Throughout their storied history, from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, the Lakers have seen 506 players wear the purple and gold. While legends dominate the narrative, every jersey number tells a story. As we continue our series on Lakers jersey history, we look at number 33 and the player who briefly wore it: Mike Lynn.
Mike Lynn's basketball journey is a classic Southern California story. A standout at Covina High School, he moved on to UCLA where he became a two-time NCAA champion with the Bruins. Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1968 draft, his path to the NBA took an unexpected turn just before the 1969-70 season when he was traded to his hometown Lakers.
Lynn's lone season with the Lakers was a limited role, averaging 2.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in just over nine minutes per game. While his on-court impact was modest, earning a spot on a roster featuring legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West is a testament to his talent. His NBA career concluded after one more season with the Buffalo Braves, but his place in the extensive tapestry of Lakers players is secure.
His story is a reminder that behind every number, even those not retired to the rafters, is a unique chapter in the franchise's long and celebrated history.
