Apr 12, 1986
Sacramento Kings logo SAC 92
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL 105
Boxscore
Apr 13, 1986
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL 104
Dallas Mavericks logo DAL 127
Boxscore
Apr 17, 1986
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL
San Antonio Spurs logo SAN
Game preview
Apr 19, 1986
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL
San Antonio Spurs logo SAN
Game preview

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Los Angeles Lakers 1985-1986 stats

NBA

Player Height Age Pts Reb Ast GP W-L MIN 3P% FG% FT% Or Reb Ast Stl To Blk Fo Pts Eff PTS REB AST
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 23.4 6.1 3.5 79 61-18 33.3 0% 56.4% 76.5% 1.7 6.1 3.5 0.8 2.6 1.6 3.1 23.4 24.2 46 12 9
James Worthy 2m07 24 20 5.2 2.7 75 58-17 32.7 0% 57.9% 77.1% 1.8 5.2 2.7 1.1 2 1 2.6 20 20.9 37 14 9
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 18.8 5.9 12.5 72 56-16 35.9 23.8% 52.6% 87.1% 1.2 5.9 12.5 1.6 3.8 0.2 1.8 18.8 28.4 34 16 20
Byron Scott 1m93 24 15.4 2.5 2.2 76 57-19 28.7 36.1% 51.3% 78.4% 0.7 2.5 2.2 1.1 1.4 0.2 2.2 15.4 13.1 31 9 6
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 10.2 7.4 1.1 77 57-20 22.7 50% 46.2% 78.3% 2.1 7.4 1.1 0.6 1.5 0.3 3.3 10.2 12.8 23 14 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 9.2 3 5.7 82 62-20 27.7 38.7% 45.2% 86.5% 0.5 3 5.7 1.1 1.8 0.5 2.9 9.2 13.3 20 9 15
Mike McGee 1m96 26 8.3 2 1.2 71 53-18 17.1 36% 46.3% 65.6% 0.7 2 1.2 0.7 1 0.1 1.8 8.3 6.8 34 9 5
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 7.3 4.6 0.4 8 5-3 16 - 54.1% 66.7% 2.1 4.6 0.4 0.4 1.4 0.5 3.1 7.3 8.5 15 9 1
A.C. Green 2m07 22 6.4 4.6 0.7 82 62-20 18.8 16.7% 53.9% 61.4% 2 4.6 0.7 0.6 1.2 0.6 2.8 6.4 8.7 21 16 5
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 6 3.5 0.3 55 41-14 14.2 0% 48.2% 75% 1.3 3.5 0.3 0.2 1.2 0.1 1.9 6 6 15 8 3
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 5.5 7 0.9 74 58-16 21.3 - 59.5% 72.1% 2.1 7 0.9 0.9 1.3 0.4 2.6 5.5 11.5 17 16 4
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 5 1.9 1.1 43 33-10 11 0% 45.8% 77.6% 0.7 1.9 1.1 0.4 1.3 0.2 1.8 5 4.7 18 6 4
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 4 1 0 1 1-0 3 - 66.7% - 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 4 1 0
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 2.5 1.8 0.5 4 4-0 6.3 - 27.3% 66.7% 0.8 1.8 0.5 0.5 1.3 0.5 1.5 2.5 2 4 2 1
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 2.5 0.4 2 27 21-6 8.2 0% 50% 78.9% 0 0.4 2 0.3 1.6 0.1 1 2.5 2.6 8 2 7
Total 117.3 44.6 29.6 82 62-20 241.8 33.8% 52.2% 77.8% 13.4 44.6 29.6 8.5 17.6 5.1 24.7 117.3 138.3
Opponents 109.5 40.6 27.2 82 - 241.8 20.6% 48% 75.1% 13.4 40.6 27.2 9.7 15.8 4.4 24.3 109.5 121.2
Gap 7,8 4,0 2,4 0 - 0 13,2% 4,2% 2,7% - 4,0 2,4 -1,2 1,8 0,7 0,4 7,8 17,1
Average
height 206 cm
