History of Los Angeles Lakers in Timeline
The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, competing in the NBA's Western Conference Pacific Division. They play their home games at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are one of the NBA's most successful franchises, having won 17 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.
1946: Detroit Gems Founded
In 1946, the Detroit Gems were founded, marking the beginning of the franchise that would eventually become the Los Angeles Lakers.
1946: Franchise Began as Detroit Gems
In 1946, the franchise originated as the Detroit Gems within the National Basketball League (NBL).
1947: Home Games
From 1947 while the team played in Minneapolis, the team played their home games at the Minneapolis Auditorium and the Minneapolis Armory.
1947: Selected George Mikan in Dispersal Draft
In 1947, the Lakers selected George Mikan in the Professional Basketball League of America dispersal draft, leading to a successful season and NBL championship.
1948: Moved to the BAA
In 1948, the Lakers transitioned from the NBL to the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1948: Won NBL Championship
In 1948, the Minneapolis Lakers secured the NBL championship before transitioning to the Basketball Association of America.
1949: First Playoff Matchup
In 1949, the Lakers and the Kings faced each other in the playoffs for the first time.
1949: Won the BAA Championship
In 1949, the Lakers won the BAA Championship, defeating the Washington Capitols four games to two.
1950: Won Third Straight Championship
In 1950, after the merger of the BAA and NBL into the NBA, the Lakers improved their record and secured their third consecutive professional championship.
1951: Won Second Straight Division Title
In 1951, the Lakers won their second straight division title with a 44-24 record, marking a successful season.
1952: Won NBA Finals Against Knicks
In the 1951-52 season, the Lakers won 40 games and ultimately defeated the New York Knicks in seven games to win the NBA Finals.
1953: Won Second Straight Championship
In 1953, after a 48-22 regular season, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks to win their second straight NBA championship.
1954: Mikan's Retirement
Following George Mikan's retirement in the 1954 off-season, the Lakers faced challenges but still managed to win 40 games.
1954: Max Winter Sells Share to Mikan
In 1954, General manager Max Winter sold his share of the Lakers to Mikan.
1954: Fifth NBA Championship
In 1954, the Lakers, then in Minneapolis, won their fifth NBA championship under coach John Kundla.
1955: Mikan's Comeback
George Mikan came back for the last half of the 1955–56 season, but struggled and retired for good after the season.
1956: Berger Buys Mikan's Share
In 1956, Ben Berger bought Mikan's share in the Lakers, giving him a controlling interest in the team.
1956: Advanced to the Conference Finals
In 1956, Led by Clyde Lovellette's 20.6 points and 13.5 rebounds, the Lakers advanced to the Conference Finals.
1957: Team Put Up for Sale
In 1957, after Mikan retired, the Lakers, facing financial difficulties, were put up for sale.
1957: One of the worst seasons in team history
The Lakers had one of the worst seasons in team history in 1957–58 when they won a league-low 19 games.
1958: Bob Short Acquires Controlling Ownership
By 1958, Bob Short had acquired 80% ownership of the Lakers, though the team continued to struggle financially.
1958: Elgin Baylor Drafted First Overall
In 1958, the Lakers drafted Elgin Baylor as the first overall pick.
1958: Drafted Elgin Baylor
In the 1958 NBA draft, the Lakers selected Elgin Baylor with the top pick.
1959: Return to NBA Finals
In 1959, after upsetting the Hawks, the Lakers returned to the NBA Finals, but were swept by the Celtics.
1959: First Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals Meeting
In 1959, the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals for the first time, marking the beginning of a storied rivalry.
1959: Lakers Face Financial Crisis
In the 1959–60 season, the Lakers lost $60,000 in the first half, leading to financial probation by the NBA.
January 18, 1960: Plane Crash-landed
On January 18, 1960, the Lakers' plane crash-landed while traveling to St. Louis after a loss, with no injuries reported.
