Apr 16, 1982
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL 125
Golden State Warriors logo GSW 109
Boxscore
Apr 18, 1982
Phoenix Suns logo PHX 115
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL 120
Boxscore
Apr 27, 1982
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL
Phoenix Suns logo PHX
Game preview
Apr 28, 1982
Los Angeles Lakers logo LAL
Phoenix Suns logo PHX
Game preview

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Los Angeles Lakers 1981-1982 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 34 23.9 8.7 3 76 51-25 35.2 0% 57.9% 70.6% 1.1 8.7 3 0.4 1.8 1.9 2.9 23.9 27.3 41 20 8
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 21.1 4.8 1.7 82 57-25 35.4 0% 52.5% 73% 0.7 4.8 1.7 0.6 1.1 0.2 2.9 21.1 18 36 10 7
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 18.6 9.6 9.5 78 55-23 38.3 21.4% 53.7% 76% 1.5 9.6 9.5 1.6 1.9 0.3 2.9 18.6 30.1 40 16 18
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 17.6 2.1 8 82 57-25 36.9 0% 49.1% 80.8% 0.2 2.1 8 0.9 1.5 0 3.2 17.6 18.6 28 6 16
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 14.3 8.1 1.3 26 19-7 31.6 - 57.3% 66.3% 1 8.1 1.3 0.1 0.8 0.2 3.1 14.3 17.5 25 17 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 11.9 3.6 3 76 53-23 28.9 9.1% 51.6% 81.3% 0.5 3.6 3 0.8 1 0.5 2.8 11.9 13.8 31 8 8
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 9.6 3.9 0.8 41 27-14 18.2 0% 45.8% 70.9% 0.4 3.9 0.8 0.4 0.6 0.5 2.7 9.6 9.1 30 10 3
Mike McGee 1m96 22 4.9 1.2 0.4 39 29-10 9 0% 46.5% 58.5% 0.3 1.2 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.1 1.5 4.9 3.3 27 6 2
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 4.6 5.4 0.9 64 45-19 17.7 - 51.8% 51.3% 0.5 5.4 0.9 0.4 0.7 0.6 2.6 4.6 8.6 16 17 5
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 4.3 5.3 0.4 75 52-23 15.1 0% 43.8% 50.8% 0.8 5.3 0.4 0.1 0.3 0.1 1.8 4.3 7 17 14 3
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 3.8 0.7 2.3 58 39-19 10.5 33.3% 42.8% 82.7% 0 0.7 2.3 0.5 0.6 0 1.7 3.8 4.6 17 5 9
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 3.6 1.7 1 7 6-1 9.3 - 55% 50% 0.9 1.7 1 0.3 1 0.4 1.9 3.6 4.3 14 6 4
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 2.4 3.7 0.6 71 54-17 13.6 33.3% 46.3% 36.8% 0.6 3.7 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.4 5.8 10 15 3
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 1.9 0.8 0.4 36 28-8 6.6 - 32.2% 64.7% 0 0.8 0.4 0.1 0.3 0 1.3 1.9 1.1 8 4 2
Total 114.6 45.9 28.8 82 57-25 242.1 14.1% 51.6% 71.7% 6.2 45.9 28.8 5.5 9.4 4 24.4 114.6 137.2
Opponents 109.8 42.9 28.2 82 - 242.4 33.1% 48.1% 71.3% 6.1 42.9 28.2 4.7 9.4 3.3 24.4 109.8 123.7
Gap 4,8 3,0 0,6 0 - -0.4 -19,0% 3,5% 0,4% 0,1 3,0 0,6 0,8 - 0,7 - 4,8 13,5
Average
height 201 cm
Average
age 26 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 34 1818 658 231 76 51-25 2677 753/1299 0/2 753/1301 312/442 81 658 231 34 134 143 224 1818 2072
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 1734 393 143 82 57-25 2906 744/1414 0/3 744/1417 246/337 58 393 143 49 90 14 238 1734 1479
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 1447 746 743 78 55-23 2991 550/1008 6/28 556/1036 329/433 115 746 743 124 150 22 224 1447 2348
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 1440 176 653 82 57-25 3024 625/1267 0/7 625/1274 181/224 16 176 653 73 125 4 264 1440 1529
