History of Los Angeles Lakers in Timeline
The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Western Conference's Pacific Division. The Lakers share their home arena, Crypto.com Arena, with other Los Angeles teams: the Clippers (NBA), the Sparks (WNBA), and the Kings (NHL). Throughout their history, the Lakers have achieved significant success, winning 17 NBA championships, a record they share with the Boston Celtics. Adding to their list of accomplishments, the Lakers also won the NBA's first In-Season Tournament in 2023.
1947: Franchise Beginnings
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise began in 1947 with the purchase of a disbanded team, the Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League (NBL).
1947: Lakers Home Games in Minneapolis
From 1947 to 1960, the Lakers played their home games at the Minneapolis Auditorium and the Minneapolis Armory before moving to Los Angeles.
1948: NBL Championship and Move to BAA
In 1948, the Minneapolis Lakers won the NBL championship and then joined the rival Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1948: Move to the Basketball Association of America
The Lakers moved from the NBL to the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948. George Mikan set a BAA record with his scoring average of 28.3 points per game.
1949: Lakers Win Their First BAA Championship Under John Kundla
In 1949, the Lakers, coached by John Kundla, won their first BAA (Basketball Association of America) Championship, marking the beginning of their dynasty.
1949: First BAA Championship
The Lakers won their first BAA championship in 1949, defeating the Washington Capitols four games to two.
1949: Start of the Lakers-Kings Rivalry
The Lakers-Kings rivalry began in 1949, marking the start of a long and competitive history between the two teams.
1950: Second BAA Championship
The Lakers continued their success by winning their second consecutive BAA championship in 1950, further establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.
1951: Victory over the New York Knicks
The Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals in 1951, securing their first NBA championship.
1952: Second Consecutive NBA Championship
The Lakers continued their dominance by winning their second straight NBA championship in 1952, solidifying their position as a top team in the league.
1953: Third Consecutive NBA Championship
The Lakers won their third consecutive NBA championship in 1953, demonstrating their sustained excellence and solidifying their place in NBA history.
1954: Lakers Secure Their Fifth BAA/NBA Championship Under John Kundla
In 1954, the Lakers achieved their fifth BAA/NBA championship under the leadership of coach John Kundla.
1954: Max Winter Sells Share to Mikan
In 1954, Max Winter sold his third share of the Lakers to George Mikan, shifting ownership dynamics within the team.
1954: George Mikan's Retirement
George Mikan, a key player for the Lakers, retired in the 1954 off-season, leading to a period of struggle for the team.
1955: Losing Record but Playoff Appearance
Despite having a losing record, the Lakers managed to make the playoffs in 1955, showcasing their resilience even in a challenging season.
1956: Berger Buys Mikan's Share
In 1956, Berger bought Mikan's share of the Lakers, giving him controlling interest in the team.
1956: Losing Record and Playoff Appearance, George Mikan's Brief Return
The Lakers again had a losing record but made the playoffs in 1956. George Mikan made a brief return for the last half of the 1955–56 season but retired for good after the season.
1957: Lakers Put Up for Sale
In 1957, the Lakers were put up for sale due to financial losses and declining attendance after Mikan's retirement.
1957: Advancement to the Conference Finals
The Lakers advanced to the Conference Finals in 1957, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level despite previous challenges.
1958: Short Becomes Majority Owner
By 1958, Bob Short had become the 80% owner of the Lakers, buying out his partners while the team continued to face financial difficulties.
1958: Elgin Baylor Selected First Overall
In 1958, the Lakers selected Elgin Baylor as the first overall pick, marking a significant moment in the team's drafting history.
1958: Drafting of Elgin Baylor
The Lakers used the top pick in the 1958 NBA draft to select Elgin Baylor, who went on to have a significant impact on the team.
1959: Return to the NBA Finals
In 1959, the Lakers returned to the NBA Finals but were swept by the Boston Celtics, marking the beginning of their long-standing rivalry.
1959: Financial Probation
In 1959, the NBA placed the Lakers on financial probation because of poor attendance and ticket sales, threatening potential relocation.
1959: Beginning of the Lakers-Celtics Rivalry
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics, considered the best in NBA history, began in 1959 with their first NBA Finals encounter.
January 18, 1960: Lakers Plane Crash-Lands
On January 18, 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers experienced a harrowing incident when their plane crash-landed in a cornfield due to snowstorms. Thankfully, no one was injured. This event occurred during a difficult season for the team, which ultimately led them to relocate to Los Angeles.
1960: Lakers Move to Los Angeles
In 1960, Bob Short moved the Lakers to Los Angeles after the team struggled financially in Minnesota, significantly improving their financial situation with the help of star player Elgin Baylor.
1960: Relocation to Los Angeles
After facing financial struggles in the late 1950s, the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles before the 1960-61 season.
1960: Lakers Move to Los Angeles
In 1960, the Lakers moved to Los Angeles and played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for the first seven years in the city.
1962: Lakers Reach Finals but Lose to Celtics
The 1962 NBA Finals saw the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, face off against the Boston Celtics. Despite Baylor's record-setting 61-point performance in Game 5, the Lakers lost the series in seven games.
