Top 10 Most Valuable Lakers Basketball Cards of All Time

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in NBA history. Having called Los Angeles home since 1960, the Lakers have delivered 16 NBA championships and produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game. Naturally, Lakers cards are highly coveted among collectors.

Vintage cards of Lakers legends can sell for staggering prices at auction. Let's count down the top 10 most expensive Lakers basketball cards of all time. Prices are based on actual sales data at auction.

10. 1968 Topps Jerry West (#25) - $23,100

"Mr. Clutch" Jerry West was the face of the Lakers franchise in the 1960s and early 70s. He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times and remains the only player from the losing team to ever win Finals MVP (1969). His iconic 1968 Topps card, showing West in the midst of his signature high-arching shot, can command over $20k when graded mint.

9. 1969 Topps Lew Alcindor RC (#25) - $28,680

Before changing his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lew Alcindor made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1970. His rookie card from 1969 Topps remains highly coveted and can sell for over $25k in top condition. This card marks Kareem's debut as a Milwaukee Buck, though he'd go on to win five titles with the Lakers later in his career.

8. 1986 Fleer Magic Johnson Sticker (#8) - $30,600

During the 1980s, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird connected to lead the NBA to new heights in popularity. Magic's '86 Fleer sticker card, featuring his signature smile, is arguably his most recognizable card. High-grade copies (mint or better) can command over $30k at auction.

7. 1969 Topps #25 Lew Alcindor (Rookie) PSA 10 - $33,600

A PSA 10 mint copy of Lew Alcindor's rookie fetched over $33k at auction in 2020. Considering roughly only 10% of vintage cards grade PSA 10, it's easy to see why collectors pay premium prices for flawless Kareem rookies.

6. 1969-1970 Topps #68 Lew Alcindor - $42,000

The second-year card of Abdul-Jabbar remains coveted as well. This iconic card, showing Kareem holding the ball against a blue background, can sell for over $40k in PSA 10 condition.

5. 1957 Topps Elgin Baylor RC (#71) - $51,406

Before his Hall of Fame career with the Lakers, Elgin Baylor played college ball at Seattle University. His 1957 Topps rookie card pictures Baylor in his Seattle uniform, making it one of just a few cards depicting him in college. Graded copies of this Baylor rookie can sell for over $50k.

4. 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Sticker (Rookie) PSA 10 - $114,000

Why does a Michael Jordan card make this list? In 2001, Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards, making him a member of the Lakers' rival for two seasons. This super-rare MJ rookie sticker managed to sell for over $100k simply due to its flawless PSA 10 grade.

3. 1969-70 Topps #25 Lew Alcindor PSA 10 (Rookie) - $126,500

There's a reason Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) cards keep appearing on this list. The #1 pick in 1969, Alcindor lived up to the hype and remains the NBA's all-time leading scorer. His rookie cards are always in high demand, especially in flawless PSA 10 condition.

2. 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant RC (#138) PSA 10 - $150,000

The late, great Kobe Bryant sits near the top of every list of greatest Lakers ever. His 1996 Topps rookie card, picturing an 18-year-old Bryant, is arguably the most iconic basketball card of the last 25 years. Gem mint copies have sold for as much as $150,000 at auction in recent years.

1. 1969-70 Topps #4 Lew Alcindor PSA 10 (Rookie) - $216,000

There's no denying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's status as the most valuable Los Angeles Lakers card. This iconic 1969-70 Topps rookie, showing Alcindor holding a ball behind his head, sold for a record $216,000 in a private sale in 2020. Of course, it takes a flawless PSA 10 grade to command that kind of cash. But when it comes to vintage Lakers cards, Kareem is king!

The Los Angeles Lakers have undoubtedly produced some of basketball's most prized cards. Vintage Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West cards lead the way, but Lakers fans have plenty of iconic cards to collect. From Elgin Baylor to Kobe Bryant and everyone in between, historic Lakers cards will always be sought after by collectors.