlain
Jamaal Wilkes
Happy Hairston

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

1st Team
Jerry West
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Elgin Baylor
James Worthy

2nd team
Koby Bryant
Gail Goodrich
Wilt Chamberlain
Jamaal Wilkes
Happy Hairston

I would have trouble taking Jabbar over Chamberlain...Happy Hairston is a nice touch...and Mikan should at least be the 11th or 12th man...Here is a team in which Shaq has a hard time making the list huh?

[legend]

If you were to judge them solely on their time with the Lakers, Jabbar is the pick over Wilt. Maybe we could sneak Robert Horry onto the bench, in case the game is close at the end. The only team that could give these squads a game would be the All-Time Celtics.

[MJHMarc]

I don't remember Kareem Abdul Jabbar scoring 100 points in a game.

But I sure remember Wilt doing it at Hershey, Penn. in 1962 !

Wilt Chamberlain is arguably one of the best players of all time.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

I don't remember Kareem Abdul Jabbar scoring 100 points in a game.

But I sure remember Wilt doing it at Hershey, Penn. in 1962 !

Wilt Chamberlain is arguably one of the best players of all time.

Wilt use to shake his head watching Kareem play...he was quoted as saying, "He doesn't take care of the office like I did." ...Wilt was not short on ego either...In my book he was, dare I say it?...better than Jordan...

[Lefty Noob]

Wilt Chamberlain is arguably one of the best players of all time.

There's no argument about it. Wilt was the best player in NBA history. Period. He scored 100 points in a game. He once averaged 50 points and over 48 minutes per game in a season. He led the NBA in scoring every year from 1960-66. He led the league in field goal percentage nine times and rebounding 11 times. He even led the league in assists in 1967-68. The man could do it all.

But don't just take my word for it. Here's what NBA.com has to say about Wilt:

"He was basketball's unstoppable force, the most awesome offensive force the game has ever seen... Dominating the game as few players in any sport ever have, Chamberlain seemed capable of scoring and rebounding at will, despite the double- and triple-teams and constant fouling tactics that opposing teams used to try to shut him down."

"His name appears so often in the scoring record books that his name could be the default response any time a question arises concerning a scoring record in the NBA... [and] During his career, his dominance precipitated many rules changes. These rules changed included widening the lane, instituting offensive goaltending and revising rules governing inbounding the ball and shooting free throws."

So with that in mind, my all-Laker starting five is:
Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, James Worthy

[legend]

Fellows, Wilt played in a different era, one that quickly gave way to much more athletic big men, and I mean quickly. I realize how good he was, believe me, I saw him block Jabbar's sky hook in a 1972 game, but if he could score at will, he should have done it a few more times in some key games. I remember Wilt scoring 100, but I seem to have a hard time remembering him getting handed six championship rings like Jabbar did. And the argument that Kareem played with better players doesn't wash with me. Those Sixers, Warriors, and Lakers teams had loads of Hall of Famers on the roster. Do you think that West, Baylor, and Jabbar would have lost those titles?
I know that I am not going to convert anyone to my side, but close your eyes for a second, go back to 1962 and insert Jabbar into that game in place of Wilt, keep dumping the ball into him and tell me he isn't going to get his hundred also. Wilt shot 36 of 63 that contest! Give Jabbar 63 shots in a game of that time and tell me he won't get 100.
Chamberlain was a loser in the triple overtime game to North Carolina in college in 57, the "was he hurt" seventh game to the Celtics in 69, and the Willis Reed game to the Knicks. Never mind all those titles in between.He was just missing something inside that no one could ever put a finger on.
Jabbar forced a trade from Milwaukee to the Lakers, one that made the Lakers what they are today. If there was no Jabbar, Magic would have stayed inschool. He came out early because he knew where he was headed that year, the Jabbar led Lakers. Why would the teams Wilt played on, the SF Warriors and then the Sixers, trade him away? Like I said, we won't change each other's minds, but I will always take Jabbar over Wilt in this argument.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

