The Los Angeles Lakers, steeped in a rich history of legendary players, once numbered Edwin John “Whitey” Kachan among its ranks. Though his NBA career was brief, Kachan, who wore jersey number 20, holds a small but significant place in franchise lore.

Kachan’s basketball journey began at DePaul University, where he honed his skills for two seasons. Following his collegiate career, he entered the NBA draft in 1948. The Chicago Stags, a team that would later become the Lakers, selected him in the third round.

Kachan played a single season for the Stags/Lakers in 1948-49. While statistics from that era are not as readily available or comprehensive as modern data, it’s known he was a guard. The team was undergoing a transition period, having relocated from Chicago to Minneapolis.

The Stags/Lakers finished the 1948-49 season with a record of 21-35. The team was still establishing itself in Minneapolis, and Kachan’s contribution, though limited to one season, represents a piece of the early history of the franchise. His jersey number, 20, has since been worn by other players, but his brief tenure remains a footnote in Lakers history.

While 'Whitey' Kachan’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of the Lakers' more celebrated figures, his story underscores the evolution of the franchise and the many players who contributed to its legacy, even in a short span.