Average
age 27 years old
Player Height Age Pts Reb Ast GP W-L MIN 2P 3P FG FT Reb Ast Stl Blk Fo Pts Eff
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 1846 479 280 79 61-18 2629 755/1336 0/2 755/1338 336/439 133 479 280 67 203 130 248 1846 1913
James Worthy 2m07 24 1500 387 201 75 58-17 2454 629/1073 0/13 629/1086 242/314 136 387 201 82 150 77 195 1500 1568
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 1354 427 902 72 56-16 2584 473/876 10/42 483/918 378/434 85 427 902 113 273 16 133 1354 2048
Byron Scott 1m93 24 1174 189 164 76 57-19 2184 485/928 22/61 507/989 138/176 55 189 164 85 110 15 167 1174 997
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 785 566 84 77 57-20 1750 301/651 1/2 302/653 180/230 164 566 84 45 117 24 253 785 986
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 758 243 466 82 62-20 2269 211/443 63/163 274/606 147/170 44 243 466 89 151 43 238 758 1093
Mike McGee 1m96 26 587 139 83 71 53-18 1213 211/430 41/114 252/544 42/64 51 139 83 53 70 7 131 587 485
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 58 37 3 8 5-3 128 20/37 0/0 20/37 18/27 17 37 3 3 11 4 25 58 68
A.C. Green 2m07 22 521 381 54 82 62-20 1542 208/382 1/6 209/388 102/166 160 381 54 49 97 49 229 521 714
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 332 191 17 55 41-14 783 124/256 0/1 124/257 84/112 69 191 17 12 66 7 102 332 332
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 408 517 69 74 58-16 1573 160/269 0/0 160/269 88/122 156 517 69 66 97 33 196 408 853
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 214 81 49 43 33-10 471 88/191 0/1 88/192 38/49 28 81 49 18 54 9 78 214 202
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 4 1 0 1 1-0 3 2/3 0/0 2/3 0/0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 4
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 10 7 2 4 4-0 25 3/11 0/0 3/11 4/6 3 7 2 2 5 2 6 10 8
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 67 10 54 27 21-6 222 26/49 0/3 26/52 15/19 0 10 54 9 42 3 27 67 71
Total 9618 3655 2428 82 62-20 19830 3696/6935 138/408 3834/7343 1812/2328 1101 3655 2428 693 1446 419 2029 9618 11342
Opponents 8983 3329 2234 82 - 19830 3526/7203 51/247 3577/7450 1778/2369 1102 3329 2234 794 1297 362 1992 8983 9941
Gap 635 326 194 0 - 0 170/-268 87/161 257/-107 34/-41 -1 326 194 -101 149 57 37 635 1401
Player Height Age Pts Reb Ast GP W-L MIN 3P% FG% FT% Or Reb Ast Stl To Blk Fo Pts Eff PTS REB AST
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 25.3 6.6 3.8 79 61-18 36 0% 56.4% 76.5% 1.8 6.6 3.8 0.9 2.8 1.8 3.4 25.3 26.2 46 12 9
James Worthy 2m07 24 22 5.7 2.9 75 58-17 36 0% 57.9% 77.1% 2 5.7 2.9 1.2 2.2 1.1 2.9 22 23 37 14 9
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 18.9 5.9 12.6 72 56-16 36 23.8% 52.6% 87.1% 1.2 5.9 12.6 1.6 3.8 0.2 1.9 18.9 28.5 34 16 20