1964: Lakers' Playoff Run Ends in First Round
In 1964, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced a disappointing playoff run, losing in the first round to the St. Louis Hawks. This followed a season marked by a losing record, despite the individual brilliance of players like Baylor and West.
November 21, 1965: Chick Hearn's Broadcasting Streak Begins
On November 21, 1965, Chick Hearn began his streak of broadcasting 3,338 consecutive games for the Los Angeles Lakers.
1965: Lakers Sold to Jack Kent Cooke
In 1965, Bob Short sold the Lakers to Washington Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke for a league-record $5.175 million, significantly changing the team's ownership.
1966: Lakers' Another Close Defeat in the Finals
In 1966, the Lakers once again faced the Celtics in the NBA Finals, losing a tightly contested seven-game series by a mere two points. Despite a late rally in Game 7, Los Angeles fell short of the championship.
1967: Construction of the Forum
In 1967, Jack Kent Cooke financed the construction of the Forum for $16.5 million, providing a new home for the Lakers.
1967: Lakers Move to The Forum
In 1967, the Lakers moved to The Forum in Inglewood, California, where they played their home games for 32 seasons until 1999.
1967: Lakers Move to The Forum
In 1967, the Lakers moved to their new home arena, The Forum, after playing several seasons at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. This marked a significant change for the franchise, providing a new venue for their games.
1967: Lakers-Warriors Rivalry Takes Root
The rivalry between the Lakers and Warriors began to develop in the 1970s, with their first playoff encounter occurring in 1967.
July 9, 1968: Lakers Acquire Wilt Chamberlain
On July 9, 1968, the Lakers made a major move by acquiring Wilt Chamberlain from the Philadelphia 76ers. The trade involved sending Darrell Imhoff, Archie Clark, and Jerry Chambers to Philadelphia in exchange for the dominant center.
1968: Acquisition of Wilt Chamberlain
In 1968, the Lakers acquired Wilt Chamberlain, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
1968: Lakers Suffer Another Finals Defeat
The 1968 NBA Finals saw the Lakers continue their rivalry with the Celtics, once again resulting in a loss for Los Angeles. This marked another setback for the franchise, failing to secure the championship.
1968: Celtics Repeat as NBA Champions
The 1968-69 Boston Celtics were the last team to repeat as NBA champions before Pat Riley declared that the Lakers would do the same.
1969: Shaquille O'Neal's Record-Breaking Playoff Performance
In 1996, during a playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 points, marking the highest single-game playoff scoring output for a Laker since Jerry West scored 53 points in 1969.
1969: Last Lakers-Celtics Finals Matchup
The 1983 NBA Finals was the first time the Lakers and Celtics met in the Finals since 1969.
1970: Lakers Seek Revenge Against the Knicks
In 1970, the Lakers faced the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, seeking revenge for their previous Finals loss in 1970. However, the Knicks emerged victorious, defeating the Lakers and denying them the championship.
1970: Lakers Win First Finals MVP but Lose Championship
In 1970, Jerry West achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player from a losing team to be named Finals MVP. Despite his individual brilliance, the Lakers lost the championship series to the New York Knicks in a hard-fought seven-game series.
1971: Remarkable Achievements in 1971–72 Season
In the 1971–72 season, the Lakers set several records including most consecutive games won (33) and most consecutive road games won (16), and achieved the highest road winning percentage at 0.816.
1971: Lakers Undergo Transformation
The 1971-72 season saw several significant changes for the Lakers, including the arrival of new head coach Bill Sharman and Elgin Baylor's retirement due to health reasons. Sharman instilled discipline and introduced innovative training methods like the shootaround.
1971: Longest Winning Streak Record
The Los Angeles Lakers set the record for the NBA's longest winning streak in the 1971-72 season, winning 33 consecutive games.
1972: Lakers Achieve Historic 33-Game Winning Streak
During the 1971-72 season, the Lakers achieved a historic 33-game winning streak, setting a new record for the longest winning streak in major American professional team sports. This remarkable accomplishment solidified their dominance and showcased their exceptional talent and teamwork.
1972: Best Record in Franchise History
In 1972, the Lakers posted their best record ever at 69–13, showcasing their dominance in the NBA during that season.
1972: Sixth NBA Championship
The Lakers, led by coach Bill Sharman, won their sixth NBA championship in 1972.
1972: Chamberlain's Dominance in Final Season
Wilt Chamberlain, in his final NBA season (1972-73), continued to dominate the league in rebounding and set an NBA record for field-goal percentage at 72.7%, a testament to his exceptional skill and efficiency.
1973: Jerry West Retires
Following the 1973-74 season, Lakers legend Jerry West announced his retirement from professional basketball. West's decision stemmed from ongoing contract disputes with team owner Jack Kent Cooke and physical limitations that hampered his performance.
