The Unsung Saga of Lakers' Jersey No. 7: From Championship Core to Hidden Histories

In the illustrious tapestry of Los Angeles Lakers lore, certain jersey numbers gleam with an almost mythical aura. The 8 and 24 of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson’s 32, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 33, Shaquille O’Neal’s 34 – these digits are synonymous with greatness, forever etched into the franchise’s soul and hanging proudly in the rafters.

Yet, amidst this constellation of legends, there lies a curious case: the number 7. Often overlooked, rarely celebrated, this digit harbors a surprisingly sparse, yet occasionally pivotal, history within the purple and gold.

Perhaps its most recent and memorable inhabitant was JaVale McGee, a towering presence who patrolled the paint for the Lakers across two seasons, from 2018 to 2020.

During his tenure, McGee wasn’t just a role player; he was a vital cog in the machine that ultimately delivered the 2020 NBA championship. As the team's starting center for much of that triumphant run, his shot-blocking prowess, rim protection, and infectious energy were indispensable. McGee’s contributions were a testament to the fact that not every hero wears a superstar number, and sometimes, the most crucial pieces operate in the background.

His departure in 2020, as part of a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, marked the end of his brief, but impactful, stint as the latest torchbearer for No. 7.

What truly sets the No. 7 apart in Lakers history is its sheer rarity. Unlike the constantly recycled single-digit numbers in other franchises, No.

7 has seen remarkably little action. For a franchise teeming with Hall of Famers and iconic figures, the list of players who have donned this jersey is surprisingly short and, for the most part, unspectacular.

Before McGee, fans might recall the energetic, if somewhat clumsy, Mark Madsen, who wore No.

7 during his stint from 2000 to 2003, contributing to two championship teams in a gritty, role-playing capacity. Prior to him, the likes of Sam Jacobson (1999-2000) and Anthony Peeler (1992-1996) briefly held the number. We even find a lesser-known Mike McGee (no relation to JaVale) from 1981-1982, Don Chaney (1972-1973), and Freddie LaCour (1960-1961) in the annals.

However, to find the number's earliest and arguably most significant wearer, we must rewind the clock all the way to the Minneapolis Lakers dynasty.

There, the legendary Jim Pollard, a foundational piece of those early championship teams, initially wore No. 17 before switching to No. 7 for a significant portion of his career. Pollard was a formidable force, an athletic marvel who earned the nickname “The Kangaroo Kid” for his incredible leaping ability.

As part of a roster that included George Mikan, Pollard helped secure five championships in six seasons, cementing the Lakers' place in basketball history. His legacy with No. 7, though often overshadowed by Mikan's dominance, represents a golden era for the franchise.

In essence, the Lakers' No.

7 is a number of subtle contrasts: an early icon in Jim Pollard, followed by decades of relative obscurity, only to resurface in a championship role with JaVale McGee. It’s a number that defies the usual narratives of Lakers greatness, existing as a quiet testament to the diverse contributions that have shaped one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

While it may never hang in the rafters, its unique story is undeniably a part of the Lakers' rich and intricate legacy.