History of the Lakers jersey No. 21/No. 24-Bobby Smith

During the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, dating 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 in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at every player who has worn their jersey, whether it’s a purple and gold one or the ones they donned in the Midwest during their early years.

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In 1959, the Lakers selected 6-foot-4 guard Bobby Smith in the third round of the NBA draft after he had played college basketball at West Virginia University. He spent two seasons with the Lakers and averaged 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 10.5 minutes per game with them.

Those were the only two seasons Smith played in the NBA. He later was the head varsity basketball coach at George C. Marshall High School in Virginia, and from 1978 to 1985, he was an assistant coach at West Virginia University.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: History of the Lakers Jersey No. 21/No. 24-Bobby Smith