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 371 210 33 26 19-7 821 153/267 0/0 153/267 65/98 27 210 33 3 21 5 80 371 454
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 907 277 230 76 53-23 2197 381/730 1/11 382/741 139/171 38 277 230 59 78 41 216 907 1045
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 392 159 32 41 27-14 746 151/327 0/3 151/330 90/127 16 159 32 15 26 19 109 392 375
Mike McGee 1m96 22 191 47 16 39 29-10 352 80/170 0/2 80/172 31/53 12 47 16 6 19 2 59 191 129
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 295 348 56 64 45-19 1131 118/228 0/0 118/228 59/115 33 348 56 23 43 39 167 295 552
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 321 400 32 75 52-23 1133 144/327 0/2 144/329 33/65 61 400 32 5 24 6 135 321 523
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 222 43 131 58 39-19 608 88/205 1/3 89/208 43/52 1 43 131 28 32 1 98 222 265
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 25 12 7 7 6-1 65 11/20 0/0 11/20 3/6 6 12 7 2 7 3 13 25 30
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 170 264 42 71 54-17 966 80/172 1/3 81/175 7/19 43 264 42 24 14 29 127 170 409
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 67 29 15 36 28-8 237 28/87 0/0 28/87 11/17 1 29 15 4 9 0 47 67 41
Total 9400 3762 2364 82 57-25 19854 3906/7521 9/64 3915/7585 1549/2159 508 3762 2364 449 772 328 2001 9400 11251
Opponents 9001 3516 2316 82 - 19873 3667/7583 40/121 3707/7704 1433/2010 498 3516 2316 384 771 271 2004 9001 10143
Gap 399 246 48 0 - -19 239/-62 -31/-57 208/-119 116/149 10 246 48 65 1 57 -3 399 1108
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 34 24.4 8.8 3.1 76 51-25 36 0% 57.9% 70.6% 1.1 8.8 3.1 0.5 1.8 1.9 3 24.4 27.9 41 20 8
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 21.5 4.9 1.8 82 57-25 36 0% 52.5% 73% 0.7 4.9 1.8 0.6 1.1 0.2 2.9 21.5 18.3 36 10 7
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 17.4 9 8.9 78 55-23 36 21.4% 53.7% 76% 1.4 9 8.9 1.5 1.8 0.3 2.7 17.4 28.3 40 16 18
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 17.1 2.1 7.8 82 57-25 36 0% 49.1% 80.8% 0.2 2.1 7.8 0.9 1.5 0 3.1 17.1 18.2 28 6 16
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 16.3 9.2 1.4 26 19-7 36 - 57.3% 66.3% 1.2 9.2 1.4 0.1 0.9 0.2 3.5 16.3 19.9 25 17 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 14.9 4.5 3.8 76 53-23 36 9.1% 51.6% 81.3% 0.6 4.5 3.8 1 1.3 0.7 3.5 14.9 17.1 31 8 8
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 18.9 7.7 1.5 41 27-14 36 0% 45.8% 70.9% 0.8 7.7 1.5 0.7 1.3 0.9 5.3 18.9 18.1 30 10 3
Mike McGee 1m96 22 19.5 4.8 1.6 39 29-10 36 0% 46.5% 58.5% 1.2 4.8 1.6 0.6 1.9 0.2 6 19.5 13.2 27 6 2
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 9.4 11.1 1.8 64 45-19 36 - 51.8% 51.3% 1.1 11.1 1.8 0.7 1.4 1.2 5.3 9.4 17.6 16 17 5
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 10.2 12.7 1 75 52-23 36 0% 43.8% 50.8% 1.9 12.7 1 0.2 0.8 0.2 4.3 10.2 16.6 17 14 3
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 13.1 2.5 7.8 58 39-19 36 33.3% 42.8% 82.7% 0.1 2.5 7.8 1.7 1.9 0.1 5.8 13.1 15.7 17 5 9
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 13.8 6.6 3.9 7 6-1 36 - 55% 50% 3.3 6.6 3.9 1.1 3.9 1.7 7.2 13.8 16.6 14 6 4
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 6.3 9.8 1.6 71 54-17 36 33.3% 46.3% 36.8% 1.6 9.8 1.6 0.9 0.5 1.1 4.7 6.3 15.2 10 15 3
