LeoGlossary: Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Based in Los Angeles, California, the Lakers have captured 17 NBA championships, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history. Established initially as the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947, the team moved to Los Angeles before the 1960–61 season, becoming the NBA's first West Coast team. Known for their iconic purple and gold colors and a legacy of star-studded rosters, the Lakers have maintained a prominent presence in both the sports world and popular culture. The Lakers' history is rich with remarkable eras and legendary players. The early years in Minneapolis saw the team dominate the NBA, led by Hall of Famer George Mikan. The franchise continued its success after relocating to Los Angeles, with significant contributions from stars like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. These players not only brought multiple championships to the franchise but also established the Lakers as a marquee team in the league. The recent addition of LeBron James and Anthony Davis further cemented their status, culminating in the 2020 NBA Championship. One of the most notable aspects of the Lakers' legacy is their intense rivalry with the Boston Celtics, which began in the 1959 NBA Finals and has continued through numerous epic confrontations. This rivalry, often considered the greatest in NBA history, has been marked by memorable matchups and dramatic moments that have captivated basketball fans around the world. The intra-city rivalry with the Los Angeles Clippers and competitive bouts with teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings have also added layers to the Lakers' storied narrative. The Lakers' influence extends beyond the basketball court into the realms of culture and social impact. Known for their "Showtime" era in the 1980s, the team became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, drawing celebrities to games and setting trends within and outside of sports. In recent years, the Lakers have been at the forefront of social justice initiatives, using their platform to address critical issues and promote racial equity. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to impactful change, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be a cornerstone of professional basketball and an influential force in the community.
History
Move to Los Angeles
In 1958, following the financial success of Major League Baseball's Brooklyn Dodgers' move to Los Angeles, Lakers' owner Bob Short considered relocating the team. After weighing options including Chicago and San Francisco, he decided to move the franchise to Los Angeles before the 1960–61 season, making the Lakers the NBA's first West Coast team. Despite the scarcity of natural lakes in southern California, the team retained its "Lakers" moniker. Upon relocating, the team saw significant changes, including the addition of point guard Jerry West and the hiring of his college coach, FRED Schaus, as head coach. Additionally, Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn was brought in as the Lakers' play-by-play announcer, a role he would hold for the next 41 years.
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Early Years in Minneapolis
The franchise nOW known as the Los Angeles Lakers was initially established in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Berger and Chalfen relocated the team to Minneapolis, where they played their home games at both the Minneapolis Auditorium and the Minneapolis Armory. The team was re-christened the "Lakers" in reference to Minnesota's nickname, "The Land of 10,000 Lakes". During the 1950s, the Minneapolis Lakers established the first NBA dynasty, winning the first-ever NBA Championship in 1950 under Hall of Fame head coach John Kundla. They captured four of the first five NBA Championships between 1950 and 1954, led by the NBA's first superstar, George Mikan. The franchise's dominance was briefly interrupted by their defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the 1959 NBA Finals, marking the first Finals series between the Lakers and Celtics[4]
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The 1960s and the Arrival of Wilt Chamberlain
The Lakers' move to Los Angeles quickly proved successful, both financially and competitively. In 1968, the team acquired center Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Chamberlain's arrival marked a significant milestone for the franchise, enhancing their competitiveness and popularity.
The Formation of the Lakers-Celtics Rivalry
The Lakers' rivalry with the Boston Celtics, which began in the 1959 NBA Finals, became one of the most storied in sports history. This rivalry was characterized by numerous Finals matchups, with the Celtics often emerging victorious in the early years. The Lakers and Celtics' encounters would go on to define multiple eras in NBA history, setting the stage for future iconic battles.
Development of the Lakers Brand
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Lakers had firmly established themselves as a marquee franchise in the NBA. The combination of star power, strategic acquisitions, and the team's relocation to Los Angeles positioned the Lakers as a significant force in the league. This era laid the groundwork for the team's subsequent success and their development into one of the most recognizable brands in professional sports.
The history section above incorporates relevant citations in line with the provided format. It spans the early years in Minneapolis, the pivotal move to Los Angeles, key acquisitions, and the burgeoning rivalry with the Boston Celtics, setting the stage for the Lakers' storied legacy.
Championships and Notable Seasons
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, with a remarkable 17 championships to their name, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history. The Lakers' championships span several distinct eras, each marked by legendary players and memorable moments.
Early Success in Minneapolis (1949-1954)
The Lakers' first wave of success came during their early years in Minneapolis. The team, led by George Mikan, won five championships in six seasons (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954). These early titles established the Lakers as a dominant force in the nascent NBA and set the stage for future success.
The Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain Era (1960s-1970s)
After relocating to Los Angeles before the 1960-61 NBA season, the Lakers continued to find success, although they often fell short in the Finals. Throughout the 1960s, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals six times but lost each series to the Boston Celtics, intensifying a fierce rivalry between the two teams. In 1972, under coach Bill Sharman and with Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich, the Lakers won their sixth title. The 1971-72 season was particularly notable as the team compiled a 33-game winning streak, the longest in U.S. professional team sports history at the time.
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Showtime Era (1980s)
The 1980s ushered in the "Showtime" era, led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat Riley. The Lakers secured five championships during this decade (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and became known for their fast-paced, entertaining style of play. Key Finals matchups during this period included their rivalry with the Boston Celtics, defeating them in 1985 and 1987 after losing to them in 1984.
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Shaq and Kobe Era (2000-2002)
The turn of the millennium saw another dominant period for the Lakers, led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Under coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Their sweep of the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Finals was one of the most lopsided in history, with O'Neal earning his third consecutive Finals MVP award.
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Recent Championships (2009, 2010, 2020)
In the late 2000s, Kobe Bryant, NOW the team's undisputed leader, guided the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. The 2010 championship was particularly significant as the Lakers defeated their archrivals, the Boston Celtics, in a grueling seven-game series. The Lakers' most recent title came in 2020, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the team. They defeated the Miami Heat in the Finals, capturing their 17th championship and tying the Celtics for the most in NBA history.
Team Identity
Logos and Uniforms:
The logos and uniforms of the Los Angeles Lakers have undergone many changes throughout the history of the team.
Logos:
The Lakers' logos have evolved over the years, reflecting the team’s storied history and brand identity. The most current logo, used since 2001, features a basketball with the team name "Los Angeles Lakers" across it.
Uniforms:
Minneapolis Era:
During their time as the Minneapolis Lakers, the team wore powder blue road uniforms with gold trim, notable for featuring the city abbreviation "MPLS". The home uniforms were white with powder blue and gold trim, showcasing the team nickname. These uniforms were in use from 1948 to 1958 and were later brought back as throwback uniforms in the 2001–02 and 2017–18 seasons. In their final years in Minneapolis, the team’s uniforms eliminated the gold and featured a shade of royal blue with four stars surrounding the front of the jersey. These designs were revived as "fauxback" uniforms during the 2004–05 season, though they retained the powder blue base from the George Mikan era.
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Early Los Angeles Era:
Upon relocating to Los Angeles in 1960, the Lakers retained the blue and white color scheme, with royal blue road uniforms and white home uniforms featuring cursive 'Los Angeles' lettering. The shorts of this era displayed the wordmark 'Lakers' on either side. These designs were later used as throwbacks in the 1996–97, 2003–04, and 2020–21 seasons.
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Switch to Purple and Gold:
The early 1980s saw the Lakers in mismatched shades of purple, a discrepancy later corrected within the decade. Significant changes were made before the 1986-87 season, including a new number font and a realigned "Lakers" script. The iconic "Showtime" gold uniforms were revived as throwbacks during the 2007–08 and 2016–17 seasons, with the team even donning short shorts for a game against the Boston Celtics in December 2007 to match their throwback style.
1999–2018:
Prior to the 1999–2000 season, the Lakers introduced a new uniform set that featured extended side stripes, a modernized "Lakers" script, and the removal of drop shadows. These uniforms marked Nike's tenure as the team's uniform provider, a partnership that influenced the uniform styles of other NBA teams as well. For the 2017–18 season, the NBA transitioned away from the traditional "home" and "away" uniform designations. The Lakers' white jersey became the "Association" jersey, the gold jersey the "Icon" jersey, and the purple jersey the "Statement" jersey.
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Alternate and Special Edition Uniforms
The Lakers have also had various alternate and special edition uniforms over the years. The 2002–03 season saw the introduction of a white alternate uniform designed by Jeanie Buss in tribute to long-time announcer Chick Hearn. From 2007–08 to 2016–17, the Lakers wore special white uniforms for the NBA's Noche Latina events, featuring the wordmark "Los Lakers".