1960: Lakers Relocate to Los Angeles
In 1960, Bob Short moved the Lakers to Los Angeles due to severe financial losses in Minnesota.
1960: Home Games
Until 1960 while the team played in Minneapolis, the team played their home games at the Minneapolis Auditorium and the Minneapolis Armory.
1961: Improved to 54-26, Made the Finals
In the 1961-62 season, led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, the Lakers improved to 54-26 and made the NBA Finals.
1962: Lost in NBA Finals
In the 1962-63 season, the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the NBA Finals in six games to the Celtics.
1964: Lost in First Round of Playoffs
In the 1963-64 season, after falling to 42-38, the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Hawks.
November 21, 1965: Chick Hearn's Consecutive Games Streak Begins
On November 21, 1965, Chick Hearn began his streak of broadcasting 3,338 consecutive games for the Lakers.
1965: Jack Kent Cooke Buys the Lakers
In 1965, Jack Kent Cooke purchased the Lakers from Bob Short for $5.175 million, a league record at the time.
1966: Lost to Boston in NBA Finals
In 1966, Los Angeles lost in the NBA finals to Boston in seven games again, this time by two points.
1967: Cooke Finances Construction of The Forum
In 1967, Jack Kent Cooke personally financed the construction of The Forum at a cost of $16.5 million.
1967: Moved to The Forum
In 1967, Los Angeles moved to a brand-new arena, The Forum, after playing seven seasons at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
1967: Postseason Meetings Begin
In 1967, the Lakers and Golden State Warriors began meeting in the postseason, marking the start of a competitive history between the two franchises.
July 9, 1968: Acquired Wilt Chamberlain
On July 9, 1968, the team acquired Wilt Chamberlain from the Philadelphia 76ers.
1968: Lost to Celtics in NBA Finals
In 1968, after dropping to 36 wins and losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Los Angeles lost in the NBA finals to the Celtics again.
1968: Acquired Wilt Chamberlain
In 1968, the Lakers acquired Wilt Chamberlain, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
1969: O'Neal Scored 46 Points in Game 1
In 1969, O'Neal scored 46 points in game 1 against the Trail Blazers, marking the highest single-game playoff scoring output by a Laker since Jerry West scored 53 against the Celtics.
1970: West won scoring title; Lost NBA Finals
In 1970, Jerry West won his first scoring title, and the Lakers returned to the NBA Finals, losing to the New York Knicks.
1970: NBA Finals Loss
In 1970, The Lakers lost against the New York Knicks.
1971: Consecutive Games and Road Games Won
During the 1971-72 season, the Lakers achieved records for most consecutive games won overall (33) and most consecutive road games won (16).
1971: NBA's longest winning streak
In 1971, the Lakers set the record for NBA's longest winning streak, 33 straight games, set in 1971–72 season.
1971: Bill Sharman as head coach
The 1971–72 season brought several changes; Owner Jack Kent Cooke brought in Bill Sharman as head coach, and Elgin Baylor announced his retirement early in the season after realizing that his legs were not healthy enough. Sharman increased the team's discipline.
1972: Won NBA Title
In 1972, led by coach Bill Sharman, the Lakers secured their sixth NBA title.
1972: Best Regular Season Record
In 1972, the Lakers posted their best regular season record at 69-13.
1973: Lakers win Pacific Division despite West's injury
During the 1973-74 season, the Lakers were hampered by the injury of West, but a late-season surge helped the team win the Pacific Division with a 47-35 record. They made the playoffs but lost in the conference semifinals.
1973: Lakers lose to Knicks in NBA Finals
In 1973, the Lakers, after winning 60 games and taking the Pacific Division title, defeated the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors to advance to the NBA Finals. Although Los Angeles won the first game, they lost the series to the New York Knicks in five games.
1975: Lakers acquire Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In 1975, the Lakers acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had already won three league MVP awards, from the Milwaukee Bucks for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Junior Bridgeman, and Dave Meyers.
