Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best small forwards in team history

6. Jim McMillian (1970-73)

For as many legends as he crossed paths with, Jim McMillian is largely a forgotten figure in pro basketball history.

The 6’5″ Columbia University star was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970, the same year he was also drafted by the New York Nets of the ABA. Had he decided to play for the Nets, McMillian would’ve played alongside Rick Barry.

By choosing the Lakers, he joined a “super team” featuring Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich, with Pat Riley coming off the bench.

McMillian averaged 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his second season. When Baylor retired in November 1971, McMillian took his place in the starting lineup and was instrumental in L.A.’s historic 33-game win streak.

In fact, the day that McMillian replaced Baylor was the same day that the streak began.

McMillian had a 42-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks during that year’s playoff run, and he helped L.A. clinch a championship by scoring 23 and 20 points in the last two games of the 1972 NBA Finals.

After scoring 18.9 points per game the following season, McMillian upped his average to 21.6 points in a 1973 NBA Finals loss to the Knicks.

McMillian was then traded to the Buffalo Braves for 7-foot Elmore Smith when Chamberlain’s retirement created a void at center for the Lakers.

Jim McMillian passed away in 2016.