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Home Arenas
The Los Angeles Lakers currently play their home games at Crypto.com Arena, located at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. The arena, which opened in the fall of 1999, has a seating capacity of up to 18,997 for Lakers games. It is owned and operated by Anschutz entertainment Group (AEG) and L.A. Arena company, and also serves as the home venue for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, and the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. Before moving to Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers spent 32 seasons (1967–1999) at The Forum in Inglewood, California, which is approximately 10 miles southwest of their current location. The Forum, opened on December 30, 1967, is one of the best-known indoor sports venues in the United States, largely due to the Lakers' success and the presence of Hollywood celebrities at games. The venue can seat over 17,000 people and has hosted numerous notable concerts and events. During the 1999 preseason, the Lakers played their home games at The Forum before officially moving into Crypto.com Arena. In celebration of the Lakers' 50th anniversary in Los Angeles, a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors was hosted at The Forum on October 9, 2009. The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena also served as a former home for the Lakers. Located at Exposition Park in the university Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, this arena was a multi-purpose venue adjacent to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It was opened by Vice President Richard Nixon on July 4, 1959, and was demolished in 2016 to be replaced by BMO Stadium, the home of Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC. Throughout its history, the Lakers have transitioned between these iconic venues, each playing a significant role in the team's legacy and the broader cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
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Rivalries
Boston Celtics:
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The Lakers' rivalry with the Boston Celtics is one of the most celebrated in NBA history. The two teams have faced off in numerous memorable matchups, including the 1968 NBA Finals and the 2008 NBA Finals. The Celtics won the 2008 Finals in six games, but the Lakers responded by winning the 2009 NBA Finals. The rivalry intensified further when the Lakers signed Ron Artest in 2009. The Celtics have won 18 championships, while the Lakers have 17, making them the two most successful franchises in NBA history. The teams account for 45% of all NBA championships, and as of the end of the 2023–24 season, Boston is the only team with a winning overall record against the Lakers.
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Los Angeles Clippers:
The intra-city rivalry between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers is unique as they share the Crypto.com Arena. This is one of only two intra-city rivalries in the NBA, the other being the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets rivalry. Historically, Los Angeles fans have favored the Lakers, and some argue that the term "rivalry" only became apt as the Clippers saw increased success in recent years.
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San Antonio Spurs:
The Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs developed a notable rivalry in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Since 1999, the teams have faced each other in the NBA Playoffs five times, with both teams collectively appearing in seven consecutive NBA Finals from 1999 to 2005. The rivalry was heightened by the fact that between 1999 and 2003, the Spurs and Lakers won five NBA championships combined, with the Spurs clinching titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014, while the Lakers won in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010[7]
. From 1999 to 2004, this rivalry was considered one of the premier matchups in the NBA, often determining the Western Conference representative in the NBA Finals. Notably, in the 2008 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers defeated the Spurs, only to be bested by them in their next playoff meeting in 2013.
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Sacramento Kings:
The rivalry between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings is one of the more storied in the NBA, with the teams meeting in the playoffs nine times between 1949 and 2002. Since the Kings' relocation to Sacramento in 1985, both teams have been based in California. The 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Kings is particularly infamous due to several controversial calls in Game 6, which led to a decisive Game 7 that the Lakers won.
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Phoenix Suns:
The rivalry between the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns became more pronounced in the 2000s when the teams were led by Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, respectively. The intense playoff battles between these two teams during that era contributed to the growth of this rivalry[8]
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Players and Personnel
Key Players
Jerry West:
Jerry West, also known as "Mr. Clutch," was a prominent figure for the Los Angeles Lakers both on and off the court. Known for his all-around game and competitive spirit, West once recorded a remarkable game with 44 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and 10 blocked shots, unofficially achieving a quadruple-double. Despite his extraordinary performance, he often felt dissatisfied with his defensive contributions, reflecting his relentless pursuit of perfection. West's legacy is celebrated not only for his playing career but also for his significant contributions as an executive.
Shaquille O'Neal:
Shaquille O'Neal, commonly referred to as Shaq, is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, O'Neal played for the Lakers from 1996 to 2004, leading the team to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. His time with the Lakers was marked by both on-court success and off-court drama, including clashes with coaches and teammates. Despite these issues, O'Neal's impact on the team was undeniable, and his No. 34 jersey was retired by the Lakers on April 2, 2013.
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Ownership and Management
The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced various changes in ownership and management since their inception. The team's origins trace back to 1947 when Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the Detroit gems of the National Basketball League for $15,000 and relocated them to Minnesota, renaming them the Lakers. Early ownership included Max Winter, who eventually sold his share to George Mikan in 1954. Following Mikan's departure, Berger acquired a controlling interest in the team. Financial struggles in the late 1950s led to the team's sale to a group led by Bob Short in 1957, who relocated the team to Los Angeles in 1960 after facing significant financial difficulties. Jack Kent Cooke purchased the Lakers in 1965 and constructed The Forum in Inglewood, California, which became the team's new home in 1967. Cooke sold the team in 1979 to Jerry Buss for $67 million, a transaction that included the Los Angeles Kings, The Forum, and real estate assets. Buss was notable for initiating the trend of allowing corporate sponsors to name stadiums when he rebranded The Forum as the Great Western Forum in 1988. In 1998, Philip Anschutz acquired a stake in the Lakers, and until October 2010, Magic Johnson was a minority owner. The team has also seen significant changes in executive management. In February 2017, Magic Johnson was named president of basketball operations, and general manager Mitch Kupchak was fired. Additionally, Jeanie Buss removed her brother Jim Buss from his position as executive vice president of basketball operations, and Rob Pelinka was hired as the new general manager in March 2017.