Byron Scott 1m93 24 19.4 3.1 2.7 76 57-19 36 36.1% 51.3% 78.4% 0.9 3.1 2.7 1.4 1.8 0.2 2.8 19.4 16.4 31 9 6
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 16.1 11.6 1.7 77 57-20 36 50% 46.2% 78.3% 3.4 11.6 1.7 0.9 2.4 0.5 5.2 16.1 20.3 23 14 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 12 3.9 7.4 82 62-20 36 38.7% 45.2% 86.5% 0.7 3.9 7.4 1.4 2.4 0.7 3.8 12 17.3 20 9 15
Mike McGee 1m96 26 17.4 4.1 2.5 71 53-18 36 36% 46.3% 65.6% 1.5 4.1 2.5 1.6 2.1 0.2 3.9 17.4 14.4 34 9 5
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 16.3 10.4 0.8 8 5-3 36 - 54.1% 66.7% 4.8 10.4 0.8 0.8 3.1 1.1 7 16.3 19.1 15 9 1
A.C. Green 2m07 22 12.2 8.9 1.3 82 62-20 36 16.7% 53.9% 61.4% 3.7 8.9 1.3 1.1 2.3 1.1 5.3 12.2 16.7 21 16 5
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 15.3 8.8 0.8 55 41-14 36 0% 48.2% 75% 3.2 8.8 0.8 0.6 3 0.3 4.7 15.3 15.3 15 8 3
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 9.3 11.8 1.6 74 58-16 36 - 59.5% 72.1% 3.6 11.8 1.6 1.5 2.2 0.8 4.5 9.3 19.5 17 16 4
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 16.4 6.2 3.7 43 33-10 36 0% 45.8% 77.6% 2.1 6.2 3.7 1.4 4.1 0.7 6 16.4 15.4 18 6 4
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 48 12 0 1 1-0 36 - 66.7% - 0 12 0 0 0 0 12 48 48 4 1 0
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 14.4 10.1 2.9 4 4-0 36 - 27.3% 66.7% 4.3 10.1 2.9 2.9 7.2 2.9 8.6 14.4 11.5 4 2 1
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 10.9 1.6 8.8 27 21-6 36 0% 50% 78.9% 0 1.6 8.8 1.5 6.8 0.5 4.4 10.9 11.5 8 2 7
Total 17.5 6.6 4.4 82 62-20 36 33.8% 52.2% 77.8% 2 6.6 4.4 1.3 2.6 0.8 3.7 17.5 20.6
Player Height Age Pts Reb Ast GP W-L MIN 3P% FG% FT% Or Reb Ast Stl To Blk Fo Pts Eff PTS REB AST
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 28.1 7.3 4.3 79 61-18 40 0% 56.4% 76.5% 2 7.3 4.3 1 3.1 2 3.8 28.1 29.1 46 12 9
James Worthy 2m07 24 24.4 6.3 3.3 75 58-17 40 0% 57.9% 77.1% 2.2 6.3 3.3 1.3 2.4 1.3 3.2 24.4 25.6 37 14 9
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 21 6.6 14 72 56-16 40 23.8% 52.6% 87.1% 1.3 6.6 14 1.7 4.2 0.2 2.1 21 31.7 34 16 20
Byron Scott 1m93 24 21.5 3.5 3 76 57-19 40 36.1% 51.3% 78.4% 1 3.5 3 1.6 2 0.3 3.1 21.5 18.3 31 9 6
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 17.9 12.9 1.9 77 57-20 40 50% 46.2% 78.3% 3.7 12.9 1.9 1 2.7 0.5 5.8 17.9 22.5 23 14 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 13.4 4.3 8.2 82 62-20 40 38.7% 45.2% 86.5% 0.8 4.3 8.2 1.6 2.7 0.8 4.2 13.4 19.3 20 9 15
Mike McGee 1m96 26 19.4 4.6 2.7 71 53-18 40 36% 46.3% 65.6% 1.7 4.6 2.7 1.7 2.3 0.2 4.3 19.4 16 34 9 5
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 18.1 11.6 0.9 8 5-3 40 - 54.1% 66.7% 5.3 11.6 0.9 0.9 3.4 1.3 7.8 18.1 21.3 15 9 1
A.C. Green 2m07 22 13.5 9.9 1.4 82 62-20 40 16.7% 53.9% 61.4% 4.2 9.9 1.4 1.3 2.5 1.3 5.9 13.5 18.5 21 16 5
