History of Lakers–Suns rivalry in Timeline

The Lakers–Suns rivalry is a long-standing NBA competition marked by intense playoff matchups. Beginning in 1970, the Lakers dominated the early playoff meetings until 1989. The Suns then gained the upper hand, winning most series since 1990, including notable comebacks in 1993 and 2006. After a quieter period in the 2010s, the rivalry reignited in the 2020s. This is the most frequent playoff matchup in Western Conference history, with 13 head-to-head series.

1947: Lakers Founded

In 1947, the Lakers were founded for the National Basketball League (NBL) after the Detroit Gems folded and sold their assets to Bob Berger and Morris Chalfen, creating the Minneapolis Lakers.

1952: Lakers Three-peat

In 1952, the Minneapolis Lakers won an NBA championship as part of a three-peat from 1952 to 1954.

1954: Lakers Three-peat

In 1954, the Minneapolis Lakers won an NBA championship as part of a three-peat from 1952 to 1954.

1960: Lakers Move to Los Angeles

In 1960, the Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, keeping their team name despite the lack of natural lakes in the area.

1968: Celtics First 3-1 Series Comeback

In 1968, the Boston Celtics completed the first ever 3-1 series comeback in NBA history against the Philadelphia 76ers.

1968: Suns Founded

In 1968, the Phoenix Suns were founded in the NBA as one of two expansion teams that year, alongside the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns also selected Gail Goodrich, John Wetzel, and Dennis Hamilton from the Lakers in the expansion draft.

November 7, 1969: Suns Get First Win Against Lakers

On November 7, 1969, the Phoenix Suns achieved their first regular-season win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

1969: Early Rivalry

As early as 1969, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns started their NBA rivalry.

1969: Suns Miss Draft Pick

In 1969, the Phoenix Suns lost a coin flip to acquire Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in the NBA draft.

February 7, 1970: First Overtime Game

On February 7, 1970, the Phoenix Suns had their first competitive match against the Los Angeles Lakers that went to overtime, resulting in a win for the Suns.

1970: Lakers-Suns First Playoff Matchup

After losing the 1970 NBA Finals to the New York Knicks, the Western Division turned into the Western Conference due to greater expansion in the NBA.

1970: Suns Fail to Defeat Lakers

The Phoenix Suns hoped to overcome their demons in the 1990 series, after having failed to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs back in 1970.

1970: Suns avenged their 3-1 series loss to the Lakers back in 1970

The Suns getting a 121–90 blowout win at the recently renamed U.S. Airways Center and avenging their 3–1 series loss to the Lakers back in 1970.

1971: Suns Miss Playoffs

In the 1971-72 season, the Phoenix Suns had the best record to not make it to the playoffs, with 49 wins and 33 losses.

1972: Suns Join Pacific Division

As of 1972, the Phoenix Suns joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division of the NBA's Western Conference.

1972: Lakers Win NBA Finals

In 1972, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals in a rematch against the New York Knicks, holding what was considered the best record ever at the time, with 69 wins and 13 losses.

1974: Lakers' Worst Season Since 1974-75

In 1993, the Lakers had their worst season since the 1974-75 season.

1976: Suns Reach NBA Finals

In 1976, the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals as unexpected underdogs against the Boston Celtics, with a record of 42 wins and 40 losses.

1979: Lakers Acquire Magic Johnson

The end of the 1970s for the Los Angeles Lakers is notable for the selling of the team from Jack Kent Cooke to Jerry Buss and the acquisition of Magic Johnson in the 1979 NBA draft.

1981: Phoenix Suns Name Conflict Resolved

According to a 1981 report from The Arizona Republic, the owner of a semi-pro football team named the Phoenix Suns settled out of court with the NBA team of the same name.

1984: Suns Get More Than One Win Over Lakers

In 1984, during the Western Conference Finals, the Phoenix Suns secured more than one win against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the only time in that decade they achieved this.

1984: Suns Losing Streak at The Forum

In 1990, the Phoenix Suns hadn't won a playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers and lost 21 straight games while in The Forum, dating back to 1984.

1987: Suns Trade Nance

In the 1987-88 season, the Phoenix Suns traded Larry Nance, Mike Sanders, and their 1988 first-round pick.

1988: Beginning of the Suns' Playoff Streak

By the 2001-02 season, injuries to Hardaway and domestic abuse by Kidd led to 'Backcourt 2000' reaching an end alongside the Suns' playoff streak they had since 1988.

1988: Suns Trade for Kevin Johnson

During the 1987-88 season, the Phoenix Suns made a trade, sending Larry Nance, Mike Sanders, and their 1988 first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Johnson, Mark West, Tyrone Corbin, and multiple draft picks.

1989: Lakers Dominate Playoff Series

From 1970 until 1989, the Los Angeles Lakers won every playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.

1989: Rambis Joins Suns

In the 1989-90 season, Kurt Rambis, a key player from the Lakers' Showtime era, joined the Phoenix Suns.