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 10.2 4.4 2.3 36 28-8 36 - 32.2% 64.7% 0.2 4.4 2.3 0.6 1.4 0 7.1 10.2 6.2 8 4 2
Total 17 6.8 4.3 82 57-25 36 14.1% 51.6% 71.7% 0.9 6.8 4.3 0.8 1.4 0.6 3.6 17 20.4
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 34 27.2 9.8 3.5 76 51-25 40 0% 57.9% 70.6% 1.2 9.8 3.5 0.5 2 2.1 3.3 27.2 31 41 20 8
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 23.9 5.4 2 82 57-25 40 0% 52.5% 73% 0.8 5.4 2 0.7 1.2 0.2 3.3 23.9 20.4 36 10 7
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 19.4 10 9.9 78 55-23 40 21.4% 53.7% 76% 1.5 10 9.9 1.7 2 0.3 3 19.4 31.4 40 16 18
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 19 2.3 8.6 82 57-25 40 0% 49.1% 80.8% 0.2 2.3 8.6 1 1.7 0.1 3.5 19 20.2 28 6 16
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 18.1 10.2 1.6 26 19-7 40 - 57.3% 66.3% 1.3 10.2 1.6 0.1 1 0.2 3.9 18.1 22.1 25 17 4
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 16.5 5 4.2 76 53-23 40 9.1% 51.6% 81.3% 0.7 5 4.2 1.1 1.4 0.7 3.9 16.5 19 31 8 8
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 21 8.5 1.7 41 27-14 40 0% 45.8% 70.9% 0.9 8.5 1.7 0.8 1.4 1 5.8 21 20.1 30 10 3
Mike McGee 1m96 22 21.7 5.3 1.8 39 29-10 40 0% 46.5% 58.5% 1.4 5.3 1.8 0.7 2.2 0.2 6.7 21.7 14.7 27 6 2
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 10.4 12.3 2 64 45-19 40 - 51.8% 51.3% 1.2 12.3 2 0.8 1.5 1.4 5.9 10.4 19.5 16 17 5
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 11.3 14.1 1.1 75 52-23 40 0% 43.8% 50.8% 2.2 14.1 1.1 0.2 0.8 0.2 4.8 11.3 18.5 17 14 3
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 14.6 2.8 8.6 58 39-19 40 33.3% 42.8% 82.7% 0.1 2.8 8.6 1.8 2.1 0.1 6.4 14.6 17.4 17 5 9
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 15.4 7.4 4.3 7 6-1 40 - 55% 50% 3.7 7.4 4.3 1.2 4.3 1.8 8 15.4 18.5 14 6 4
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 7 10.9 1.7 71 54-17 40 33.3% 46.3% 36.8% 1.8 10.9 1.7 1 0.6 1.2 5.3 7 16.9 10 15 3
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 11.3 4.9 2.5 36 28-8 40 - 32.2% 64.7% 0.2 4.9 2.5 0.7 1.5 0 7.9 11.3 6.9 8 4 2
Total 18.9 7.6 4.8 82 57-25 40 14.1% 51.6% 71.7% 1 7.6 4.8 0.9 1.6 0.7 4 18.9 22.7
Player Height Age USG% PACE PIE PER GMSCR AST% TO% AST/TO OREB% DREB% REB%
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2m18 34 26% 21,4 10,0 26,6 21,6 12% 8% 6 3% 18% 20%
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 24.3% 20,2 7,0 18,5 16,0 8% 5% 3.2 2% 10% 12%
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 19.6% 17,7 12,0 26,0 22,7 35% 11% 43.1 3% 18% 21%
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 21.1% 18,3 7,0 18,0 16,5 30% 8% 35.3 0% 5% 5%
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 17.2% 12,7 2,0 16,8 13,3 9% 6% 3.6 1% 6% 7%
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 17.4% 11,8 4,0 15,7 11,6 20% 9% 17 1% 9% 10%
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 23.6% 10,1 1,0 15,5 8,0 7% 6% 1.5 1% 9% 10%
Mike McGee 1m96 22 26% 5,5 0 11,9 3,5 7% 9% -1.4 1% 4% 6%
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 12.1% 5,0 2,0 11,4 6,1 15% 13% 4 2% 19% 21%
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 14.4% 5,1 2,0 10,1 4,6 8% 6% 2.1 4% 24% 29%
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 18.4% 4,5 1,0 13,5 4,3 33% 12% 37.7 0% 4% 4%
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 19.5% 4,2 0 13,3 3,9 19% 24% 0 1% 1% 1%
