Who is the Lakers Goat - Magic Johnson Vs Kobe Bryant: Statistical Comparison

There might be many names which come to mind when we discuss the players behind Los Angeles Lakers rich history in terms of championships. The franchise has won 16 NBA titles, one less than arch-rivals and nemesis Boston Celtics.We all know Michael Jordan is the GOAT of the NBA but what about the GOAT of a highly successful team like the Lakers. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal all enjoyed the best part of their career in Los Angeles, but they are out of the equation as they spent only a part of their careers with the team. O’Neal has played on 5 other teams, Chamberlain was with the Philadelphia/San Fransico Warriors during his most dominant days and Kareem celebrated personal and team glory in Milwaukee as well.That criteria and elimination leaves us with three names Jerry West, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.

Also see: Magic Johnson net worth

Although there is no denying West’s legacy, his achievements on the personal and team scale simply don’t match with the other two guys. Meanwhile between Magic and Kobe there are a lot more similarities and basis to compare. Here’s the statistical comparison between the two:Choose your pick.

#1 Regular Season Total Stats

Kobe Bryant

Magic JohnsonKobe BryantNumber of Regular seaons

1318Points17,70731,700Assists10,1415,925Rebounds6,5596,601Steals17241835Blocks374620

Being a premier point guard, Magic Johnson leads by a fairly large margin in the assists category however playing shooting guard Kobe Bryant has an even bigger lead in the number of total points scored. Having clearly enjoyed more healthy seasons than Johnson, Bryant comes out on top here.

#2 Post-season Totals

Magic Johnson

Magic JohnsonKobe BryantNumber of Playoffs played1315Points3,7015,640Rebounds1,4651,119Assists2,3461,040Steals358310Blocks64144

Despite playing lesser number of post-season matches, right through his career Johnson has performed at a much higher level for the Lakers than Bryant ever did in his career. The stats is clear proof for the above statement.

#3 Awards and Achievements

Kobe Bryant

recieving

the NBA Championship

Magic JohnsonKobe BryantRegular Season MVP’s31NBA Scoring champion02All-NBA First Team selection911All-NBA Second Team12All-Star Selections1216All-Star Game MVP’s24NBA Finals record5-45-2NBA Finals MVP32NBA Assists Leader40

#4 Per Game Averages

Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson

Magic JohnsonKobe Bryant Regular SeasonRegular SeasonPoints19.525.5Rebounds7.25.3Assists11.24.8Steals1.91.5Blocks0.40.5 PlayoffsPlayoffsPoints19.525.6Rebounds7.75.1Assists12.34.7Steals1.91.4Blocks0.30.7

#5 Shooting Percentages

Magic Johnson shooting a free throw

Magic JohnsonKobe Bryant Regular SeasonRegular SeasonField Gold Percentage.520.4543-Point Shooting Percentage.303.335Free Throw Percentage.848.838 PlayoffsPlayoffsField Gold Percentage.506.4483-Point Shooting Percentage.241.331Free Throw Percentage.838.816