1990: Suns Beat Lakers in Playoffs

In 1990, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time ever in the playoffs, winning their semi-final round matchup after previously failing to do so back in 1970. The Suns managed to take Game 1 at the Great Western Forum with great performances.

1990: Suns Dominate Playoff Series

Since 1990, the Phoenix Suns have won the vast majority of playoff series matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 of the last 7 playoff series.

1993: Suns Reverse Sweep Against Lakers

In 1993, the Phoenix Suns achieved a reverse series sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers during their playoff matchup.

1993: Suns' best season and Barkley's MVP win, Lakers barely qualify for playoffs

In 1993, the Phoenix Suns, with Charles Barkley, Danny Ainge, Richard Dumas and Oliver Miller, had their best season yet, going 62–20 and earning the best record in the NBA. Barkley became the Suns' first ever MVP winner. The Lakers, without Magic Johnson, struggled and barely made the 1993 NBA playoffs with a 39–43 record.

1994: Magic Johnson briefly returns as Lakers head coach

In 1994, Magic Johnson briefly returned to the Lakers as their head coach.

1994: Lakers miss playoffs for the first time since 1994

In the 2004-05 season, the Lakers failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1994 with a 34–48 record, as well as them reneging on their decision with Phil Jackson, as they brought him back to coach for a second stint.

1996: Magic Johnson returns as a player, Lakers and Suns acquire key players in NBA draft

In early 1996, Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers as a player. In the 1996 NBA draft, the Lakers acquired Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, while the Suns drafted Steve Nash.

1996: Suns reacquire Steve Nash

Jerry Colangelo sold the Phoenix Suns to Robert Sarver. The Suns reacquired Steve Nash from the Dallas Mavericks in free agency after previously having him from 1996 until 1998.

1998: Suns had Steve Nash from 1996 until 1998

Jerry Colangelo sold the Phoenix Suns to Robert Sarver. The Suns reacquired Steve Nash from the Dallas Mavericks in free agency after previously having him from 1996 until 1998.

2000: Lakers defeat Suns in Western Conference Semi-finals, win NBA Finals

In 2000, the Shaq & Kobe led Lakers faced the Suns in the Western Conference Semi-finals, defeating them 4–1. The Lakers then went on to win the 2000 NBA Finals.

2000: Lakers have a 67-15 record with Shaq being the league's MVP

In the 1999-2000 season, the Lakers had a 67–15 record with Phil Jackson coaching and Shaq being the league's MVP.

2001: End of Suns' 'Backcourt 2000' and playoff streak

Injuries to Hardaway and domestic abuse by Kidd led to "Backcourt 2000" reaching an end by the 2001–02 season alongside the Suns' playoff streak they had since 1988, with their lowest point in the 2000s decade coming in the 2003–04 season with Stephon Marbury being traded to New York, a young Amar'e Stoudemire being injured, owner Jerry Colangelo nearly reaching his limits, and a young, inexperienced roster needing new leadership on what they needed to do for future success.

2003: Suns' Lowest Point in the 2000s Decade

The Suns had their lowest point in the 2000s decade in the 2003-04 season with Stephon Marbury being traded to New York, a young Amar'e Stoudemire being injured, owner Jerry Colangelo nearly reaching his limits, and a young, inexperienced roster needing new leadership on what they needed to do for future success.

2004: Lakers' failed superteam aftermath, Suns consider signing Kobe Bryant

In the 2004–05 season, the Lakers dealt with the aftermath of their failed superteam. Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat, Gary Payton was traded to the Boston Celtics, Karl Malone retired, Derek Fisher signed with the Golden State Warriors, and Phil Jackson was briefly fired. The Suns considered signing Kobe Bryant, but ultimately signed Steve Nash instead.

2004: Lakers' superteam fails, Suns' struggles continue

The Lakers' superteam failed in the 2004 NBA Finals. Meanwhile, injuries to Hardaway and domestic abuse by Kidd led to 'Backcourt 2000' reaching an end by the 2001–02 season alongside the Suns' playoff streak they had since 1988, with their lowest point in the 2000s decade coming in the 2003–04 season with Stephon Marbury being traded to New York, a young Amar'e Stoudemire being injured, owner Jerry Colangelo nearly reaching his limits, and a young, inexperienced roster needing new leadership on what they needed to do for future success.

2004: Shaq & Kobe Last time being teammates on the All-NBA First Team in 2004

The following season saw a repeat in standings with the Lakers finishing in 7th place once again and the Suns finishing in 2nd place to win the Pacific Division once again while seeing a more improved 61–21 record with Amar'e Stoudemire returning to action (being an All-NBA First Team member alongside Steve Nash that year, being the first teammates to be on the First Team since Shaq & Kobe back in 2004).

2006: Suns 3-1 Comeback

In 2006, the Phoenix Suns completed a 3-1 comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff series.

