Lakers jersey history No. 42/No. 53

June 1, 2026 - 10:38

The Los Angeles Lakers have a storied history of big men, from George Mikan to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O'Neal. But one name that often flies under the radar is James Edwards, a skilled center who played a crucial role in the team's success during two separate eras. Edwards wore two different numbers during his time with the franchise: No. 42 and No. 53.

Edwards first joined the Lakers in 1988, arriving via a trade with the Phoenix Suns. He was brought in to provide a scoring punch off the bench, a role he filled perfectly. Known for his soft touch around the basket and a reliable mid-range jumper, "Buddha" was a key contributor to the Lakers' back-to-back championship runs in 1987 and 1988. During this first stint, he wore the number 42.

After a brief departure, Edwards returned to the Lakers for the 1990-91 season. This time, he switched to number 53. The team was transitioning, but Edwards remained a steady veteran presence. He averaged 8.3 points per game that season, helping the Lakers reach the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Chicago Bulls.

Edwards' two stints with the Lakers highlight a player who was not a superstar but was an essential piece of a winning puzzle. His unique combination of size and finesse made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. While his numbers may not jump off the page, his contributions to the Lakers' championship pedigree are undeniable. He is a reminder that success in the NBA is often built on the shoulders of reliable role players who know their job and do it well.