Lakers jersey history No. 15 — Willie McCarter

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 1969, coming off their seventh loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals in the previous 11 seasons, the Lakers took Drake University guard Willie McCarter with the No. 12 pick in the draft. He spent his first two seasons with the Lakers and averaged 7.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and two assists in 19.2 minutes a game during that time.

He then played for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 1971-72 campaign before ending his playing career. Years later, he became the head basketball coach at the University of Detroit Mercy for three seasons.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 15 — Willie McCarter