Let's dive into the rich history of the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise that has seen 506 players don its iconic jersey since its early days in Minneapolis. As the Lakers celebrated their 80th season in 2024-25, it's a perfect time to reflect on the players who have shaped their legacy, from the unforgettable legends to the unsung heroes.
One such player is Mel Counts, a towering seven-footer who began his NBA journey with the Boston Celtics. Drafted ninth overall in 1964 out of Oregon State University, Counts quickly made his mark, earning two championship rings in his first two seasons as a key bench contributor.
In the 1966-67 season, Counts found himself with the Baltimore Bullets, only to be traded midway through to the Lakers. During his tenure in Los Angeles, Counts became a familiar face in the NBA Finals, appearing three times consecutively. Despite the Lakers' valiant efforts, they fell short each time, including two losses to Counts' former team, the Celtics, in 1968 and 1969.
After the 1970 Finals, Counts was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich. However, the Lakers called him back early in the 1972-73 season. Counts later wrapped up his career with the New Orleans Jazz during the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons.
Counts' career stats reflect his solid contribution on the court, averaging 8.3 points and six rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game. During his time with the Lakers, those numbers saw a slight uptick, with Counts posting 9.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.
Mel Counts may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Lakers legends, but his impact during a pivotal era in Lakers history is undeniable. His journey through the NBA is a testament to the diverse talents that have helped build the storied franchise we know today.