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 17 9.8 0.9 55 41-14 40 0% 48.2% 75% 3.5 9.8 0.9 0.6 3.4 0.4 5.2 17 17 15 8 3
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 10.4 13.1 1.8 74 58-16 40 - 59.5% 72.1% 4 13.1 1.8 1.7 2.5 0.8 5 10.4 21.7 17 16 4
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 18.2 6.9 4.2 43 33-10 40 0% 45.8% 77.6% 2.4 6.9 4.2 1.5 4.6 0.8 6.6 18.2 17.2 18 6 4
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 53.3 13.3 0 1 1-0 40 - 66.7% - 0 13.3 0 0 0 0 13.3 53.3 53.3 4 1 0
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 16 11.2 3.2 4 4-0 40 - 27.3% 66.7% 4.8 11.2 3.2 3.2 8 3.2 9.6 16 12.8 4 2 1
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 12.1 1.8 9.7 27 21-6 40 0% 50% 78.9% 0 1.8 9.7 1.6 7.6 0.5 4.9 12.1 12.8 8 2 7
Total 19.4 7.4 4.9 82 62-20 40 33.8% 52.2% 77.8% 2.2 7.4 4.9 1.4 2.9 0.8 4.1 19.4 22.9
Player Height Age USG% PACE PIE PER GMSCR AST% TO% AST/TO OREB% DREB% REB%
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 26.7% 22,0 9,0 26,3 20,5 14% 12% 4.4 5% 12% 16%
James Worthy 2m07 24 22.6% 18,3 7,0 23,6 17,8 13% 11% 3.7 5% 9% 13%
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 21.6% 19,2 11,0 27,4 22,0 39% 20% 45.5 3% 11% 14%
Byron Scott 1m93 24 21.8% 15,5 5,0 17,3 12,0 12% 9% 4.6 2% 5% 7%
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 20.1% 11,3 4,0 15,8 10,0 9% 13% -3.8 8% 20% 28%
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 14.8% 10,1 5,0 15,6 11,2 36% 18% 37.9 2% 8% 10%
Mike McGee 1m96 26 21.4% 9,0 2,0 14,1 6,5 11% 11% 2 3% 6% 9%
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 18.9% 7,5 0 16,2 7,7 5% 18% -13.4 1% 1% 3%
A.C. Green 2m07 22 14.6% 6,8 2,0 13,8 7,3 9% 17% -7.7 10% 13% 23%
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 19.2% 6,8 1,0 12,2 5,1 4% 18% -13.2 6% 10% 15%
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 10.8% 5,7 3,0 14,6 8,2 14% 23% -6.7 8% 19% 28%
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 23% 6,2 1,0 12,1 4,2 15% 20% -1.9 3% 6% 8%
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 40.4% 3,0 0 43,4 3,4 0% 0% 0 0% 0% 0%
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 30.1% 4,7 0 6,0 2,1 10% 27% -16.1 1% 1% 1%
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 18.6% 3,8 0 7,8 2,2 35% 41% 11.7 0% 1% 1%
Player Height Age eFG% TS% 3PAr FTr %FGA/2PTm %FGA/3PTm %FGA/FTm %PTS/2PTm %PTS/3PTm %PTS/FTm PTS/2PTm PTS/3PTm
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 69,0% 60,3% 0,1% 32,8% 75,2% 0,1% 24,7% 81,8% 0% 18,2% 1.13 0
James Worthy 2m07 24 69,1% 61,3% 1,2% 28,9% 76,6% 0,9% 22,4% 83,9% 0% 16,1% 1.17 0
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 73,2% 61,0% 4,6% 47,3% 64,8% 3,1% 32,1% 69,9% 2,2% 27,9% 1.08 0.71
Byron Scott 1m93 24 58,2% 55,0% 6,2% 17,8% 79,7% 5,2% 15,1% 82,6% 5,6% 11,8% 1.05 1.08
