Unlike the Boston Celtics, who have retired so many jerseys (24) over the years that new players are forced to use fractions on their uniforms, the Los Angeles Lakers designate that honor sparingly.
To have your jersey retired by the Lakers requires quite the distinguished career. Just 14 players, one coach and one broadcaster have seen their name on a jersey hoisted to the top of Staples Center.
That number is even smaller when you separate the Lakers of Minneapolis from the team in Los Angeles. To date, just seven L.A. players have had their jerseys retired with two more (Shaquille O'Neal and Jamaal Wilkes) set to be honored during the 2012-13 season.
Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Elgin Baylor, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and James Worthy—each one of them in the Hall of Fame—had their jerseys rightfully retired. Legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Chick Hearn also had a jersey retired.
It is obviously a very high honor to have your Lakers jersey retired. For a franchise that sets extremely high standards and has captured 16 world championships, it may be more difficult for an outstanding former player to get that recognition he really deserves.
We think there are at least five who ought to have their jerseys retired. Five players who were special, who made a difference on and off the court; five tremendous athletes who have not been recognized, but should be.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1343057-five-former-lakers-who-should-have-their-jersey-retired
Nate Robinson Paul Fiercer Rasheed Wallace LeBron James Ben Gordon Josh Howard
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