1976: KLAC Radio Broadcasts
From the 1976–77 season, KLAC had the team's radio broadcast rights.
1976: West becomes Lakers' coach
In 1976, after settling his differences with Cooke, West replaced Sharman as the Lakers' coach. The Lakers won the Pacific Division with a league-best 53-29 record, led by another MVP season from Abdul-Jabbar.
1977: Abdul-Jabbar breaks hand, Washington punches Tomjanovich
During the 1977-78 season, Abdul-Jabbar broke his hand in the first game. Later, Kermit Washington punched Rudy Tomjanovich during an altercation, leading to Tomjanovich's severe injuries and Washington's suspension and release.
1977: KCAL-TV Broadcasts Began
Since 1977, KCAL had been the Lakers' over-the-air television broadcaster, dating back to when the station was the RKO General-owned KHJ-TV.
1978: Lakers lose in first round of playoffs
In 1978, despite winning 45 games, the Lakers, who were without Washington for most of the season, lost in the first round of the playoffs to Seattle.
1979: Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers; Drafted Magic Johnson
In 1979, Jerry Buss acquired the Lakers and revolutionized basketball as both entertainment and sport, and the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson first overall.
1979: Jerry Buss Buys the Lakers
In 1979, Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and the Forum from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million, with the Lakers portion valued at $16 million.
1979: Magic Johnson Drafted First Overall
In 1979, the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson as the first overall pick.
1979: Lakers draft Magic Johnson
In the 1979 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Magic Johnson from Michigan State with the first overall pick.
1980: Lakers win NBA Finals, Johnson named MVP
In 1980, the Lakers won 60 games and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the NBA Finals. Magic Johnson won the Finals MVP award.
1981: Johnson criticizes Westhead, demands trade
Early in the 1981-82 season, Magic Johnson complained about head coach Paul Westhead and demanded a trade. Shortly after, Westhead was fired.
1981: Pat Riley promoted to head coach
In 1981, Pat Riley was promoted to head coach for the Lakers.
1982: James Worthy Drafted First Overall
In 1982, the Lakers drafted James Worthy as the first overall pick.
1982: Lakers win NBA Finals, draft James Worthy
In 1982, the Showtime Lakers won the Pacific Division title and the NBA Finals, defeating the 76ers 4-2. On draft night, they selected James Worthy with the first overall pick.
1982: Drafted James Worthy
In the 1982 NBA draft, the Lakers selected James Worthy, solidifying their position as an NBA powerhouse throughout the 1980s.
1983: Lakers lose to Sixers in NBA Finals
In 1983, the Lakers won the Pacific Division, but lost to Philadelphia in the NBA Finals.
1983: Lakers go 54-28, meet Celtics in Finals
In the 1983-84 season, Los Angeles went 54-28, and played Boston in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1969.
1984: Highest Field-Goal Percentage
During the 1984-85 season, the Lakers recorded the highest field-goal percentage for a season at 54.5%.
1984: Lost to Celtics in Finals
In the 1984 NBA Finals, the Lakers were defeated by their archrivals, the Boston Celtics.
1985: Kings Move to Sacramento
In 1985, the Kings moved to Sacramento, establishing both teams in California.
1985: Triumphed Over Celtics in Finals
In 1985, the Lakers triumphed over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
1985: Lakers win fifth straight division title, lose to Rockets
In the 1985-86 season, the Lakers won 62 games and their fifth straight division title. However, the Rockets defeated the Lakers in five games in the Western Conference Finals.
1985: Celtics Break Home Win Record
The Boston Celtics set the current record of 40-1 in the 1985–86 season, breaking the Laker's home win record.
1985: Fox Sports West Telecasts Began
The Lakers had been on Fox Sports West since 1985.
1986: Lakers Highest Win Total Since 1986-87 Season
Led by league MVP O'Neal, the Lakers won 31 of their first 36 games and finished 67–15, the highest win total since they won 65 in the 1986–87 season.