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 60,0% 52,0% 0,3% 35,2% 73,7% 0,2% 26,0% 76,7% 0,4% 22,9% 0.92 1.5
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 57,3% 55,7% 26,9% 28,1% 57,1% 21,0% 21,9% 55,7% 24,9% 19,4% 0.95 1.16
Mike McGee 1m96 26 50,2% 51,3% 21,0% 11,8% 70,7% 18,8% 10,5% 71,9% 21,0% 7,2% 0.98 1.08
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 78,4% 59,3% 0% 73,0% 57,8% 0% 42,2% 69,0% 0% 31,0% 1.08 0
A.C. Green 2m07 22 67,0% 56,5% 1,5% 42,8% 69,0% 1,1% 30,0% 79,8% 0,6% 19,6% 1.09 0.5
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 64,6% 54,2% 0,4% 43,6% 69,4% 0,3% 30,4% 74,7% 0% 25,3% 0.97 0
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 75,8% 63,2% 0% 45,4% 68,8% 0% 31,2% 78,4% 0% 21,6% 1.19 0
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 55,7% 50,1% 0,5% 25,5% 79,3% 0,4% 20,3% 82,2% 0% 17,8% 0.92 0
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 66,7% 66,7% 0% 0% 100,0% 0% 0% 100,0% 0% 0% 1.33 0
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 45,5% 36,7% 0% 54,5% 64,7% 0% 35,3% 60,0% 0% 40,0% 0.55 0
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 64,4% 55,5% 5,8% 36,5% 69,0% 4,2% 26,8% 77,6% 0% 22,4% 1.06 0
Player Height Age %MIN %PTS %FGM %FGA %2PM %2PA %3PM %3PA %FTM %FTA %OREB %DREB %REB %AST %TOV %STL %BLK %BLKA %PF %PFD %+/- %EFF
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 38 83% 20% 20% 19% 21% 20% 0% 1% 19% 20% 13% 14% 14% 12% 15% 10% 32% - 13% - - 18%
James Worthy 2m07 24 82% 17% 18% 16% 19% 17% 0% 3% 15% 15% 14% 11% 12% 9% 11% 13% 20% - 11% - - 15%
Earvin Johnson 2m07 26 90% 16% 14% 14% 15% 14% 8% 12% 24% 21% 9% 15% 13% 42% 22% 19% 4% - 7% - - 21%
Byron Scott 1m93 24 72% 13% 14% 15% 14% 14% 17% 16% 8% 8% 5% 6% 6% 7% 8% 13% 4% - 9% - - 9%
Maurice Lucas 2m07 33 57% 9% 8% 9% 9% 10% 1% 1% 11% 11% 16% 17% 16% 4% 9% 7% 6% - 13% - - 9%
Michael Cooper 2m01 29 69% 8% 7% 8% 6% 6% 46% 40% 8% 7% 4% 8% 7% 19% 10% 13% 10% - 12% - - 10%
Mike McGee 1m96 26 43% 7% 8% 9% 7% 7% 34% 32% 3% 3% 5% 4% 4% 4% 6% 9% 2% - 7% - - 5%
Petur Gudmundsson 2m20 27 40% 6% 5% 5% 6% 5% 0% 0% 10% 12% 16% 8% 10% 1% 8% 4% 10% - 13% - - 6%
A.C. Green 2m07 22 47% 5% 5% 5% 6% 6% 1% 1% 6% 7% 15% 9% 10% 2% 7% 7% 12% - 11% - - 6%
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 31 36% 5% 5% 5% 5% 6% 0% 0% 7% 7% 9% 7% 8% 1% 7% 3% 2% - 7% - - 4%
Kurt Rambis 2m03 27 53% 5% 5% 4% 5% 4% 0% 0% 5% 6% 16% 16% 16% 3% 7% 11% 9% - 11% - - 8%
Larry Spriggs 2m01 26 27% 4% 4% 5% 5% 5% 0% 0% 4% 4% 5% 4% 4% 4% 7% 5% 4% - 7% - - 3%
Jerome Henderson 2m11 26 8% 3% 4% 3% 4% 4% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% - 4% - - 3%
Chuck Nevitt 2m30 26 16% 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 0% 0% 5% 5% 6% 3% 4% 2% 7% 6% 10% - 6% - - 1%
Ronnie Lester 1m89 26 21% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 0% 2% 3% 2% 0% 1% 1% 7% 9% 4% 2% - 4% - - 2%