1973: Lakers' Championship Hopes Dashed by Knicks
The 1973 NBA Finals saw the Lakers face off against the New York Knicks, with the Knicks ultimately winning the championship in five games. Despite winning the first game, Los Angeles couldn't maintain their momentum.
1974: Lakers Miss the Playoffs
The Lakers missed the playoffs in the 1974-75 season, marking a setback for the franchise after a period of relative success.
1975: Lakers Acquire Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In a significant move, the Lakers acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1975. Abdul-Jabbar, a three-time league MVP, was traded for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Junior Bridgeman, and Dave Meyers.
1976: Home Wins Record
The Lakers set a franchise record for most wins at home in the regular season, going 36–5 in 1971–72, which was later matched by their 37–4 records in both 1976–77 and 1979–80.
1976: End of Lakers' Losing Streak
In 1976, the Lakers ended a period of losing seasons, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
1976: KLAC Acquires Lakers Radio Broadcast Rights
KLAC obtained the radio broadcast rights for the Los Angeles Lakers from the 1976-77 season.
1976: Jerry West Returns as Coach
Jerry West returned to the Lakers in 1976, this time as the team's head coach, after settling his differences with owner Jack Kent Cooke. West's return brought a wealth of experience and basketball knowledge to the franchise.
1977: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Punches Kent Benson
In 1977, at the beginning of the 1977–78 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar punched Milwaukee Bucks center Kent Benson, breaking his own hand. This followed an overly aggressive elbow by Benson.
1977: KCAL-TV Becomes Lakers' Over-the-Air Television Broadcaster
KCAL-TV became the over-the-air television broadcaster for the Lakers in 1977, starting a long-standing partnership that originated when the station was known as KHJ-TV under RKO General ownership.
1978: Kermit Washington Punches Rudy Tomjanovich
In 1978, Kermit Washington, the Lakers' starting power forward, was involved in a fight with Houston Rockets center Kevin Kunnert. When Rudy Tomjanovich attempted to intervene, Washington punched him, causing severe injuries that ended Tomjanovich's career. Washington was suspended and released by the Lakers.
1979: Cooke Sells Lakers to Jerry Buss
In 1979, Jack Kent Cooke sold the Lakers, along with the Los Angeles Kings and the Forum, to Jerry Buss for $67 million due to a costly divorce.
1979: Jerry Buss Purchases the Lakers and Drafting of Magic Johnson
In 1979, Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers and introduced a vision of basketball as entertainment as well as sport. The Lakers also drafted Magic Johnson first overall in the 1979 NBA draft.
1979: Magic Johnson Selected First Overall
In 1979, the Lakers selected Magic Johnson as the first overall pick, a decision that would greatly impact the team's success.
1979: Lakers Draft Magic Johnson
In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Magic Johnson, a 6'9" point guard, with the first overall pick.
1979: Lakers Trade for Butch Lee and a Future Draft Pick
In the 1979-80 season, the Lakers traded Don Ford and a first-round draft pick in 1980 to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Butch Lee and Cleveland's 1982 first-round draft pick.
1979: Home Wins Record
The Lakers set a franchise record for most wins at home in the regular season, going 36–5 in 1971–72, which was later matched by their 37–4 records in both 1976–77 and 1979–80.
1980: Lakers Win the 1980 NBA Finals
In 1980, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic Johnson started at center in place of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in game six, and scored 42 points, along with 15 rebounds and 7 assists, securing the Finals MVP award.
1980: Lakers Trade Away First Round Pick
In the 1979-80 season, the Los Angeles Lakers traded their first-round pick in 1980 to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a trade for Butch Lee and a future first round pick.
1981: Pat Riley Becomes Head Coach
Pat Riley was promoted to head coach of the Lakers in 1981, marking a significant turning point for the team.
1981: Magic Johnson Requests a Trade
Early in the 1981-82 season, Magic Johnson publicly complained about head coach Paul Westhead and asked to be traded. This led to Westhead being fired shortly after and Johnson facing criticism from fans and the media.
1982: Lakers Draft James Worthy
In 1982, having acquired the first pick in the draft through a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted James Worthy from the University of North Carolina.
1982: Drafting of James Worthy
In 1982, the Lakers drafted James Worthy, further strengthening their roster.
1982: James Worthy Selected First Overall
In 1982, the Lakers selected James Worthy as the first overall pick, adding another future Hall-of-Famer to their roster.
1982: Pat Riley Becomes Coach of the Lakers
On November 19, 1982, the Los Angeles Lakers promoted assistant coach Pat Riley to "co-head coach" alongside Jerry West after firing Paul Westhead.
1983: Lakers Lose to the Celtics in the Finals
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, giving the Lakers a record of 0-8 against the Celtics in the finals.
1983: Lakers lose to the 76ers in the Finals
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers, despite winning their division, lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. James Worthy missed the playoffs due to a leg injury.
1984: Highest Field-Goal Percentage
In the 1984–85 season, the Lakers set the record for the highest field-goal percentage for a season at 54.5%.
1984: Defeat by the Boston Celtics
The Los Angeles Lakers faced defeat against their rivals, the Boston Celtics, in the 1984 NBA Finals.