1986: Lakers acquire Mychal Thompson, Johnson wins MVP
Prior to the 1986-87 season, the Lakers acquired Mychal Thompson from the Spurs. Magic Johnson won his first career MVP Award.
1987: Triumphed Over Celtics in Finals
In 1987, the Lakers once again triumphed over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
1987: Lakers win Pacific Division
In the 1987-88 season, the Lakers secured their seventh consecutive Pacific Division title with a 62-20 record.
1988: Forum Renamed Great Western Forum
In 1988, Jerry Buss started the trend of stadium sponsorships by renaming the Forum the Great Western Forum.
1988: Lakers Win First Title Since 1988
In 1988, The Lakers defeated Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers four games to two win their first title since 1988.
1988: Lakers Win NBA Finals Against Pistons
In the 1988 NBA Finals, the Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons in 7 games.
1988: Lakers win eighth consecutive Pacific Division crown
In the 1988-89 season, Los Angeles won 57 games and their eighth consecutive Pacific Division crown. They were later swept by Detroit in the NBA Finals.
June 28, 1989: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announces retirement
On June 28, 1989, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced his retirement after 20 professional seasons.
1989: "Magic Johnson" Song Released
In 1989, Red Hot Chili Peppers released the song "Magic Johnson" as a tribute to the former Lakers point guard.
1989: Pistons Win NBA Finals Against Lakers
In the 1989 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Lakers in 4 games.
1990: Lakers Best Record Since 1990-91
In 1990, O'Neal led the team to a 56-26 record, their best effort since 1990–91.
November 7, 1991: Magic Johnson announces HIV diagnosis, retirement
On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately.
1991: End of First Era of Postseason Rivalry
By 1991, the Lakers and Warriors had met six times in the postseason since 1967, marking the end of the first era of their playoff rivalry.
1991: Lakers First Trip to Finals Since 1991
In 1991, The Lakers defeated Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers four games to two win their first title since 1988.
1991: Lakers defeated by Bulls in NBA Finals
In 1991, the Lakers made their ninth trip to the NBA Finals in 12 years, but were defeated in five games by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
1993: Johnson coaches Lakers for final 16 games
During the 1993-94 season, Magic Johnson coached the final 16 games after Pfund was fired. The Lakers ended the season with a 10-game losing streak, finishing 33-49.
1994: Lakers Miss Playoffs Since 1994
In 1994 the Lakers missed the playoffs, and they missed the playoffs again in 2005.
1994: Eddie Jones Selected Tenth Overall
In 1994, Eddie Jones was selected tenth overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
1995: Magic Johnson returns to Lakers as player
In the 1995-96 season, Magic Johnson came out of retirement to return as a player for the Lakers.
1996: Lakers Acquire Kobe Bryant and Sign Shaquille O'Neal
In 1996, the Lakers acquired Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vlade Divac. They also signed free-agent Shaquille O'Neal, marking a significant turning point for the franchise. They also drafted Derek Fisher. These moves were instrumental in shaping the Lakers' future success.
1996: Traded for Kobe Bryant, Signed Shaquille O'Neal
In 1996, the Lakers traded for Kobe Bryant's draft rights with the Charlotte Hornets and signed Shaquille O'Neal, returning the team to dominance in the early 2000s.
1997: Lakers Had the Best Start in Franchise History
In 1997, O'Neal and the Lakers achieved the best start in franchise history with an 11-0 record. They battled Seattle for the Pacific Division title. The Lakers finished the season strong, winning 22 of their final 25 games and finishing 61-21.
1998: Lakers Traded All-Star Guard Eddie Jones and Center Elden Campbell
During the 1998–99 season, All-Star guard Eddie Jones and center Elden Campbell were traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
1999: Lakers Hired Phil Jackson
In 1999, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson as their coach, giving him a lucrative $6 million a year contract. Jackson brought along assistant Tex Winter and they installed Winter's version of the triangle offense.