Currently, Patrick Soon-Shiong, a noted philanthropist and entrepreneur, has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2010. Jeanie Buss, the team's governor, has been integral in managing the Lakers' operations and ensuring its prominence within the NBA.
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Statistics and Records
Individual Records
Longevity and Appearances:
Kobe Bryant holds most individual team records for longevity, including the most games played (1,333) and most minutes logged (48,298).
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Assists:
Magic Johnson holds all significant assist records for the club, including career assists (10,141), assists in a game (24), and highest assist average for a season (13.1). Johnson also has the most triple-doubles with 138, over 100 more than the next closest player, Bryant, who has 17.
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Blocks:
Elmore Smith holds team records for blocks in a game (17), blocks per game for a season (4.85), and career blocks per game (3.93).
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Scoring:
The scoring records are primarily shared by Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant. Baylor has the highest career scoring average (27.4), while Bryant has the highest points scored in a single game (81). Baylor, Bryant, and Jerry West hold the top five single-season scoring averages, with Bryant occupying the first (35.4) and fourth (31.6) spots, Baylor having the second (34.8) and third (34.0) spots, and West the fifth (31.3).
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Team Records
Home Wins:
The Lakers held the record for most wins at home during the regular season, achieving 36–5 in 1971–72 and 37–4 in both 1976–77 and 1979–80, until the Boston Celtics set the current record of 40–1 in the 1985–86 season
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Consecutive Wins:
The Lakers set the record for the most consecutive games won, achieving 33 straight victories from November 5, 1971, to January 7, 1972. This streak also stands as the record for the most consecutive games won in a single season
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Road Game Winning Percentage:
The team achieved the highest winning percentage in road games for a season at .816 (31–7) in the 1971–72 season.
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Defensive Records:
The Lakers have set various defensive records, including the fewest opponent points in the first half (19, vs. L.A. Clippers, December 14, 1999), second quarter (3, vs. L.A. Clippers, December 14, 1999), and third quarter (2, vs. Dallas, April 6, 1997). They also hold the record for the fewest points in an overtime period (0, vs.
Playoff Records
Most Games Played:
Kobe Bryant leads with 220 playoff games played, followed by Derek Fisher (193) and Magic Johnson (190). Other notable players include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (180), Michael Cooper (168), and Jerry West (153).
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Most Minutes Played:
In playoff minutes, Kobe Bryant again leads with 8,641, followed by Magic Johnson (7,538) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6,646).
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Most Points Scored:
Kobe Bryant holds the record for most points in the playoffs with 5,640. Jerry West (4,457) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (4,070) follow him.
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Culture and Influence
The Los Angeles Lakers have left an indelible mark not only on the basketball court but also on the broader cultural landscape. Throughout the 1980s, the team, famously dubbed "Showtime," became synonymous with success and glamour. This era was characterized by a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play and was heavily influenced by the team's close connections with Hollywood. Celebrities regularly attended Lakers games, making them social events that transcended the sport itself. The cultural impact of the Lakers is multifaceted. Beyond their on-court achievements, the team has often acted as a social influencer. According to Dr. Karida Brown, a professor and the Lakers' director of racial equity and action, sports organizations have long served as sources of entertainment, inspiration, and identity. By leveraging this platform, the Lakers have the potential to influence public perception and inspire action on critical social issues.
In recent years, the Lakers have actively engaged in social justice initiatives. The team has condemned "racism, bigotry, violence and prejudice in all its forms" and has taken tangible steps to promote racial equity and education. For instance, the hiring of Dr. Brown has been pivotal in implementing educational programs on race and racism within the organization. The Lakers have also dedicated resources to empower their employees and community to be more active participants in affecting real change. The Lakers' influence is not confined to their immediate community; their actions resonate globally. The NBA's Social Impact Report for the 2022-23 season highlights the league's collective efforts to break down barriers and support important causes worldwide. The Lakers' initiatives form a significant part of this broader movement, showcasing the power of sports to drive meaningful social impact.
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