Lakers’ All-Time Scoring Greats: A Look at the Franchise’s Top Single-Season PPG Leaders
The Los Angeles Lakers boast a rich history filled with legendary players.From dominant centers to unstoppable guards, the purple and gold have seen some of the NBA’s most prolific scorers. Here’s a closer look at the five Lakers who achieved the highest single-season scoring averages, etching their names into franchise history.
Kobe Bryant’s Unforgettable 2005-06 Season: 35.4 PPG
Kobe bryant’s 2005-06 season stands as the pinnacle of Lakers’ single-season scoring prowess. The “Black mamba” unleashed an offensive barrage, averaging a league-leading 35.4 points per game while attempting a career-high 27.2 shots per contest. An all-Star selection and MVP candidate, Bryant cemented his status as one of the game’s most feared scorers.
Elgin Baylor’s Dominance: 34.8 PPG in 1960-61
Elgin Baylor, known for his amazing athleticism and scoring ability, showcased his dominance during the 1960-61 season, averaging an remarkable 34.8 points per game. This performance placed him second in the league behind Wilt Chamberlain, highlighting Baylor’s offensive impact during his era.
Baylor’s Consistent Scoring Prowess: 34.0 PPG in 1962-63
Despite limited playing time the previous season due to military service, Elgin Baylor bounced back in 1962-63, averaging 34.0 points across 80 games. Again, he trailed only Wilt Chamberlain in the scoring race, underscoring Baylor’s consistent offensive brilliance and cementing his legacy as a Lakers icon. over his career he averaged 27.4 ppg and was an 11-time all-Star before his Hall of Fame Enshrinement.
Kobe Bryant’s Second entry: 31.6 PPG in 2006-07
Following his league-leading scoring performance in 2005-06, Kobe Bryant continued his offensive onslaught in the 2006-07 season, averaging 31.6 points per game. Bryant’s scoring efficiency improved despite a slight decrease in shot attempts, further establishing his reputation as a premier scorer. He also logged his third consecutive season with double-digit free throw attempts per game.He was an All-Star selection and finished third in the MVP voting that season. Bryant, an 18-time All-Star, one-time MVP and five-time champion was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Jerry West’s Scoring Touch: 31.3 PPG in 1965-66
Jerry West, another Lakers legend, showcased his scoring prowess during the 1965-66 season, averaging 31.3 points per game. This placed him second in the league behind Wilt Chamberlain, solidifying West’s place among the NBA’s elite scorers. West, who spent his entire career with the Lakers, averaged 27.0 ppg, was a 14-time all-Star and won one championship during his storied career. He is also a Hall of Fame inductee.
Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, formatted for inclusion in your Q&A, building on the existing content:
Lakers’ All-Time Scoring Greats: A Look at the Franchise’s Top Single-Season PPG Leaders – Q&A
dive deeper into the Lakers’ scoring legends with these frequently asked questions!
Q&A:
-
Q: Who holds the Lakers’ single-season scoring record?
A: Kobe Bryant, with an astounding 35.4 points per game during the 2005-06 season.
-
Q: Besides Kobe, who else dominated the scoring charts for the Lakers?
A: Elgin Baylor, with two extraordinary seasons: 34.8 PPG in 1960-61 and 34.0 PPG in 1962-63, consistently ranking high in league scoring.
-
Q: How did Kobe Bryant maintain his scoring excellence?
A: In the 2006-07 season, Kobe averaged 31.6 PPG, improving his efficiency while slightly decreasing shot attempts. He also continued drawing fouls, logging double-digit free throw attempts per game, showcasing his all-around offensive dominance.
-
Q: What made Elgin Baylor such a prolific scorer?
A: Baylor’s exceptional athleticism and scoring ability,combined with his consistent performance.Despite playing in an era dominated by Wilt Chamberlain, Baylor consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers.
-
Q: What about Jerry West? What was his scoring like?
A: Jerry West,another Lakers legend,averaged 31.3 points per game during the 1965-66 season, placing second in the league behind Wilt Chamberlain.
-
Q: What are some interesting facts about these legendary Lakers?
A: Kobe Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, a one-time MVP, and a five-time champion.Elgin Baylor averaged 27.4 PPG over his career and was an 11-time All-Star. Jerry West averaged 27.0 ppg, was a 14-time all-Star and won one championship. All three are Hall of Fame inductees.
These scoring titans shaped the Lakers’ legacy. Explore their achievements and appreciate the rich history of the purple and gold!
