Part II of our pick-the-best-Lakers-ever series focuses on the forwards — and yes, we’re not splitting them up into the small and power categories (and won’t divide point and shooting guards either).
Why? Couple of reasons:
(1) Was Elgin Baylor a 3 or a 4? His height (6-5) said 3, his game (double-digit boards) said 4.
(2) It’s a heck of a lot more interesting to pit Baylor and Worthy against each other — and, coming Thursday, Magic, Kobe and Jerry West in a pre-Game 1 free-for-all.
By next week, when we’re done with this exercise, we’ll put together a starting five based on the top vote-getters.
Fun stuff, huh?
Here are profiles of the forwards. Below you can cast your vote.
ELGIN BAYLOR (1958-72)
Lakers stats: 27.4 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 4.3 apg, 78.1 ft%
Skinny: This 11-time All-Star and 10-time member of the all-NBA first team is the Lakers’ all-time leading rebounder and ranks in the top three in team history in points, minutes, FGs made and FTs made. Averaged club-record 38.3 points in 1961-62 (and 18.6 boards).
VERN MIKKELSEN (1949-59)
Lakers stats: 14.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 76.6 ft%
Skinny: Six-time NBA All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer was a member of four Minneapolis Lakers championship teams (1950, 1952-54). Named all-NBA second team four times and nearly averaged a career double-double (points and rebounds).
JAMAAL WILKES (1977-85)
Lakers stats: 18.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.05 spg, 51.6 fg%
Skinny: The smooth All-American from UCLA was a member of three Lakers championship teams during the 1980s. Scored a career-high 37 points in the clinching 
Game 6 of the ‘80 Finals. Two-time All-Star selection averaged 20-plus points from 1979-80 to 1981-82.
JAMES WORTHY (1982-94)
Lakers stats: 17.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.12 spg, 52.1 fg%
Skinny: Seven-time NBA All-Star who played on three Lakers title winners. Named MVP of the 1988 Finals, when he averaged 22.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists and recorded a triple-double (36-16-10) in Game 7. Top 6 in Lakers history in points, FG% and steals.
Tuesday: Center.
Coming Thursday: Guards.