1985: Fox Sports West Begins Broadcasting Lakers Games
Fox Sports West, then known as Prime Ticket and owned by Buss, began broadcasting Los Angeles Lakers games in 1985.
1985: Kings Move to Sacramento
In 1985, the Kings relocated to Sacramento, establishing a closer geographic rivalry with the Lakers and intensifying the competition between the two teams.
1985: Lakers Lose in Western Conference Finals
In 1985, the Los Angeles Lakers lost the Western Conference Finals to the Houston Rockets, ending their run of five straight division titles.
1985: Celtics Break Lakers' Home Wins Record
In the 1985–86 season, the Boston Celtics set the current record of 40–1 for most home wins in the regular season, surpassing the Lakers' previous record.
1985: Victory over the Boston Celtics
The Lakers triumphed over their archrivals, the Boston Celtics, in the 1985 NBA Finals.
1986: Lakers Win the 1987 NBA Finals
In 1986, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals to win their second championship in three seasons.
1986: Lakers Achieve Highest Win Total Since 1986-87 Season
During the 1999-2000 season, the Lakers achieved their highest win total since the 1986-87 season, a testament to the team's dominance under Phil Jackson.
1987: Lakers Win the 1988 NBA Finals
In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. James Worthy was named Finals MVP after the Lakers won the series in seven games.
1987: Previous Finals Encounter
The Celtics and Lakers last faced each other in the NBA finals in 1987.
1987: Another Victory over the Boston Celtics
The Lakers secured another victory against the Boston Celtics in the 1987 NBA Finals, solidifying their dominance.
1988: Forum Renamed to Great Western Forum
In 1988, Jerry Buss started the trend of stadium sponsorships by renaming the Forum to the Great Western Forum.
1988: Lakers-Pistons Rivalry Begins
In 1988, the Lakers-Pistons rivalry began with the Lakers winning the NBA Finals in a seven game series.
1988: Lakers Lose to the Pistons in the Finals
In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers, beset by injuries to key players, were swept by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.
1988: Lakers Win First Championship Since 1988
The Lakers' victory in the 2000 NBA Finals marked their first championship win since 1988, ending a 12-year drought.
June 28, 1989: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Announces Retirement
On June 28, 1989, after 20 seasons in the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced his retirement from professional basketball.
1989: Pistons Victory in Finals Rematch
In 1989, the Pistons beat the Lakers in a four game series to win the NBA Finals rematch.
1989: Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute to Magic Johnson
In 1989, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released the song 'Magic Johnson' on their album Mother's Milk, paying tribute to the legendary Lakers point guard.
1990: Lakers Achieve Best Record Since 1990-91 Season
During the 1996-97 season, the Lakers achieved their best record since the 1990-91 season, fueled by the additions of Bryant and O'Neal.
November 7, 1991: Magic Johnson Announces HIV Diagnosis and Retirement
On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson shocked the world by announcing his immediate retirement from basketball due to testing positive for HIV.
1991: End of an Era in the Rivalry
The Lakers and Warriors last faced off in the playoffs in 1991, marking the end of an era in their rivalry.
1991: Lakers' First NBA Finals Appearance Since 1991
In 2000, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1991, marking their return to championship contention.
1991: Lakers' Ninth Trip to the Finals in 12 Years
In 1991, the Lakers made it to the NBA finals for the ninth time in 12 years, marking a period of sustained success for the franchise.
1992: Lakers' First Losing Season in 16 Years
The 1992-93 season saw the Lakers finish with a losing record for the first time since 1976, ending a 16-year streak of winning seasons.
1993: Magic Johnson's Brief Coaching Stint
During the 1993-94 season, Magic Johnson briefly came out of retirement to coach the Lakers for the final 16 games, but ultimately decided not to continue in the role.
1994: Eddie Jones Selected Tenth Overall
In 1994, the Lakers selected Eddie Jones as the tenth overall pick, contributing to the team's future successes.
1994: Lakers miss playoffs
The 1994 season marked the first time since 1994 that the Lakers failed to make the playoffs, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase for the franchise.
1995: Bulls Break Lakers' Record
In the 1995-96 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, surpassed the Lakers' long-standing record of 69 wins in a season by achieving 72 victories.
1996: Acquiring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
In 1996, the Lakers traded for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and signed center Shaquille O'Neal, marking the beginning of a new era of dominance for the team.
1996: Acquisition of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
In the 1996 offseason, the Lakers made two major moves, acquiring a young Kobe Bryant in a draft-day trade and signing free agent superstar Shaquille O'Neal.
1998: Philip Anschutz Buys Stake in Lakers
In 1998, Philip Anschutz purchased a stake in the Lakers, marking a significant ownership change.
1999: Hiring of Phil Jackson and Implementation of Triangle Offense
Before the start of the 1999-2000 season, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach and implemented his renowned triangle offense system.
1999: Lakers Move to Staples Center
In 1999, the Lakers moved to the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Downtown Los Angeles, marking a new era for the team's home games.
