No franchise in the history of the NBA has suited up more dominant big men as the Los Angeles Lakers. This embarrassment of riches at the center position spans decades and includes four Hall of Fame players and three of the top players all-time to ever play the position.

Here are the top five as they appeared in 2009 with an update for 2020.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Lakers centers is that the number one ranked player has scored more points than any other player in NBA history, yet it is still debatable whether he belongs on the top of this list. However, while it may be argued, there are very few members of Lakers Nation that will complain about this placement. Abdul-Jabbar played for the Lakers from 1975 until 1989 during, which he won five NBA championships, 3 NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and the NBA Finals MVP award in 1985. Abdul-Jabbar had the unstoppable skyhook, which led to 38,387 career points, more than any other player to ever step on the floor.

2. George Mikan

Mikan is commonly credited with changing the game of basketball. When he began his professional career in 1946 big men were not known for their power, rebounding, and shot-blocking. Mikan, however, rapidly changed that as he developed skills that would benefit him due to his size and strength over the rest of the league. Mikan won four NBA championships with the Minneapolis Lakers and was one of the NBA’s Top 50 Greatest Players list. His legacy still is relevant today, as many rules had to be changed or adjusted due to Mikan’s dominance down low. Mikan established the center position as we all know it today, and is truly one of the most remarkable players in Lakers, and league history.

3. Shaquille O’Neal

Now I understand that many of you may still feel slightly bitter towards O’Neal due to the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Lakers in 2004, but there is no question he belongs on this list. One of the most dominant big men in the history of the league, O’Neal was truly an unstoppable force. Arguably the most physically imposing center in history, O’Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 until 2002, taking home the Finals MVP in all three seasons. O’Neal also won the NBA MVP award in 2000. Opponents’ strategy to containing O’Neal was to foul him endlessly, as western conference contenders would stockpile big men purely for their ability to bring six fouls to the game.

4. Wilt Chamberlain

The Big Dipper played for Los Angeles from 1968 until 1973 after being acquired in one of the biggest trades in league history. Chamberlain joined a Lakers team that already featured Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, and was a member of the 1971 team that won an NBA record 33 consecutive games. Chamberlain’s list of records is incredibly impressive, as there is almost no scoring record that Wilt doesn’t hold. The most dominant center of his era, Chamberlain is largely considered by many to be one of the top five centers in league history.

5A. Vlade Divac (2009)

The Lakers have had remarkable centers throughout their storied existence, and while Divac may not be destined for the Hall of Fame. but he certainly played well for the Lakers in an era where they did not dominate. Divac played for Los Angeles from 1989 until 1996 and was a key member of the team that reached the NBA Finals in 1991. Divac was one of the most influential European players to ever play in the NBA and was a valuable contributor for the Lakers until his departure in 1996 when he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant.

5B. Andrew Bynum (2020)

Andrew Bynum was 21 and about to begin his fourth season with the Lakers when we first published this list. He’d play three more seasons for the Lakers and while he’s not in the same class as the top four on this list, it’s easy to argue he was as good or better than Vlade Divac. ~ Ian Chin (Publisher)

The night the Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey at Staples Center there was speculation the ceremony could get a bit awkward. Shaq is known for his larger than life attitude, but also for the various feuds and skirmishes he was involved in during his NBA career. During the ceremony Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant were in attendance — two basketball players Shaq has feuded with in the past.

But what happened with Kobe and Shaq?? You know, the one that resulted in Shaq getting shipped to Miami for Lamar Odom and a bag of Skittles and nearly ostracized Kobe from the Laker community?

Here’s a look back at the timeline of some of the more notable moments in the Shaq-Kobe feud, and how the two made amends before Kobe Bryant’s devastating passing.

The Early Years of Shaq and Kobe

1996: Shaquille and Kobe join the Los Angeles Lakers

1998: Shaq reportedly jealous of Kobe’s jersey sales, accuses Kobe of playing selfish basketball.

1999-2000: Shaq mocks Kobe’s crossover/turnovers during All-Star Game introductions; states it’s an inside joke between him and Kobe. The Lakers still manage to win the first of three consecutive NBA championships.

The Kobe and Shaq Rivalry Begins

2000-01: Shaq and Kobe feud openly during the season after Shaq comes into camp out of shape. Kobe states a new roster for change in play; Shaq still wants the ball to run through him in the post. Phil Jackson calls them both “juvenile.” Team cruises through the playoffs, prompting Shaq to call Bryant his “idol” following win in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals.

2001-02: Shaq and Kobe plays nice for most of the season. Ultimately ends in the team’s third consecutive championship.

2002-03: Team starts slow (11-19), Shaq drops “company time” line as Phil Jackson urges Kobe to be more aggressive. Results in strong numbers for Kobe, but Shaq’s inability to get healthy results in poor playoff seeding and loss to Spurs, ending the championship run.

