Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.
During the Lakers’ 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.
In 1976, Earl Tatum, a 6-foot-5 wing, came to the Lakers as a second-round draft pick. He spent one and a half seasons with them and averaged 10.6 points in 20.6 minutes a game during the regular season and 13.6 points a game during the 1977 NBA Playoffs while with them.
He was traded during the 1977-78 campaign, along with center James Edwards, to the Indiana Pacers for Adrian Dantley and Dave Robisch. He bounced around the league afterward until his career ended in 1980 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tatum ended up with lifetime NBA averages of 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20 minutes per game.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 43 — Earl Tatum
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
