Unearthing the Mystery: The Forgotten Laker Who Wore No. 4

In the illustrious, star-studded annals of the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with basketball royalty, every jersey number tells a story. From the iconic 8 and 24 of Kobe Bryant to the legendary 32 of Magic Johnson, these digits are etched into the very fabric of NBA lore. Yet, amidst the glittering legends and championship banners, there exists a unique, almost whispered chapter—a story of fleeting presence, a numerical anomaly that few remember.

This is the tale of Frankie King, and his brief, intriguing tenure with the Lakers, sporting the seldom-seen No. 4 jersey.

For die-hard Lakers historians and casual fans alike, the No. 4 on a purple and gold jersey evokes little immediate recognition. It’s not retired, nor has it been worn by a parade of Hall of Famers.

In fact, its wearers are so few and far between that many wouldn’t be able to name a single player. This is precisely where Frankie King enters the narrative, a fascinating, albeit minor, character in the team’s vast history.

King’s journey to the Lakers was, like many obscure NBA careers, a short and winding one.

Hailing from the University of North Carolina, King was drafted by the Lakers in the third round of the 1980 NBA Draft. The team was then in the nascent stages of its "Showtime" era, fresh off a championship with rookie sensation Magic Johnson. The roster was deep, talented, and fiercely competitive, making it an incredibly difficult squad to crack for a young prospect.

Frankie King’s actual playing time with the Lakers was, to put it mildly, minuscule.

He appeared in a mere handful of games during the 1980-81 season, spending more time on the bench than on the court. His contributions to the stat sheet were negligible, a collection of single-digit points and rebounds that barely registered against the backdrop of Laker dominance. Despite this brief stint, what makes his story resonate is the specific jersey he wore: No.

4.

The significance of the No. 4 for the Lakers is its relative obscurity. Over the decades, very few players have donned it. While numbers like 33 (Kareem), 42 (James Worthy), or even 12 (Vlade Divac) became recognizable, No. 4 remained largely vacant or worn by players whose Lakers careers were as fleeting as King’s.

His appearance with the number highlights the meticulous detail with which jersey history is tracked and celebrated by dedicated fans.

After his blink-and-you-miss-it NBA career with the Lakers, King’s professional basketball journey continued overseas, a common path for players who couldn't secure a lasting place in the NBA.

He played in various international leagues, extending his career and demonstrating his passion for the sport, even if the bright lights of the Forum were no longer his stage.

Frankie King stands as a testament to the depth of NBA rosters and the multitude of players who, however briefly, touch the hallowed courts of legendary franchises.

While his name may not grace banners or feature in highlight reels, his presence, however fleeting, as the Laker who wore No. 4, is a unique, almost charming footnote in the rich tapestry of Los Angeles Lakers history. It’s a reminder that even the smallest threads contribute to the grand design of an epic story.