Fellows, Wilt played in a different era, one that quickly gave way to much more athletic big men, and I mean quickly. I realize how good he was, believe me, I saw him block Jabbar's sky hook in a 1972 game, but if he could score at will, he should have done it a few more times in some key games. I remember Wilt scoring 100, but I seem to have a hard time remembering him getting handed six championship rings like Jabbar did. And the argument that Kareem played with better players doesn't wash with me. Those Sixers, Warriors, and Lakers teams had loads of Hall of Famers on the roster. Do you think that West, Baylor, and Jabbar would have lost those titles?
I know that I am not going to convert anyone to my side, but close your eyes for a second, go back to 1962 and insert Jabbar into that game in place of Wilt, keep dumping the ball into him and tell me he isn't going to get his hundred also. Wilt shot 36 of 63 that contest! Give Jabbar 63 shots in a game of that time and tell me he won't get 100.
Chamberlain was a loser in the triple overtime game to North Carolina in college in 57, the "was he hurt" seventh game to the Celtics in 69, and the Willis Reed game to the Knicks. Never mind all those titles in between.He was just missing something inside that no one could ever put a finger on.
Jabbar forced a trade from Milwaukee to the Lakers, one that made the Lakers what they are today. If there was no Jabbar, Magic would have stayed inschool. He came out early because he knew where he was headed that year, the Jabbar led Lakers. Why would the teams Wilt played on, the SF Warriors and then the Sixers, trade him away? Like I said, we won't change each other's minds, but I will always take Jabbar over Wilt in this argument.

Not even close Legend...Jabbar struggled against the likes of Dave Cowen (all 6' 8-1/2' of him)...Wilt played Russell evens up...Jabbar caught up with an era of expansion where the centers he went up against every night did not give him fits...

Wilt averaged 48.5 minutes a game one year...he never fouled out...he lead the league in assists when they said he was taking too many shots the year before...I would have love to see Kareem do any of that...

Jabbar had Magic step in for him one championship game at center and get 42 points and 15 boards...why wasn't Jabbar doing that?...he was so easily replaceable by Magic?...Would Magic had done that to Russell?

Jabbar dropped a big college game to the Big E...when he was said to be the best college player of his day...

At 7'2" and atheletic Jabbar should have dominated the boards and never did dominate...he was a great player but no Wilt...

Jabbar sucker punched Kent Benson and broke his hand while at it...I have seen Chamberlin pick up the mammoth Bob Lanier and set him aside on the other side of the court...and the 270 pound 22EEE foot Lainer wanted no piece of Wilt...

Unless we are talking about a free throw contest or a game of sky hooks, Jabbar in his prime could not handle Wilt....

If you read up on the 100 point game, Chamberlin was partying all night the day before the game...and he still managed 100 points...Wilt not taking the game very seriously was more than anyone but Russell and his mates could handle...

Give me the egocentric Wilt over the broody but soft in the middle Jabbar any day...

[legend]

Magic had to step in for jabbar because Jabbar had badly injured his ankle, stayed in the game and finished with over 40 to put the Lakers up 3 games to 2. Jabbar struggled against Cowens no more than Wilt struggled with Russell, I am sure that both put up superior numbers compared to their antagonists.
Jabbar had received his scratched cornea prior to the Houston game, but he did get beat, by a couple of points. How did that rematch go? Jabbar was 88-2 at UCLA, Player of the Year in 67 and 69, 3 time NCAA tourney Most Outstanding Player, and anchored three NCAA championship teams, none of which were ever really threatened Kent Benson got his for his elbow to Jabbar's midsection that the refs "never saw".
Jabbar won game 6 against the Pistons in the Lakers' last title of his era by hitting 2 of the most pressure packed free throws in NBA history. He came through for his team time and again, like the sky hook from the corner that beat the Celtics in game 6 of the 74 Finals. He could not rebound with Chamberlain, not even close,but given the choice of a clutch performer like Jabbar with his "flaws" and a man who had to be defended all his career for his lack of big game accomplishments, I will take Jabbar.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

