It's been a tough season in Los Angeles.

The Lakers find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with the Minnesota Timberwolves. To make matters worse, the Lakers will be without their superstar shooting guard Kobe Bryant for the remainder of the season.

With Bryant nearing retirement, many are wondering where he ranks among the greatest players in Lakers history.

Some of the best players to ever suit up in a purple and gold uniform include Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy.

Abdul-Jabbar is arguably the best center in NBA history, having spent 14 season with the Lakers. Abdul-Jabbar helped the Lakers become the team of the 1980s by winning five NBA championships. Abdul-Jabbar was the most skilled big man in the league when he played, but he did benefit from having Magic Johnson beside him. Abdul-Jabbar also left part of his legacy in Milwaukee where he won a championship with the Bucks in 1971.

Most NBA fans believe Magic Johnson is the greatest Laker of all time. Johnson also won five championships, and he won three finals MVP awards. He gave fans one of the best moments ever when he played center in the 1980 NBA Finals. Johnson is the greatest point guard of all time with the highest assist average ever, 11.2 assists per game.

A case could even be made for Shaquille O'Neal. "The Diesel" won three consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards, and is one of the most dominating centers we have ever seen. Bryant was a fantastic player, but the early 2000s Lakers teams were driven by O'Neal. James Worthy gave us a lot of memorable performances, but the reality is, he was the third-best player on that Lakers team. Jerry West was also an outstanding player, but a 1-8 record in the Finals isn't good enough to be the best Laker ever.

So where does Bryant rank among them?

Bryant proved doubters wrong by winning two championships without O'Neal, against the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic. Bryant is easily the best scorer and clutch shooter of the 21st century with buzzer beaters and game-winners that are unmatchable by anyone else. It's amazing Bryant won just one regular season MVP award, but he is a 17-time All-Star. Other than Pau Gasol, the last Lakers squad that Bryant won a championship with wasn't very talented. Bryant was able to win two championships without a dominant center, elite point guard or Hall of Famers by his side.

Bryant is worthy of the No. 1 spot in Lakers history because he lacks a huge flaw. Throughout Bryant's career, he has been a great shooter, clutch performer, underrated ball distributor and good defender. One could argue he depended on Phil Jackson's greatness as a head coach, but that can go both ways, as we all know.

With the most points, shots made, steals and free throws made in Lakers franchise history, Bryant's résumé certainly makes a strong case for the best ever. Bryant isn't just regarded as one of the best players in Lakers history, but he will also be remembered as one of the best to ever play the game.

It's a close call. Bryant has given NBA fans so many great moments over the years, but he has tough competition with this franchise. Bryant is easily a top 10 player in Lakers history, and probably a top five player as well. In the end, it really comes down to either Bryant or Magic.

Feel free to vote in our NBA fan poll below, and tell us who you think is the best Laker of all-time.

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