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 8.7% 2,8 1,0 9,6 4,0 18% 7% 14.2 3% 18% 21%
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 18.6% 2,9 0 1,6 1,3 13% 9% 5.8 0% 5% 5%
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 34 69,9% 60,8% 0,2% 34,0% 74,5% 0,1% 25,4% 82,8% 0% 17,2% 1.16 0
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 61,2% 55,4% 0,2% 23,8% 80,6% 0,2% 19,2% 85,8% 0% 14,2% 1.05 0
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 69,5% 59,0% 2,7% 41,8% 68,6% 1,9% 29,5% 76,0% 1,2% 22,7% 1.09 0.64
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 56,2% 52,5% 0,5% 17,6% 84,6% 0,5% 15,0% 86,8% 0% 12,6% 0.99 0
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 69,5% 59,8% 0% 36,7% 73,2% 0% 26,8% 82,5% 0% 17,5% 1.15 0
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 60,9% 55,6% 1,5% 23,1% 80,0% 1,2% 18,8% 84,0% 0,3% 15,3% 1.04 0.27
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 59,4% 50,8% 0,9% 38,5% 71,6% 0,7% 27,8% 77,0% 0% 23,0% 0.92 0
Mike McGee 1m96 22 55,5% 48,9% 1,2% 30,8% 75,6% 0,9% 23,6% 83,8% 0% 16,2% 0.94 0
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 64,7% 52,9% 0% 50,4% 66,5% 0% 33,5% 80,0% 0% 20,0% 1.04 0
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 48,8% 44,9% 0,6% 19,8% 83,0% 0,5% 16,5% 89,7% 0% 10,3% 0.88 0
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 53,1% 48,1% 1,4% 25,0% 78,8% 1,2% 20,0% 79,3% 1,4% 19,4% 0.86 1
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 62,5% 55,2% 0% 30,0% 76,9% 0% 23,1% 88,0% 0% 12,0% 1.1 0
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 48,3% 46,4% 1,7% 10,9% 88,7% 1,5% 9,8% 94,1% 1,8% 4,1% 0.93 1
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 38,5% 35,5% 0% 19,5% 83,7% 0% 16,3% 83,6% 0% 16,4% 0.64 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 34 88% 21% 21% 19% 21% 19% 0% 3% 22% 22% 17% 19% 19% 11% 19% 8% 47% - 12% - - 20%
Jamaal Wilkes 2m01 28 89% 18% 19% 19% 19% 19% 0% 5% 16% 16% 11% 10% 10% 6% 12% 11% 4% - 12% - - 13%
Earvin Johnson 2m07 22 96% 16% 15% 14% 15% 14% 70% 46% 22% 21% 24% 20% 21% 33% 20% 29% 7% - 12% - - 22%
Norm Nixon 1m89 26 92% 15% 16% 17% 16% 17% 0% 11% 12% 10% 3% 5% 5% 28% 16% 16% 1% - 13% - - 14%
Mitch Kupchak 2m05 27 79% 12% 12% 11% 12% 11% 0% 0% 13% 14% 17% 18% 18% 4% 9% 2% 5% - 13% - - 13%
Michael Cooper 2m01 25 72% 10% 11% 11% 11% 10% 12% 19% 10% 9% 8% 8% 8% 10% 11% 14% 13% - 12% - - 10%
Bob McAdoo 2m07 30 45% 8% 8% 9% 8% 9% 0% 9% 12% 12% 6% 9% 8% 3% 7% 7% 12% - 11% - - 7%
Mike McGee 1m96 22 23% 4% 4% 5% 4% 5% 0% 7% 4% 5% 5% 2% 3% 1% 5% 3% 1% - 6% - - 2%
Kurt Rambis 2m03 23 44% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 0% 0% 5% 7% 8% 12% 12% 3% 7% 7% 15% - 11% - - 6%
Mark Landsberger 2m03 26 38% 4% 4% 5% 4% 5% 0% 3% 2% 3% 13% 11% 12% 1% 3% 1% 2% - 7% - - 5%
Eddie Jordan 1m86 26 26% 3% 3% 4% 3% 4% 16% 7% 4% 3% 0% 2% 2% 8% 6% 9% 0% - 7% - - 3%
Clay Johnson 1m94 25 23% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 0% 0% 2% 3% 14% 2% 4% 3% 11% 5% 11% - 8% - - 3%
Jim Brewer 2m06 30 34% 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 13% 5% 1% 1% 10% 8% 8% 2% 2% 6% 10% - 7% - - 4%
Kevin McKenna 1m96 22 16% 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 0% 0% 2% 2% 0% 2% 2% 1% 3% 2% 0% - 5% - - 1%

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.