2003-04: Kobe deals with rape accusations during the summer as team signs Karl Malone, Gary Payton. Kobe reportedly warns Phil Jackson that if Shaq starts a media war again, Kobe won’t hesitate to fire back. Shaq says “the full team is here” even though Bryant wasn’t at training camp, and says he wants to be healthy for his teammates but doesn’t mention Bryant on that list.

Shaq says Malone, Payton came to L.A. for one player, not two, dismissing Kobe. It also states that Bryant should focus on distributing rather than shooting while recovering from his knee injury. Kobe responds that he knows how to play guard and that Shaq should focus on playing in the post. Shaq indicates that Bryant should opt-out of his contract because he doesn’t plan on leaving Los Angeles. Jackson tells them both to shut up.

Brian Shaw mediates the argument between Shaq and Kobe after O’Neal yells “pay me” to Dr. Buss after a preseason dunk.

Bryant was upset at O’Neal for not attempting to reach out during his legal troubles, stating that Shaq was “supposed to be my friend.” Shaw asks Bryant why he doesn’t attend team dinners or events if that’s the case, even questioning Bryant not inviting teammates to his wedding. Phil Jackson fines Kobe for comments made to the press. Ultimately Kobe, Shaq, and the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in five games in the NBA Finals.

Following the season, the feud reaches a boiling point. L.A. doesn’t bring back Phil Jackson, and Mitch Kupchak says he would consider trading O’Neal, prompting Shaq to demand a trade. The team ultimately moves Shaq to Miami, and after flirting with the Clippers, Bryant signs a long-term extension with the Lakers.

2004-05: Shaq’s Heat faces Kobe’s Lakers on Christmas Day, registering the highest-rated regular-season NBA game since 1998. Shaq asks what happens to a Corvette (Bryant) that runs into a brick wall (Shaq) when discussing the first time Kobe attacks the basket. Ultimately Miami beats L.A. twice during the regular season.

Are Shaq and Kobe Friends? The Semi-Reconciliation

2005-06: Shaq and Kobe greet each other with handshakes and hugs before the Jan. 16 matchup, the first time since Shaq departed Los Angeles. Shaq ultimately praises Kobe’s 81-point performance against the Raptors, before helping the Heat win the NBA championship that season.

2006-07: Shaq says Kobe should have won regular-season MVP, which went to Dirk Nowitzki. Rumors also surfaced that Bryant forced the Lakers’ hand in trading Shaq, to which Bryant vehemently denies. Shaq ends up stating publicly he believes Bryant.

2007-08: Kobe and the Lakers lose to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, prompting Shaq to throw together an impromptu rap performance claiming Kobe can’t win without him. He also blames Kobe for telling his ex-wife about his extra-marital affairs, blaming Bryant for his divorce. Kobe doesn’t respond. Shaq states “it’s all done in fun.”

The Shaq and Kobe Relationship: Friendship

2008-09: Shaq blames the entire feud on Phil Jackson, saying he sensationalized it to the media. Bryant, Shaq are teammates once again at the All-Star Game. The two are named All-Star Game co-MVPs, and Bryant ultimately gives the trophy to O’Neal’s son. Kobe leads the Lakers to their first championship post-Shaq, and O’Neal supports Bryant on his Twitter account.

2009-10: Kobe leads the Lakers to another championship, giving him one more than Shaq (5-4). In the post-game press conference, Bryant states, “I got one more than Shaq now, and you can take that to the bank.” Again, Shaq congratulates Kobe on the championship, stating, “Congratulations Kobe, u deserve it. U played great. Enjoy it man enjoy it. I know what ur saying ‘Shaq how my ass taste’”

2010-11: Shaq retires from the NBA, essentially ending the on-court rivalry between himself and Bryant. When asked about leaving L.A. Shaq stated, “I don’t like to live in a world of ifs. But if we would have stayed, possibly we could have got six [championships].”

2011-12: Kobe passes Shaq on the all-time scoring list, prompting Shaq to say he was proud of Bryant’s accomplishments. Kobe opened up about the feud, stating that the two have a good relationship now and that the whole thing was a “good learning experience.”

2020: When Kobe unexpectedly passed away after a fatal helicopter crash in Southern California, it shocked the globe. Shaq was among the devastated to be losing an old friend, team player — someone he considered family by the end of their feud. “I haven’t felt a pain that sharp in a while,” he said on TNT’s “Remembering Kobe” tribute. “I lost a little brother.”

The Shaq and Kobe beef ended wholeheartedly the day Shaq said that the world lost the greatest Laker and basketball player of all time.

So there you have it. A (for the most part) complete rundown of the Shaq and Kobe feud. While the last few years of life without Kobe have been upsetting for many, one thing’s for sure: The Shaq and Kobe relationship lives on.

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Well, this is awkward. Or at least it might be for some of you. Some of you might recognize my name. Others will simply read that sentence and assume I’m pompous. Neither one is wrong. Regardless, as someone that spent many sleepless nights on this site in a previous life, it’s fun to spend some of my current one on it, too. Now that the strange “wait, you again?” part of the article is over, let’s get to what you care about.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me about the Lakers and the future. In this town a lot of people want a quick answer, a fast and easy solution to a very difficult question. For Los Angeles, the NBA season is generally viewed as championship or bust. So when the team doesn’t appear to have a championship-caliber roster, it’s hard to compromise and realize that lesser goals are necessary to accept.