Los Angeles Lakers History

Probably the most glamorous franchise in Basketball, synonymous with superstars and showtime, the Lakers have captured the imagination of fans across the world. Even in its darkest days, the purple and gold uniforms remain a symbol of success.

They officially played their first NBA season in 1948-49. The franchise was then located in Minneapolis and were originally part of the NBL, the National Basketball League, which merged with the Basketball Association of America to form the NBA. Minnesota is known as the land of 10.000 lakes, explaining how the now Californian franchise got its nickname.

5 titles in the Franchise's first 6 seaons

Right from the start, the Lakers were dominant winning 5 championships in the first 6 seasons of the NBA, as they relied on the most dominant player in basketball. Standing 6-10, George Mikan was an unstoppable big man known for his ability to finish over smaller defenders with a trademark hookshot released with either hands. He even prompted several rule changes in the NBA including the introduction of the goaltending rule, the widening of the foul lane and the creation of the shot clock.

The team moved to Los Angeles in 1960. In 1958, the Brooklyn Dodgers of Major League Baseball had moved to Los Angeles and quickly became a huge financial success. Owner Bob Short decided to take his team to California, making it the first NBA team on the West Coast, as attendance had plummeted in Minnesota. Two guards spearheaded the Lakers’ offense. For 10 years, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West combined for 60 points per game but the Lakers were defeated seven times in the NBA Finals, including six defeats to the hands of their nemesis, the Boston Celtics. The greatest rivalry in basketball was born in the 60’s.

It got even bigger when the franchise traded for Wilt Chamberlain in 1968. At 32, the center who reached the mythical 100 points plateau in a game had to learn to share the spotlights with Baylor and West. He was supposed to be the answer to Bill Russell’s impact.

Lakers versus Celtics: basketball's greatest rivalry

Success was not immediate and at the start of the 1971-72 season, Elgin Baylor retired after 9 games. The man who once scored 71 points in a regular season game and 61 points in a NBA Finals game had taken the Lakers eight times to the championship series, not winning once. Ironically enough, the team went on to win 69 games that season, a record that lasted 24 years, including a 33 game winning streak. The Lakers eventually won the NBA title as Chamberlain was voted Most Valuable player in the Finals. Yet West remained the fan favourite. Nicknamed Mr.Clutch, he was a deadly outside shooter who still holds the record for the highest points per game average in a playoff series with 46.3. His silhouette is incorporated into the NBA logo.

Two years later, both West and Chamberlain had retired and after missing the playoffs in 1975, the Lakers answered by trading for three time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formely known as Lew Alcindor. Yet, they never made it past the Conference Finals despite his impressive numbers and deadly sky hook. All of that changed in 1979 when the Lakers got the first pick of the draft from a past trade with the New Orleans Jazz. They selected 6-9 point guard Earvin Johnson, who had just guided Michigan State to an NCAA title. The Lakers won 60 games in Johnson's rookie year, and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the 1980 NBA Finals. Johnson won the Finals MVP award, after starting at center for the injured Abdul-Jabbar in game six, and tallying 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The Showtime era