Magic had to step in for jabbar because Jabbar had badly injured his ankle, stayed in the game and finished with over 40 to put the Lakers up 3 games to 2. Jabbar struggled against Cowens no more than Wilt struggled with Russell, I am sure that both put up superior numbers compared to their antagonists.
Jabbar had received his scratched cornea prior to the Houston game, but he did get beat, by a couple of points. How did that rematch go? Jabbar was 88-2 at UCLA, Player of the Year in 67 and 69, 3 time NCAA tourney Most Outstanding Player, and anchored three NCAA championship teams, none of which were ever really threatened Kent Benson got his for his elbow to Jabbar's midsection that the refs "never saw".
Jabbar won game 6 against the Pistons in the Lakers' last title of his era by hitting 2 of the most pressure packed free throws in NBA history. He came through for his team time and again, like the sky hook from the corner that beat the Celtics in game 6 of the 74 Finals. He could not rebound with Chamberlain, not even close,but given the choice of a clutch performer like Jabbar with his "flaws" and a man who had to be defended all his career for his lack of big game accomplishments, I will take Jabbar.

Funny, no one blames the brillant Barry Sanders for the short coming of his team...when Wilt had mates he won...as a Sixers and as a Lakers...and can you blame him for the Celtic Dynasty?...Its like calling Jim Kelly a bad QB because Dallas got in the way, or Roger Staubach because Pittsburg has a better D in 1975 and 1978...

I know the Magic at center story...my point is, by than, in the NBA...a guard could come in and drop 42 points and 15 boards in a Championship Final...I highly doubt Oscar Robertson could have done that in Wilts era...

And isn't part of the reason jabbar had more championship is because he played more seasons?...should you really hold that against Wilt?...who lost a year to the Globetrotters, and got into a law suite when he leaped leagues for the ABA?...

come on now...Wilt put it best when he said, "Nobody loves Golaith"...he was right...there is nothing else the big guy could have done...average 50 in a year, drop a 100 in a game, never foul out, +2,000 Rebounds, +600 assists as a Center...and yet, he never comes out ahead...and he actually won some titles, something a Dan Marino never did...

1st team:

Magic
Kobe
Baylor
chamberlain
Jabbar
(the twin towers thing worked for San Antonio and they did not have Magic, Kobe, and Baylor running the floor)

2nd Team:

West
Goodrich
Worthy
Mikan
Shaq

I believe again the twin towers thing would work out well against any team imaginable. If it did not we would have plenty of people to bring in if small quick ball is what we were looking for. With Hairston, Wilkes, and Horry on the bench the team has an unstoppable rotation. the 14th man could be any one in the world because he would never touch the floor anyway. And yes the all-time celtics team is the only team with a chance to compete. We also would have a coaching staff that was compiled of Sharman and Riley with Phil Jackson at the Helm. Which is why you can start both Jabbar and Chamberlain and bring both Shaq and Mikan off of the bench. It works out better this way. Remember "Duncan and Robinson". Can you even imagine "Chamberlain and Jabbar"?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

1st team:

Magic
Kobe
Baylor
chamberlain
Jabbar
(the twin towers thing worked for San Antonio and they did not have Magic, Kobe, and Baylor running the floor)

2nd Team:

West
Goodrich
Worthy
Mikan
Shaq

I believe again the twin towers thing would work out well against any team imaginable. If it did not we would have plenty of people to bring in if small quick ball is what we were looking for. With Hairston, Wilkes, and Horry on the bench the team has an unstoppable rotation. the 14th man could be any one in the world because he would never touch the floor anyway. And yes the all-time celtics team is the only team with a chance to compete. We also would have a coaching staff that was compiled of Sharman and Riley with Phil Jackson at the Helm. Which is why you can start both Jabbar and Chamberlain and bring both Shaq and Mikan off of the bench. It works out better this way. Remember "Duncan and Robinson". Can you even imagine "Chamberlain and Jabbar"?

