George Mikan
Lakers Dynasty (1949-54) · 1949–1954
Mikan's elite Inside Scoring (92) and strong Scoring (85) define this era, while Shot Creation (42) is the notable gap.
Trophy Case
1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954
Won 5 of the first 6 NBA titles — the league's first dynasty
1951, 1952, 1953, 1954
4 selections — the NBA's first superstar in the 1950s
1949, 1950, 1951
3 titles in the league's first 3 seasons — the original big man scorer
Signature Moments
The First Basketball Superstar
Mikan won 5 championships in 6 seasons and was so dominant the league literally widened the lane from 6 feet to 12 feet to try to stop him. He was named the Greatest Player of the First Half-Century. He invented the concept of a dominant big man.
They changed the rules because of him — twice. The lane was widened. The shot clock was invented partly because teams would stall rather than face him. He was so good they had to redesign the sport.
"Mikan vs. Knicks" — The Marquee Name
When the Lakers played in New York, the Madison Square Garden marquee read "Geo. Mikan vs. Knicks." Not Lakers vs. Knicks. Mikan vs. Knicks. He was the first player bigger than his team, the first athlete to sell tickets on name alone.
The marquee said his name, not his team's. George Mikan was the NBA's first superstar and first box-office attraction.
Career Numbers
Career Games
439
Career Points
First dominant big man in pro basketball
10,156
Points Per Game
Career average across 439 games
23.1
Rebounds Per Game
13.4
Season Stats · Lakers Dynasty (1949-54)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
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