10 Greatest Centers in Los Angeles Lakers History (Ranked)

September 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From George Mikan’s dominance in the early days to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook mastery, the Los Angeles Lakers have featured some of the most iconic centers in NBA history. Here's a countdown of the 10 greatest big men ever to wear the purple and gold — ranked from strong contributors to all-time legends.

10. Mychal Thompson

Often recognized as the father of NBA sharpshooter Klay Thompson, Mychal carved out a strong career of his own — especially as a Laker. As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s backup, he helped L.A. win back-to-back championships in 1987 and 1988, contributing crucial minutes and veteran poise off the bench.

9. Vlade Divac

Vlade Divac was one of the NBA's early European pioneers, showcasing elite passing and basketball IQ. His best Lakers season came in 1994–95 when he posted career highs in both points (16 PPG) and blocks (2.2 BPG), laying the groundwork for future international stars in the league.

8. Bob McAdoo

Though considered undersized for a center, Bob McAdoo made his presence felt in the Lakers’ early ’80s championship teams. A scoring threat off the bench, he averaged 16.7 points in the 1982 playoffs, proving vital to the team's postseason success.

7. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard had three separate stints with the Lakers, but it was his 2019–20 comeback that stood out. In the Western Conference Finals, he helped contain Nikola Jokic, delivering a vintage double-double performance that propelled L.A. to a title — the first of his career.

6. Anthony Davis

Though naturally a power forward, Anthony Davis thrived in the center role when it mattered most. His dominance during the 2020 title run included rare feats like a 40-point, 20-rebound game — something no Laker had achieved since Shaquille O’Neal.

5. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol’s arrival in 2008 gave Kobe Bryant the co-star he needed. A skilled and intelligent big man, Gasol helped power the Lakers to titles in 2009 and 2010, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors while playing both center and power forward roles.

4. George Mikan

The first true NBA superstar, George Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships in the 1940s and ’50s. His dominance in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking helped define the center position and establish the Lakers as a winning franchise.

3. Wilt Chamberlain

Though past his statistical prime when he joined the Lakers, Wilt Chamberlain remained a force of nature. In the 1972 championship season, he led the league in rebounds and field goal percentage, anchoring the team alongside Jerry West and Gail Goodrich.

2. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaq’s unmatched power and presence helped deliver a Lakers three-peat from 2000 to 2002, earning three straight Finals MVPs. His 2000 season remains one of the most dominant ever — winning MVP, leading the league in scoring, and redefining what a modern center could be.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

No Laker center has matched the consistency, skill, and accolades of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With five titles in L.A., six MVPs (five with the Lakers), and a skyhook that became basketball’s most unguardable move, Kareem’s legacy as the greatest Lakers center is beyond dispute.