Lakers jersey history No. 15 — Henry Finkel

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.

Until they traded for Wilt Chamberlain in 1968, the Lakers suffered from substandard play at the center position, starting with their last several seasons in Minneapolis. In 1966, they welcomed 7-footer Henry Finkel as a rookie after three seasons at the University of Dayton.

He averaged 1.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 5.2 minutes a game as a rookie with the Lakers. In 1967, he was selected by the San Diego Rockets in the expansion draft, and two years later, he was traded to the Boston Celtics right after legendary Bill Russell retired. He spent six seasons with the Celtics and won an NBA championship there in 1974 before retiring the following year.

Finkel retired with career marks of 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 15 — Henry Finkel