Lakers jersey history No. 35 — Mark Madsen

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

In 2000, coming off their first NBA championship of the Shaquille O'Neal/Kobe Bryant era, the Lakers took 6-foot-9 big man Mark Madsen out of Stanford University. Madsen was unathletic and lacked offensive skills, but he found his way into coach Phil Jackson's rotation because of the effort, energy and passion he played with. In three seasons with the team, he averaged 2.

6 points and 2. 6 rebounds in 11. 3 minutes a game and won two world titles in 2001 and 2002.

He became a fan favorite, especially after showing his fantastic dance moves at the Lakers' championship parades. Madsen joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003, and he stayed there until he retired as a player in 2009. He ended up with career averages of 2.