1999: Emergence of the Lakers-Spurs Rivalry
In 1999, the rivalry between the Lakers and Spurs began to take shape, marking the start of a period where both teams dominated the NBA.
2000: Lakers' Championship Drought
The Los Angeles Lakers' victory in the 1988 NBA Finals marked their last championship until 2000.
2000: First Championship in the "Three-Peat"
The Lakers won their first championship in their "three-peat" run in 2000, led by the superstar duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, along with coach Phil Jackson.
2000: Shaquille O'Neal wins MVP
Shaquille O'Neal, as a Laker, was the last player to win the NBA MVP award in 2000 before Kobe Bryant won it again in 2007.
2000: Lakers Championship Victory
The Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2000, showcasing their own championship pedigree and ability to rival the Spurs.
2000: Best Playoff Record
In the 2000–01 season, the Lakers set the NBA record for the best playoff record at 15–1, which was later broken by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
2000: Lakers Move to Staples Center
In 2000, the Lakers moved from the Great Western Forum to their new home arena, Staples Center.
December 16, 2001: Chick Hearn's Consecutive Game Broadcasting Streak Ends
Chick Hearn's streak of broadcasting 3,338 consecutive games for the Los Angeles Lakers came to an end on December 16, 2001.
2001: Lakers dominate the 2001-2002 Season
In 2001, the Los Angeles Lakers won 58 games and swept Portland in the playoffs. They defeated San Antonio and went on to face Sacramento in a memorable seven-game Western Conference Finals. After a hard fought series, the Lakers emerged victorious and ultimately achieved a three-peat by sweeping Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. Shaquille O'Neal won the Finals MVP award.
2001: Lakers Back-to-Back Championship
The Lakers secured their second consecutive NBA Championship in 2001, establishing their dominance during this era and highlighting the intensity of their rivalry with the Spurs.
2002: Chick Hearn Passes Away
Chick Hearn, the legendary broadcaster of the Los Angeles Lakers, died in 2002.
2002: High Attendance
From 2002 to 2007, the Lakers averaged over 18,900 fans per game, placing them in the top ten in NBA attendance.
2002: Lakers' four-peat attempt falters
In 2002, the Lakers aimed for a fourth consecutive championship, but their season started poorly with an 11-19 record. Despite finishing the season 50-32, they were eliminated by San Antonio in the second round of the playoffs, ending their quest for a four-peat.
2002: Intense Western Conference Finals
The Lakers and Kings faced off in a highly contested Western Conference Finals in 2002, with the Lakers ultimately winning in a seven game series that included controversial calls in game 6.
2002: Lakers Three-Peat
The Lakers completed a three-peat by winning the NBA Championship in 2002, solidifying their status as one of the league's most dominant teams and escalating their rivalry with the Spurs.
2002: Third Consecutive Championship
The Lakers secured their third consecutive championship in 2002, solidifying their dominance in the early 2000s.
2003: Spurs Championship Victory
The Spurs won the NBA Championship in 2003, further solidifying their dominance over the Lakers during this period.
2003: Lakers' star-studded season marred by challenges
In 2003, The Lakers signed Karl Malone and Gary Payton. However, the season was plagued with injuries for O'Neal, Malone, and Bryant. They also faced intense media scrutiny due to Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case. Despite the challenges, the Lakers won the Pacific Division title but lost to Detroit in the NBA Finals.
2003: Phil Jackson publishes controversial book
In 2003, Phil Jackson published a book about the team's 2003-04 season where he was critical of Kobe Bryant's behavior and deemed him "uncoachable". The Lakers front office disputed some of the book's claims, calling them inaccurate.
2004: Loss to the Detroit Pistons and End of "Shaq-and-Kobe" Era
In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, leading to the trade of Shaquille O'Neal and marking the end of the "Shaq-and-Kobe" era.
2004: Lakers enter rebuilding phase
In 2004, the Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to Miami for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and a first-round draft pick. This marked the beginning of the team's rebuilding phase, motivated in part by the feud between O'Neal and Bryant. Phil Jackson departed as head coach and published a controversial book criticizing Bryant.
2004: Lakers continue to rebuild
The Lakers traded key players and experienced coaching changes, marking a significant period of transition and rebuilding in 2004.
2004: Pistons Victory in Finals Rematch
The Lakers-Pistons rivalry reemerged in 2004 when the Pistons won the NBA Finals in five games.
2004: Height of the Rivalry
From 1999 to 2004, the Lakers-Spurs rivalry was considered the premier rivalry in the NBA, with the winner of their playoff encounters consistently advancing to the NBA Finals.
February 13, 2005: Karl Malone announces retirement
On February 13, 2005, Karl Malone officially retired from professional basketball after spending the first part of the 2004-2005 season on the sidelines.
2005: Spurs Dominate the Rivalry
From 1999 to 2005, the Lakers and Spurs combined to appear in seven consecutive NBA Finals, with the Spurs emerging as the dominant force in the rivalry.