The NBA logo a 2nd teamer?...come on now...Is Shaq gonna see any playing time with the 48 minute man Wilt Chamberlin starting?..and Sure Kareem out of the center slot...he couldn't dominate the boards anyway...

The NBA logo a 2nd teamer?...come on now...Is Shaq gonna see any playing time with the 48 minute man Wilt Chamberlin starting?..and Sure Kareem out of the center slot...he couldn't dominate the boards anyway...

The NBA logo would be a first teamer on any other squad besides this one. The all-time lakers team would feature at least 2 gaurds that are better (Magic and the Mamba) Magic is the best point gaurd to ever play the game and Kobe is the 2nd best 2 gaurd ever (only to Michael Jordan) if Jordan were a past Laker that would be the only acceptable way to put Kobe on the bench. We know magic is on the first team, but West over Kobe would be imppossible especially on the defensive side. Can you imagine how many teams could produce a mismatch for West at the 2 spot? West was only 6feet 2inches tall and weighed 170 pounds soaking wet. Jordan, Drexler, Mcgrady etc... are the people he would match up against. No way he can gaurd any of those three guys. Magic, Kobe, And Baylor would have much more effect on the perimeter both on offense and defense. The NBA logo has to come off of the bench unless he runs the point gaurd and Magic runs either the 2 or the 3 spot. Baylor was a swingman like kobe listed as both a gaurd and forward and since he does not lack the prototype NBA body he is a much better fit at either the 2 or the 3 than the 1 spot. Kareem Averaged over 14 rebounds per game through his first 12 years and did not fall below double digits until his 13 season in which he was what 34 or 35. Remember also that I have Him and Wilt on the floor at the same time. Shaq would not get much time off of the bench, and niether would Mikan (which is why they are on the bench). I can only say that Phil is notorious for having a great 10 man rotation and would have to figure it out. The best thing about this all-time laker team is the depth, but at the same time that may be the worst thing because how in the HELL are you going to play all of those guys. That 2nd team would almost be able to compete with the first wouldn't it?

Magic-1
Kobe-2 or 3
Baylor-2 or 3
Wilt-4 (shorter and more agile than Jabbar)
Jabbar-5 (No one has ammassed more League MVP's from any position - 6 total)

The only two acceptable changes to this line-up would be Jordan (Chicago Bulls) in for Kobe and Larry Bird (boston Celtics) in for Baylor, but even those changes would be hard to make considering what Kobe and Baylor have accomplished.

Anyone following basketball in general knows this is the only way to do it. If the twin towers are too slow (which I doubt) then the speed of Magic, Kobe and Baylor should be more than sufficient. These 5 have to start.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The NBA logo a 2nd teamer?...come on now...Is Shaq gonna see any playing time with the 48 minute man Wilt Chamberlin starting?..and Sure Kareem out of the center slot...he couldn't dominate the boards anyway...