2008: Lakers trade for Pau Gasol

In 2008, The Lakers traded Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, Marc Gasol's draft rights, a 2008 first-round pick, a 2010 first-round pick, and cash considerations to the Memphis Grizzlies for Pau Gasol and a 2010 second-round pick, which was criticized at the time for being unbalanced, but resulted in the Lakers regaining command of the Pacific Division and reaching the NBA Finals. The Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O'Neal, signaling the end of the "Seven Seconds or Less" era.

2009: Lakers win NBA Finals

In 2009, the Lakers won the NBA Finals with Pau Gasol on board after the trade in 2008.

2010: Lakers win NBA Finals, Suns fail to reach playoffs

In 2010, The Lakers won the NBA Finals with Pau Gasol on the team. The Suns failed to reach the 2009 NBA playoffs due to coaching issues and an injury to Amar'e Stoudemire.

2010: Lakers defeat Suns in Western Conference Finals

In 2010, the Lakers defeated the Suns in the Western Conference Finals, winning the series 4-2. Ron Artest (later Metta Sandiford-Artest) made a buzzer-beating shot in Game 5. The Lakers then won the 2010 NBA Finals.

2010: Suns' Playoff Match Against Lakers

In 2010, the Suns and Lakers had a playoff match, which was renewed in 2021.

2011: Chris Paul trade vetoed

After the 2011 NBA lockout, a trade for Chris Paul to the Lakers was vetoed by NBA commissioner David Stern due to complaints from other team owners, including Phoenix's Robert Sarver.

2011: Suns have an average record in the season

In 2011, the Suns had an average record in the season, which was their final season with Steve Nash.

2012: Suns revamp roster

In 2012, Ryan McDonough and Jeff Hornacek revamped the Suns roster.

2012: Lakers acquire Steve Nash

In 2012, the Lakers acquired Steve Nash from the Suns and Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, forming a new superteam.

2012: Suns trade Steve Nash to Lakers

In July 2012, the Suns traded Steve Nash to the Lakers for a 2013 first-round pick (Miami Heat's, with conditions), a 2015 protected first-round pick (later an unprotected 2018 pick), a 2013 second-round pick (Denver Nuggets), a 2014 second-round pick, and cash considerations.

2013: Lakers make playoffs as No. 7 seed

In 2013, despite struggles including injuries, coaching changes, and the death of team owner Jerry Buss, the Lakers made it to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed after a late April surge.

2013: Suns have a 48-34 season

In 2013, the Suns had a 48-34 season with a revamped roster led by Goran Dragić and others.

2013: Suns receive first round pick from the Lakers.

In 2013, the Suns received a first round pick from the Lakers as part of the trade for Steve Nash in 2012.

2013: Lakers last playoff appearance

The 2013 NBA season was the Lakers last playoff appearance before acquiring Anthony Davis.

2014: Suns receive second round pick from the Lakers.

In 2014, the Suns received a second round pick from the Lakers as part of the trade for Steve Nash in 2012.

2015: Suns see their best success

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suns saw their best success since 2015, with a 26-39 record.

2015: Suns receive protected first round pick from the Lakers.

In 2015, the Suns received a protected first round pick from the Lakers as part of the trade for Steve Nash in 2012.

2015: Suns see increasing dissatisfaction from players

In 2015, the Suns saw increasing dissatisfaction from players like Goran Dragić and Isaiah Thomas, leading to major trades.

2018: Suns receive unprotected first round pick from the Lakers.

In 2018, the Suns received an unprotected first round pick from the Lakers (which became Mikal Bridges) as part of the trade for Steve Nash in 2012.

2018: Lakers hinted at acquiring Anthony Davis

In the 2018-19 season, the Lakers hinted at acquiring Anthony Davis.

2019: Suns see improvements

In the 2019-2020 NBA season, the Suns saw some genuine improvements.

2020: Lakers win NBA Finals, Suns go 8-0 in the Bubble

In 2020, the Lakers, after acquiring Anthony Davis, won the NBA Finals. The Suns went 8-0 in the NBA Bubble but missed the playoffs.

2021: Suns Win Series Against Lakers

In 2021, the Suns defeated the Lakers 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs, with Devin Booker's performance in Game 6 securing the series win.

2021: Mike Budenholzer beat Suns in the NBA Finals

Mike Budenholzer beat the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals.

April 5, 2022: Lakers Eliminated from Playoff Contention

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were eliminated from direct playoff contention after a 121–110 defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

2022: Suns Trade for Chris Paul

In 2020, the Suns traded for Chris Paul in the 2020-21 season.

October 28, 2023: Lakers Defeat Suns

On October 28, 2023, the Lakers bounced back to defeat the Suns 100–95, despite Kevin Durant leading the Suns in scoring with 39 points.

November 10, 2023: Lakers Win Against Suns in NBA In-Season Tournament Debut

On November 10, 2023, the Lakers won against the Suns 122-119 in their NBA In-Season Tournament debut at the Footprint Center after putting up a 14-0 run after a buzzer-beating three-point shot by Cameron Reddish.

December 9, 2023: Lakers Win the Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament

On December 9, 2023, the Lakers won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123–109 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.