2005: Phil Jackson Returns for His Second Stint as Head Coach
In 2005, Phil Jackson began his second tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
2005: Lakers return to playoffs after drafting Andrew Bynum
In 2005, the Lakers drafted Andrew Bynum and welcomed back Phil Jackson as coach, marking a renewed effort to rebuild and contend for a championship. They returned to the playoffs after a one-season absence but were eliminated by Phoenix.
2005: Andrew Bynum Selected Tenth Overall
In 2005, the Lakers selected Andrew Bynum as the tenth overall pick, who would later become an integral part of their championship teams.
2005: Lakers Choose Not to Renew Paul Sunderland's Contract
In 2005, the Los Angeles Lakers decided not to renew Paul Sunderland's contract as the play-by-play announcer.
January 22, 2006: Kobe Bryant scores 81 points
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant achieved a historic feat by scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest individual score in NBA history.
2007: Spurs Continued Success
The Spurs continued their winning ways by claiming the NBA Championship in 2007, cementing their status as a formidable opponent for the Lakers.
2007: Kobe Bryant wins MVP, Lakers acquire Pau Gasol
In 2007, Kobe Bryant was awarded the NBA MVP award, marking the first time a Lakers player received the award since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. The Lakers also acquired Pau Gasol in a trade, a crucial addition that contributed significantly to their future successes. Despite reaching the finals, they lost to the Boston Celtics.
2007: High Attendance
From 2002 to 2007, the Lakers averaged over 18,900 fans per game, placing them in the top ten in NBA attendance.
2008: Lakers win 15th NBA championship
In 2008, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, defeated the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals, securing their 15th NBA Championship and solidifying their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in league history. Kobe Bryant received the Finals MVP award.
2008: Celtics Victory in Renewed Rivalry
In 2008, the Lakers-Celtics rivalry was renewed with the Celtics winning the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987.
2008: KLAC's Lakers Radio Broadcast Rights End
KLAC's ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers radio broadcast rights concluded at the end of the 2008-09 season.
2008: Loss to the Boston Celtics
The Lakers, with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals.
2008: Spurs Overcome Lakers in Western Conference Finals
The Spurs defeated the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals in 2008, showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome a strong Lakers team en route to their own championship run.
2008: Sold Out Every Home Game
In 2008, the Lakers sold out every home game, demonstrating their immense popularity and strong fan base.
October 9, 2009: 50th Anniversary Game
On October 9, 2009, the Lakers hosted a preseason game versus the Golden State Warriors at The Forum to commemorate their 50th-anniversary season in Los Angeles.
2009: Lakers Reclaim Championship Glory
The Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2009, reasserting their dominance in the league after a period of Spurs ascendancy, and reigniting the rivalry between the two teams.
2009: Lakers Radio Broadcasts Move to KSPN
Starting in the 2009-10 season, Lakers radio broadcasts in English were moved to KSPN (Los Angeles ESPN Radio affiliate), while Spanish broadcasts were aired on KWKW.
2009: Championship Victory
The Lakers achieved a championship victory in 2009.
2009: Phil Jackson Surpasses Pat Riley's Regular Season Wins Record
Phil Jackson, the then coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, broke Pat Riley's record for most regular season wins in 2009.
2009: Lakers win 16th NBA Championship
In 2009, the Lakers, with the addition of Ron Artest, won their third consecutive Western Conference title and went on to win their 16th NBA championship by defeating the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series.
2009: Record for Most Wins and Finals Appearances
By the 2009–10 season, the Lakers held the record for the most wins (3,027), the highest winning percentage (61.9%), and the most NBA Finals appearances (31).
January 13, 2010: Lakers become first NBA team to win 3,000 regular-season games
On January 13, 2010, the Lakers achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first NBA team to win 3,000 regular-season games, solidifying their place in NBA history.
June 2010: Frank Selvy Reflects on Missed Shot
In June 2010, Frank Selvy, a former Lakers player, spoke about a missed shot in the 1962 NBA Finals that still haunted him. His potential game-winning shot could have secured a victory against the Boston Celtics.
October 2010: Magic Johnson as Minority Owner
Until October 2010, Magic Johnson was a minority owner of the Lakers, contributing to the team's legacy even after his playing days.
2010: Lakers Victory in Renewed Rivalry
In 2010, the Lakers beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals in a seven game series.
2010: Most Popular Team Merchandise
In 2010, the Lakers had the most popular team merchandise in the NBA, and Kobe Bryant's jersey was the best-selling among all players.
2010: Top Seed and NBA Finals Appearance
In 2010, the Lakers secured the top seed in the playoffs and reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
2010: Sixteenth NBA Championship
In 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers won their 16th NBA championship, marking their latest victory over the Boston Celtics.
2010: Phil Jackson returns, Lakers' three-peat denied
Phil Jackson returned as head coach for the 2010–11 season, but the Lakers' pursuit of a third consecutive championship (three-peat) was halted by the Dallas Mavericks, who swept them in the second round of the playoffs.
2010: Phil Jackson Breaks Playoff Wins and Games Coached Records
Phil Jackson surpassed Pat Riley's records for playoff wins and games coached in 2010.