1999: Lakers Move to Crypto.com Arena
In 1999, the Lakers officially moved into Crypto.com Arena after playing their preseason games at the Forum.
1999: Start of Spurs-Lakers Playoff Rivalry
In 1999, the San Antonio Spurs and the Lakers began a notable playoff rivalry that saw them dominating the NBA, with the Spurs winning the NBA championship and the teams meeting five times in the NBA Playoffs since 1999.
1999: Crypto.com Arena Opens
In the fall of 1999, Crypto.com Arena opened, becoming the home of the Lakers.
2000: Bryant Awarded the League's MVP Award
Bryant was awarded the league's MVP award, becoming the first Laker to win the award since O'Neal in 2000.
2000: Lakers Moved to Staples Center
In 2000, the Lakers moved to a new arena, the Staples Center.
2000: NBA Championship
In 2000, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson, secured the first of three consecutive championships.
2000: Best Playoff Record
The 2000-01 Lakers team set the NBA record for the best playoff record at 15-1.
December 16, 2001: End of Chick Hearn's Consecutive Games Streak
On December 16, 2001, Chick Hearn's streak ended after broadcasting 3,338 consecutive games.
2001: Lakers Swept Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals
In 2001, the Lakers achieved a three-peat by sweeping Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. O'Neal won each of the Finals series' MVP awards, making him the only player besides Michael Jordan to win three consecutive Finals MVPs.
2001: Lakers Win NBA Championship
In 2001, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship.
2002: Top Ten in Attendance
From 2002, the Lakers averaged just over 18,900 fans, which placed them in the top ten in the NBA in attendance.
2002: Chick Hearn's Death
In 2002, Chick Hearn, the team's broadcaster for 41 years, passed away. Paul Sunderland was named the permanent play-by-play announcer.
2002: NBA Championship
In 2002, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson, secured the last of three consecutive championships.
2002: Controversial Western Conference Finals
The 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Kings was marked by controversial calls, especially in Game 6, with the Lakers ultimately winning the series.
2002: Lakers Regular Season in 2002
The Lakers won 58 games in the 2001-02 season.
2003: Lakers Signed Karl Malone and Gary Payton
During the 2003–04 season, the team was the subject of intense media coverage generated by the teaming of four stars and the sexual-assault case involving Kobe Bryant. Before the season, the Lakers signed two-time MVP Karl Malone formerly of the Jazz, and former Seattle Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton to join O'Neal and Bryant, forming the first "superteam" of the 21st century.
2003: Spurs Win NBA Championship
In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship, adding to their rivalry with the Lakers.
2003: Jackson Wrote a Book About the Team's 2003-04 Season
Jackson did not return as head coach, and wrote a book about the team's 2003–04 season, in which he heavily criticized Bryant and called him "uncoachable".
2004: Lakers traded Rick Fox and Gary Payton to Boston
Before the 2004–05 season The Lakers also traded Rick Fox and Gary Payton to Boston, for Chris Mihm, Marcus Banks, and Chucky Atkins.
2004: Peak of Lakers-Spurs Rivalry
By 2004, the Lakers and Spurs rivalry was considered the premier rivalry in the NBA.
2004: Lakers Traded Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat
During the 2004 off-season, the team entered a rebuilding phase when O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and a first-round draft pick.
2004: Traded Shaquille O'Neal
In 2004, the Lakers traded Shaquille O'Neal after losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Finals, marking the end of the Shaq-and-Kobe era.
2004: Pistons Defeat Lakers in NBA Finals
In the 2004 NBA Finals, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Lakers in five games.
February 13, 2005: Karl Malone Announced His Retirement
On February 13, 2005, Malone announced his retirement.
