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Why haven't the Lakers retired his number (52) yet he could be named to the Hall of Fame very soon. He spent all but 4 yrs of his career with the Lakers.

Maybe because of hoe his Laker career ended? He got sick & could never get over it. So I think he was only a major factor for 2 of the 5 80's titles. That's my best guess.

He was only there for the first 3 of the 80's titles he left the Lakers after the 85 season and then retired a year after that.

KingLakers wrote:He was only there for the first 3 of the 80's titles he left the Lakers after the 85 season and then retired a year after that.

He retired after a failed comeback with Clippers, he didn't even last the whole season.

No matter, if he gets in the Hall in April the Lakers should retire his number i'm just surprised they haven't done it after all these years.

one of my favorite movies ever was cornbread earl and me

I wish he could work in the organization somewhere. Got to keep those who helped you along the way in the fold. He is family.

KingLakers wrote:Why haven't the Lakers retired his number (52) yet he could be named to the Hall of Fame very soon. He spent all but 4 yrs of his career with the Lakers.

Are you implying that Mike Smrek and Samaki Walker didn't do the 52 jersey justice after Wilkes was gone?

magic1fan wrote:one of my favorite movies ever was cornbread earl and me

Man seeing the young Lawrence Fishburn in that movie saying oooooohhh Mr Fred! You Lying!!!! I'll never forget that!

As a fervent 70's and 80's Lakers supporter I LOVED Silk.

But he is not on the same tier as the other 7 with retired number players.

If he gets in the HOF (doubtful i.m.o. but I'd love to see it) then yes.

The next jersey going up will be 8, no wait 24, uh oh...

The Lakers have had 15 hall of famers play for them all the Minneapolis Lakers hall of famers have there names on the wall. And I understand that Mcadoo, Hawkins and Dantley didn't play with Lakers long enough to go up there but Wilkes should go up there if he gets in and even if he doesn't get in this year he was a finalist so he should get in during a year when the incoming Hall Of Fame class isn't as strong. Players like Malone and Pippen don't go in every year.

I like Wilkes a lot, but not sure if he is a Hall of Famer, and not sure about retiring his number, either.

As far as retiring a number, I think Michael Cooper and to a lesser degree, even Robert Horry would merit their numbers being retired than Wilkes.

Cooper was on all five 80's title teams, was one of the most versatile and best defensive players of all time. He should have won defensive player of the year and sixth man of the year more than he did (one time each?) Cooper may not be a Hall of Famer, but I think he merits strong consideration for retiring # 21.

Wilkes was a star player, but he did not really challenge the top small forwards of his day like Dr. J. and Larry Bird the way James Worthy did. Which is why Worthy has his number retired and is a Hall of Famer.

Wilkes was a great Laker, but I think he falls just a notch short in this converation, however, wish him nothing but the best and gratitude for his contributions.

Anklebreaker702 wrote:

magic1fan wrote:one of my favorite movies ever was cornbread earl and me

Man seeing the young Lawrence Fishburn in that movie saying oooooohhh Mr Fred! You Lying!!!! I'll never forget that!

i feel you anklebreaker702...i feel ya

lakers retired number>>>hof

Coopers jersey being retired should be considered to but I don't think he's been a finalist for the HOF like Wilkes is currently. Im just saying if Wilkes gets in shouldn't his number be up there unless the Lakers really do believe getting a Laker number retired is tougher to do then getting in the HOF.

If he were to get into the HOF, then I think that a Laker retired number would follow.

However, I do not see him getting into the HOF. Hope I'm wrong though and good luck to Silk.

But he should get in soon enough he is 1 of 17 finalists.

I don't think Wilkes will make it, but if I'm wrong, I'm wrong...