2010: Lakers Back-to-Back Championship
The Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2010, securing their second consecutive title and demonstrating their continued ability to compete with the Spurs for league supremacy.
February 14, 2011: Time Warner Cable and Lakers Announce New Regional Sports Networks
On February 14, 2011, Time Warner Cable and the Los Angeles Lakers announced the creation of two regional sports networks, one in English and one in Spanish, dedicated to exclusively broadcasting Lakers games and related programming for 20 years beginning with the 2012-13 season.
May 2011: Mike Brown Replaces Phil Jackson as Head Coach
In May 2011, Mike Brown was appointed as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, replacing Phil Jackson for the 2011-12 season.
May 25, 2011: Mike Brown hired as head coach
On May 25, 2011, Mike Brown was hired as the head coach of the Lakers, replacing the retired Phil Jackson. This marked a new chapter for the team as they began to reshape their roster and coaching staff.
2011: Lakers Television Broadcasts on KCAL and Fox Sports West End
Until 2011, Lakers telecasts were split between KCAL-TV for road games and Fox Sports West for home games, unless they were selected for national broadcasts on ABC.
2011: Phil Jackson's Retirement
Phil Jackson, the Lakers' Hall of Fame coach, retired in 2011.
2011: New Broadcasting Team for the Los Angeles Lakers
For the 2011-12 season, Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz became the new television broadcasting duo for the Lakers, while John Ireland and Mychal Thompson took over radio commentary.
July 4, 2012: Steve Nash Trade Agreement
On July 4, 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers reached an agreement to acquire Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal.
July 11, 2012: Steve Nash Trade Finalized
On July 11, 2012, the trade sending Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers became official after the trade moratorium was lifted.
August 10, 2012: Dwight Howard Acquired
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Dwight Howard in a four-team trade on August 10, 2012, sending Andrew Bynum away in the process.
November 9, 2012: Mike Brown Fired
On November 9, 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers dismissed head coach Mike Brown following a disappointing 1-4 start to the 2012-13 season.
November 12, 2012: Mike D'Antoni Hired
On November 12, 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers appointed Mike D'Antoni as their new head coach.
2012: Time Warner Cable SportsNet Begins Broadcasting Lakers Games
In 2012, Time Warner Cable SportsNet started broadcasting Los Angeles Lakers games and related content as part of a new exclusive deal.
February 18, 2013: Jerry Buss Passes Away
On February 18, 2013, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss, sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 80.
March 30, 2013: Kobe Bryant Becomes Fourth All-Time Leading Scorer
During a game against the Sacramento Kings on March 30, 2013, Kobe Bryant surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
April 16, 2013: Lakers Secure Playoff Berth
On April 16, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their place in the playoffs by defeating the Houston Rockets, ultimately finishing seventh in the Western Conference.
December 8, 2013: Kobe Bryant Returns from Injury
Kobe Bryant returned to action on December 8, 2013, after recovering from an Achilles tendon tear he sustained on April 12, 2013.
December 17, 2013: Kobe Bryant Suffers Knee Injury
On December 17, 2013, Kobe Bryant's return was cut short as he suffered a broken bone in his knee, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
2013: Playoff Drought Ends
The Lakers ended their playoff drought in 2013 after not qualifying since 2010.
2013: Spurs Defeat Lakers Again
The Spurs once again defeated the Lakers in a playoff encounter in 2013, demonstrating their continued ability to compete against their rivals and maintain their status as a top team in the Western Conference.
2013: Jerry Buss Passes Away
In 2013, Jerry Buss passed away at the age of 80 after battling cancer, and his controlling ownership of the Lakers passed to his six children.
2013: Mike D'Antoni Resigns as Head Coach
Mike D'Antoni resigned from his position as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the 2013-14 season.
March 25, 2014: Lakers Set Franchise Record for Points in a Quarter
On March 25, 2014, the Los Angeles Lakers scored a franchise-record 51 points in the third quarter of their game against the New York Knicks.
April 30, 2014: Mike D'Antoni Resigns
Mike D'Antoni stepped down from his position as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on April 30, 2014, after a disappointing 27-55 season.
July 2014: Byron Scott Takes the Helm as Head Coach
In July 2014, Byron Scott was hired as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
July 28, 2014: Byron Scott Becomes Head Coach
On July 28, 2014, Byron Scott, a former player for the Los Angeles Lakers, officially signed a multi-year contract to become the team's head coach.
2014: Julius Randle's Season-Ending Injury
During the first game of the 2014–15 season, Julius Randle, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, suffered a broken leg, ending his rookie season prematurely.
2014: Julius Randle Selected Seventh Overall
In 2014, the Lakers selected Julius Randle as the seventh overall pick, marking a new chapter in their rebuilding efforts.
2014: Pau Gasol's Departure
Pau Gasol left the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014.
2014: Spurs Latest Championship Triumph
The Spurs last won the NBA Championship in 2014, demonstrating their enduring success in the league and their ability to compete at the highest level against teams like the Lakers.
