The Lakers have had an astonishing run in the NBA since joining the league in 1948. The team moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960 and the success has only continued. With a total of 17 championships between the two cities, the team has featured a multitude of legendary players. Below, I will attempt to identify the 5 best rookie cards for players who began their careers with the franchise.
Elgin Baylor 1961 Fleer
For many years, the Minneapolis Lakers had George Mikan and were able to dominate the league. They fell on hard times after Mikan's retirement and were able to draft Elgin Baylor with the 1st overall selection in the 1958 draft. The power forward would go on to become one of the most legendary players in franchise history.
A 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, Baylor would sail into the Hall of Fame in 1977. He would later go on to become a well-regarded executive, mostly for the Los Angeles Clippers. Baylor's 1961 Fleer rookie card sells for around $4,000 in PSA 7 condition.
Jerry West 1961 Fleer
Unlike Baylor, Jerry West never played for the Minneapolis version of the Lakers. The team drafted him out of West Virginia in 1960, their first year in Los Angeles. Like Baylor, West would become an iconic player in the NBA, famously being the inspiration for the league's logo.
Despite only winning one title during his playing career, West was a 14-time NBA All-Star and was elected into the league's Hall of Fame in 1979. Following his playing career, he became a renowned executive and an important part of 8 more title teams. His rookie card, also from the 1961 Fleer set, is not cheap. But a copy in PSA 5 condition can be had for around $1,500.
Magic Johnson/Larry Bird 1980 Topps Rookie
Despite having Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers had the first pick in the 1979 Draft. They had acquired the selection from the Utah Jazz. The team was able to select the superlative Earvin 'Magic' Johnson from Michigan State. The point guard would smash the massive expectations for him, winning 5 titles and becoming one of the greatest players in team history.
It is fitting that Johnson shares his most sought-after rookie card with Larry Bird, his chief rival in both the NCAA and the NBA. Due to its perforation, the card can be hard to find in high grades. A PSA 8 copy of the issue will run collectors around $4,000.
1986 Fleer James Worthy
Magic Johnson was the key figure in the 80's Laker dynasty. He wasn't alone though. The LA team was also led by Kareem Abdul Jabbar. And they were also joined by power forward James Worthy. Worthy, who played with Michael Jordan at North Carolina, was the 1st overall selection of the 1982 Draft.
Worthy would prove to be a perfect running mate to the Magic Johnson Lakers. He made 7 All-Star teams during his time in Los Angeles and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Worthy's '86 Fleer rookie sells for around $300 in PSA 9 condition.
Kobe Bryant 1997 Topps
The Lakers should have never had the opportunity to draft a player like Kobe Bryant. Despite their dynastic years in the 1980s, they had become mediocre in the 1990s. During the 1997 Draft, they dealt Vlade Divac for the draft rights to Philadelphia high schooler Kobe Bryant. That move would change everything.
Bryant would team with Shaquille O'Neal to return Los Angeles to glory. A 5 time NBA Champion and an all-time great, Bryant was killed in a helicopter accident in January 2020. He has multiple rookie cards, but collectors seem to really enjoy his basic Topps rookie card. A PSA 10 copy will sell for around $1,000.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.