So here’s where we go from here.

In the movie Rounders, poker renaissance man Matt Damon talks about keeping yourself out of trouble at the table by folding a hand you know doesn’t have a chance. “Throw away your cards the moment you know they can’t win,” the narrator (Damon) tells the viewer. Live to play another hand. Fight another day. Pick your cliche. This is the line I’ve referenced to the Laker fans that have tried to figure out just what to make of this current team and this upcoming season.

— Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear! —

The Lakers do not have a championship roster. I don’t think that’s an outlandish thing to say. I believe if you asked Mitch Kupchak, Jimmy Buss, or any of the other Laker brass they would tell you the same thing. Building a championship-level team is a long, difficult process – the Lakers have just done a damn good job of making it look easy for the past 60 years. The point is, the Lakers don’t have a team that can win it all this season. And, in a town that demands titles, that means the season will be considered a disappointment. So, if you’re the Lakers, you fold the hand and start working towards the next one. The one that you know will win the pot. In Los Angeles, it’s championship or bust, so the second you know that a title isn’t in the works for this season, begin building for the next championship.

That brings me to my main point here.

In 2014, the credo for the Lakers and the main point of emphasis should be one thing; develop Julius Randle (and Ryan Kelly/Jordan Clarkson).

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Spurs (and trust me we’ve learned a lot more than one thing) it’s that home grown, developed talent is a very useful thing. This hasn’t always been something the Lakers have looked to as the core of their success, but there’s no doubt that even when the team was winning championships, they did it with a collection of acquired free agents as well as home grown guys that they knew fit their system. When the team went on their run from 2000-02, they had key role players like Devean George, Derek Fisher and Tyronn Lue. Even though those aren’t names that jump out on a stat sheet, each contributed at key points throughout those years and helped the team become champions.

The point here is that not every player on a championship roster is a superstar. While having those superstar players is important, there are many pieces in a title-winning puzzle. While the Lakers wait on the cornerstone pieces, presumably to be filled later, they can still work towards their next title by making sure some of the smaller pieces are there when those bigger assets come along at a later date.
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Lakers Waive Kendall Marshall, Sign Xavier Henry, Wesley Johnson

PAGE 2: For Lakers, In 2014, Development For Future Is Most Important

Current Lakers Ryan Kelly (Duke) and Kendall Marshall (UNC) know all about those ACC showdowns, and will be in attendance on Sunday, Feb. 9th at L.A. Live for the premiere of Duke-Carolina: The Blue Bloods Rivalry, a documentary looking at some great moments between the two Tobacco Road universities.

Set to attend this Sunday’s screening are current and former Lakers, including Marshall and Kelly, Rick Fox and Antawn Jamison. Time Warner Cable SportsNet’s Jamie Maggio will also be in attendance, hosting the event.

The proceeds of the event go to a good cause, and it should be a fun event for all involved.

Here are the official details;

“We are excited to bring the DUKE-CAROLINA: THE BLUE BLOOD RIVALRY documentary film to basketball fans in Los Angeles especially the members of the Duke and North Carolina alumni groups in southern California,” said Hassan Pinto, executive producer of GFan Films. “The film takes a dynamic and unique fan based look at the greatest college basketball rivalry in America, and is a must-see film whether you are fan of Duke, Carolina or college basketball.”

“We have created a fun, family oriented Sunday afternoon for everyone,” said Erikk Aldridge, Director of STAPLES Center Foundation. “More importantly, the event will support the foundation’s Get Active campaign which is designed to get young people fit and fight childhood obesity, and raise money to support 1,000 local kids participation in the annual Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament at L.A. LIVE.”

You can buy tickets for the event by clicking here.

However, like a gaggle of other Lakers, Blake is hoping to be back in action soon. According to team reporter Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Blake might be targeting next Tuesday as his return date.

Steve Blake: "My arm is doing well, I felt good today in practice." Still a little pain in the elbow, but he said he gets better daily.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 2, 2014

A little pain is better than a lot of it, I suppose. And Blake is hoping that by Tuesday night in Minnesota he’ll be ready to rumble.

Blake acknowledged that Tuesday in Minnesota is a "possibility," depending upon how he feels Monday in practice and then Tues. morning.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 2, 2014

If Blake does come back, expect him to get most of the PG minutes that have been going to Kendall Marshall. Even though the former D-Leauger has been playing well in Blake/Nash/Farmar’s absence, Blake will still (theoretically) be the best active guard on the roster when he returns.

As for the rest of the injured Lakers, Farmar is still a ways from coming back while Nash is hoping to be back next week and Xavier Henry is hoping to be re-evaluated soon.

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Lakers Nation Behind The Scenes With Your Favorite Lakers During The 2014 Grammy Road Trip