November 30, 2015: Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement
Kobe Bryant announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2015-16 season on November 30, 2015, bringing an end to his illustrious 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2015: Byron Scott's Tenure as Head Coach Comes to an End
Byron Scott was fired from his position as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2015-16 season.
2015: D'Angelo Russell Selected Second Overall
In 2015, the Lakers selected D'Angelo Russell as the second overall pick, a significant move in their draft history.
April 24, 2016: Byron Scott's Contract Not Renewed
On April 24, 2016, the Los Angeles Lakers decided not to exercise their option on Byron Scott's contract, signaling his departure as head coach after two seasons.
April 29, 2016: Luke Walton Named Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
On April 29, 2016, Luke Walton was named as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, replacing Byron Scott.
2016: Worst Record in Franchise History
In 2016, the Lakers posted their worst record ever at 17–65, marking a challenging season for the team.
2016: Kobe Bryant's Retirement
Kobe Bryant retired from professional basketball in 2016, ending his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2016: Time Warner Cable SportsNet Renamed Spectrum SportsNet
After Charter Communications acquired Time Warner Cable in 2016, Time Warner Cable SportsNet was renamed Spectrum SportsNet.
2016: Brandon Ingram Selected Second Overall
In 2016, the Lakers selected Brandon Ingram as the second overall pick, adding a promising talent to their roster.
February 21, 2017: Mitch Kupchak Fired, Magic Johnson Appointed
The Los Angeles Lakers made significant changes on February 21, 2017, firing general manager Mitch Kupchak and appointing Magic Johnson as the president of basketball operations.
March 7, 2017: Rob Pelinka Hired as General Manager
On March 7, 2017, Rob Pelinka was appointed as the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, signing a five-year contract with the team.
2017: Jeanie Buss Takes Ownership
In 2017, Jeanie Buss took over as the primary owner of the Lakers.
2017: Warriors Break Lakers' Playoff Record
In 2017, the Golden State Warriors broke the Lakers' record for the best playoff record, which was previously set at 15–1 in the 2000–01 season.
2017: Lonzo Ball Selected Second Overall
In 2017, the Lakers selected Lonzo Ball as the second overall pick, continuing their trend of high lottery selections.
February 2018: Nance Jr. and Clarkson Traded
In February 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a 2018 first-round draft pick.
July 2, 2018: Julius Randle Renounced
The Los Angeles Lakers renounced Julius Randle on July 2, 2018, making him a free agent.
July 9, 2018: LeBron James Signs with Lakers
LeBron James signed a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 9, 2018, marking a significant moment in the team's history.
2018: Luke Walton's Time as Head Coach Concludes
Luke Walton's time as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers ended at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.
2018: Signing of LeBron James
The Lakers signed superstar LeBron James in 2018, marking a major move for the team as they sought to rebuild.
February 7, 2019: Zubac and Beasley Traded
The Los Angeles Lakers traded Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 7, 2019, in exchange for Mike Muscala.
April 9, 2019: Magic Johnson Resigns
Magic Johnson stepped down from his role as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers on April 9, 2019.
May 13, 2019: Frank Vogel Becomes Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
On May 13, 2019, Frank Vogel was announced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, succeeding Luke Walton.
2019: Trade for Anthony Davis
In 2019, the Lakers traded several young prospects for star big man Anthony Davis, further strengthening their roster.
2019: NBA Bubble and Regular Season Success
In 2019, the Lakers were invited to the NBA Bubble to finish the regular season.
2019: Frank Vogel Hired as Head Coach
In 2019, Frank Vogel was named the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
2020: NBA Championship Victory
In 2020, the Lakers won the NBA championship against Miami Heat, LeBron James was named Finals MVP, and Jeanie Buss became the first female controlling owner to win the NBA Finals.
2020: Seventeenth NBA Championship
Led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and coach Frank Vogel, the Lakers won their 17th championship in 2020, tying the Boston Celtics for the most NBA titles.
2021: Frank Vogel's Tenure as Head Coach Ends
Frank Vogel was fired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers following the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
2021: Off-Season Acquisitions and Departures
In 2021, the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, DeAndre Jordan, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo while losing players like Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, and Jared Dudley.
June 6, 2022: Darvin Ham Takes Over as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
On June 6, 2022, Darvin Ham was appointed as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, following the departure of Frank Vogel.
2022: Golden State Warriors Win the Championship in Boston
In 2022, the Golden State Warriors became the second team to win an NBA Championship in Boston.
December 10, 2023: NBA In-Season Tournament Victory
On December 10, 2023, the Lakers won their first NBA In-Season Tournament against the Indiana Pacers with LeBron James named as the tournament MVP. They also beat the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In to secure a seventh seed playoff spot.
2023: Western Conference Finals Run
In 2023, the Lakers made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals but were defeated by the eventual champion Denver Nuggets.
2023: NBA In-Season Tournament Champions
In 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, adding to their impressive list of accomplishments.
May 3, 2024: Latest Roster Transaction
The latest roster transaction for the Lakers occurred on May 3, 2024.