The NBA logo would be a first teamer on any other squad besides this one. The all-time lakers team would feature at least 2 gaurds that are better (Magic and the Mamba) Magic is the best point gaurd to ever play the game and Kobe is the 2nd best 2 gaurd ever (only to Michael Jordan) if Jordan were a past Laker that would be the only acceptable way to put Kobe on the bench. We know magic is on the first team, but West over Kobe would be imppossible especially on the defensive side. Can you imagine how many teams could produce a mismatch for West at the 2 spot? West was only 6feet 2inches tall and weighed 170 pounds soaking wet. Jordan, Drexler, Mcgrady etc... are the people he would match up against. No way he can gaurd any of those three guys. Magic, Kobe, And Baylor would have much more effect on the perimeter both on offense and defense. The NBA logo has to come off of the bench unless he runs the point gaurd and Magic runs either the 2 or the 3 spot. Baylor was a swingman like kobe listed as both a gaurd and forward and since he does not lack the prototype NBA body he is a much better fit at either the 2 or the 3 than the 1 spot. Kareem Averaged over 14 rebounds per game through his first 12 years and did not fall below double digits until his 13 season in which he was what 34 or 35. Remember also that I have Him and Wilt on the floor at the same time. Shaq would not get much time off of the bench, and niether would Mikan (which is why they are on the bench). I can only say that Phil is notorious for having a great 10 man rotation and would have to figure it out. The best thing about this all-time laker team is the depth, but at the same time that may be the worst thing because how in the HELL are you going to play all of those guys. That 2nd team would almost be able to compete with the first wouldn't it?

Magic-1
Kobe-2 or 3
Baylor-2 or 3
Wilt-4 (shorter and more agile than Jabbar)
Jabbar-5 (No one has ammassed more League MVP's from any position - 6 total)

The only two acceptable changes to this line-up would be Jordan (Chicago Bulls) in for Kobe and Larry Bird (boston Celtics) in for Baylor, but even those changes would be hard to make considering what Kobe and Baylor have accomplished.

Anyone following basketball in general knows this is the only way to do it. If the twin towers are too slow (which I doubt) then the speed of Magic, Kobe and Baylor should be more than sufficient. These 5 have to start.

Okay, I'll bite...I think that point is highly debateable at best...i would still take Mr. Logo over Kobe...as much as I like Kobe to call him the 2nd best guard every is a stretch...and one that would lop off the entire 60's and 70's...Oscar Robertson was a much better all around guard, the man average a triple double for a season...Kobe is one dimensional at best (it's one hell of a dimension, but one dimensional never the less)...and short of Jordan the NBA has not produced a better clutch shooter than West...look up his playoff stats, Kobe wishes he was that type of clurch shooter...plus West could pass and play D better...West over Kobe hands down for the 1st team...

And my man...its about time you register if you are gonna join us, and share such "undisputable opinions...

[Basketball Jesus]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Okay, I'll bite...I think that point is highly debateable at best...i would still take Mr. Logo over Kobe...as much as I like Kobe to call him the 2nd best guard every is a stretch...and one that would lop off the entire 60's and 70's...Oscar Robertson was a much better all around guard, the man average a triple double for a season...Kobe is one dimensional at best (it's one hell of a dimension, but one dimensional never the less)...and short of Jordan the NBA has not produced a better clutch shooter than West...look up his playoff stats, Kobe wishes he was that type of clurch shooter...plus West could pass and play D better...West over Kobe hands down for the 1st team...

And my man...its about time you register if you are gonna join us, and share such "undisputable opinions...

So I took your advise and registered (and used you as my refferral ). I do believe I said that Kobe was the second best 2 Gaurd ever. The term "2 gaurd" applies to shooting gaurds. Oscar was a Swingman (played gaurd and forward), but did the majority of his damage from the small forward position like Baylor did. The year he averaged a triple double he started at forward with Bucky Bockhorn at shooting gaurd. In terms of pure shooting gaurds kobe's athleticism, skill sets, and abilities are only bested by Jordan's. If you ask me I believe kobe is a much better scorer than jordan is because of the range that he posseses (3 pointers primarily). I can understand why you would say that west was on the first team over kobe but how would they play against a team like the all-time Rockets. With Drexler and Mcgrady on the perimeter you would have big mismatches. I suppose if we are just saying that these guys were the best position players we had, compared only by what they have accomplished statistically you have a good argument, but I would have to go with Kobe edging West because of the 3 rings he posseses. I know Shaq helped but West was Drafted onto a team with Baylor and won Nothing. He also Needed the help of Both Wilt's 20 and 20 and goodrich's 27 points per. before he won anything.