Soon after, owner Jerry Buss planned to promote Jerry West as the new head coach. But the Logo declined during the introductory press conference, indicating that assistant Pat Riley was indeed the true head coach position. The 37 year old valued the running game and the Showtime era started in Los Angeles. The Lakers won four championships in the 80’s and did it in style. The Forum of Inglewood became the place to be seen as movie stars cheered for every fast break and no look passes from the first row. Jack Nicholson was labelled as their number one fan. The roster was perfectly assembled as, with years passing by, Abdul-Jabbar took a backseat offensively to sharpshooter Byron Scott and James Worthy. Michael Jordan’s teammate at the university of North Carolina was a new type of power-foward, relying on quickness and mid-range shooting abilities. A silent assassin he gain the nickname Big Game James as he always seemed to save his best when it mattered the most, as in Game 7 of the 1988 Finals when he recorded a triple double. Once again, the Boston Celtics were their main opponent. The Celtics and Lakers met three times in the Finals and America fell in love with the matchup between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The white kid from rural Indiana against the black kid from the city suburbs of Detroit. A rivalry that transformed the NBA and made it immensely popular.

The 80’s concluded on a memorable farewell tour for Abdul-Jabbar who received gifts during special ceremonies organized by the other 24 franchises he faced. The 19 time NBA All Star played 20 seasons in the League, winning six championships. At the time of his retirement at age 42 in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA's all-time leader in points scored, games played, minutes played, field goals made, field goal attempts, blocked shots, defensive rebounds, career wins, and personal fouls.

In 1991 the franchise lost to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the NBA Finals. Many insiders saw it as a passing the torch moment. A few weeks later the Lakers were left shell-shocked when Magic Johnson announced its retirement, after being diagnosed HIV positive. The news made the headlines across the world, reaching an audience far beyond the basketball world and reminded everyone about the the fight against AIDS.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal

The following five years were disapointing for the Lakers but Jerry West, now in a General Manager position, changed the momentum in the summer of 1996. He traded his starting center, Vlade Divac, for a young high school player from Lower Merrion drafted 13 by the Charlotte Hornets. Kobe Bryant was joined in Los Angeles by free-agent Shaquille O’Neal, the most dominant big man in the League. The first pick of the 1992 draft had transformed the Orlando Magic from being the laughing stock of the League to a team fighting for a championship.

Their duo provided another dynasty as the Lakers, coached by Phil Jackson, achieved a three-peat in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Opponents could only pick their poison. O’Neal was unstoppable in the paint displaying a combination of power and explosiveness hardly ever seen. He demolished the competition en route to winning three Finals MVP trophies. Bryant, after some early struggles, turned into a Michael Jordan look-alike.

Tensions finally ended their partnership and forced LA to trade O’Neal to Miami in 2004, after the Lakers lost 4-1 in the Finals to the Pistons, despite having added veterans Gary Payton and Karl Malone to its roster. A rebuilding process followed that generated frustration to the point when Bryant demanded a trade. As they had done in the past the Lakers answered by pulling out a major trade, acquiring Pau Gasol in 2008 from the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Spanish bigman was the perfect complement to Andrew Bynum in the paint as he provided the finesse, technique and outside shooting the Lakers were lacking. Gasol enjoyed great chemistry with Bryant and the duo produced another two championships in 2009 and 2010. Obsessed with the idea of proving he could win a title without O’Neal, Bryant was named MVP of the Finals twice.

The next decade was far from successful for the Lakers. Coaches changes became a habit, injuries struck Kobe Bryant and power struggles rocked the front office. While the franchise had failed to reach the playoffs only five times in 65 years, it did not qualify for the post season between 2013 and 2019.

The last chapter of LeBron James's career

A situation that required a major overhaul. It was provided by the signing of the biggest superstar in the League. LeBron James could not resist the idea of bringing the Lakers back to the top. The four time MVP and three time champion is facing one of the most exciting challenge of his illustrious career. Yet he would not have to do it alone. A year after his signing, the Lakers confirmed the attraction the historical franchise can have on players. Anthony Davis, the superstar from the Pelicans, forced his team into a trade to move to California.

There is no bigger market than Los Angeles and this is where legends are written.