The top five most influential Lakers players in NBA history

One thing is to make a list of the best Lakers players of all time, and another of the most influential ones, as there is a difference because to be influential, a player must have changed the game in some shape or form.

Shaquille O'Neal was in the No. 5th spot of the most influential Lakers player; he was an unstoppable force thanks to his size, strength, and skills. O'Neal became the most marketable player post-Jordan, and he gravitated toward hip-hop and Hollywood in the middle of his career. In the fourth spot is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who won several championships with the franchise and got the record for the most points scored of all time, which LeBron is set to break this season.

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The No. 3, the "Black Mamba" himself, Kobe Bryant, whose mindset made him transcendent and became influential for the younger generations. He sold books, and his sneaker legacy is unquestioned. 

Finally, at No. 2, the showtime Laker Magic Johnson, who completely changed the game with the Lakers, the way he played was never seen before.

The Most influential Lakers player of all-time

The latest Lakers superstar LeBron James is the most influential Lakers player, even if he may not have changed the actual game as much as other NBA players like Stephen Curry or Michael Jordan did. But LeBron is a figure that the league has never seen before on the basketball court. His IQ on and off the court is unprecedented. And also is one of the most famous athletes worldwide.