2005: Andrew Bynum Selected Tenth Overall
In 2005, Andrew Bynum was selected tenth overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
2005: Phil Jackson as Head Coach
In 2005, Phil Jackson was coach of the Los Angeles Lakers until 2011.
2005: End of Consecutive Finals Appearances
In 2005, the Spurs-Lakers rivalry saw its end to consecutive NBA Finals appearances since 1999.
2005: Sunderland Contract Expired
In the summer of 2005, the Lakers chose not to renew Paul Sunderland's contract. Joel Meyers moved in alongside Stu Lantz as the television announcer.
2005: Lakers Selected Andrew Bynum in the NBA Draft
With the tenth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, the Lakers selected Andrew Bynum. The team also traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins to Washington for Kwame Brown and Laron Profit.
January 22, 2006: Kobe Bryant Scored 81 Points Against Toronto
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points against Toronto, the second-highest total in NBA history.
2007: Top Ten in Attendance
In 2007, the Lakers averaged just over 18,900 fans, which placed them in the top ten in the NBA in attendance.
2007: Spurs Win NBA Championship
In 2007, the San Antonio Spurs won another NBA Championship.
2007: Lakers Re-acquired Derek Fisher
The Lakers re-acquired Derek Fisher. The Lakers started the 2007–08 season with a 25–11 record.
2008: Lost NBA Finals
In 2008, after trading for Pau Gasol, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and coached by Phil Jackson, returned to the NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics.
2008: Lakers and Celtics Renew Finals Rivalry
In 2008, the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987, with the Celtics winning the series 4-2.
2008: Spurs Defeated in Western Conference Finals
In 2008, the Lakers defeated the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
2008: Sold Out Every Home Game
In 2008, the Lakers sold out every home game.
2008: Lakers Finished with Best Record in the Western Conference
In the 2008–09 season, the Lakers finished 65–17; the best record in the Western Conference.
2008: KLAC Radio Broadcasts Ended
The team's radio broadcast rights from KLAC ended after the 2008–09 season.
October 9, 2009: 50th Anniversary Preseason 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: Most Wins and Highest Winning Percentage
As of the 2009-10 season, the Lakers held records for the most wins (3,027) and the highest winning percentage (61.9%).
2009: Radio Broadcasts on KSPN and KWKW
Beginning in the 2009–10 season, Lakers radio broadcasts were heard on KSPN in English and KWKW in Spanish.
2009: Lakers Added Ron Artest to Starting Lineup
In 2009 the Lakers, who had added Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) in place of Trevor Ariza in their starting lineup, finished the 2009–10 season with the best record in the Western Conference for the third straight time.
2009: Phil Jackson Breaks Regular-Season Wins Record
In 2009, Phil Jackson broke Pat Riley's regular-season wins record as head coach of the Lakers.
2009: NBA Championship
In 2009, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and coached by Phil Jackson, secured the NBA Championship.
January 13, 2010: Lakers Win 3,000 Regular-Season Games
On January 13, 2010, the Lakers became the first team in NBA history to win 3,000 regular-season games by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 100–95.
June 2010: Haunting Missed Shot
In June 2010, Frank Selvy reflected on a missed potential game-winning shot from 1962 that still haunted him.
2010: Phil Jackson Returned for the 2010-11 Season
After much speculation, head coach Phil Jackson returned for the 2010–11 season.
2010: Jerry Buss Inducted into Hall of Fame
In 2010, Jerry Buss was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
2010: Phil Jackson Passes Riley's Playoff Records
In 2010, Phil Jackson passed Pat Riley's playoff wins and games coached records.
2010: Lakers Defeat Celtics in NBA Finals
In 2010, the Lakers defeated the Celtics in 7 games to win the NBA Finals.
2010: Most Popular Merchandise
In 2010, the Lakers had the most popular team merchandise among all NBA teams, and Kobe Bryant had the most popular jersey.
2010: NBA Championship
In 2010, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and coached by Phil Jackson, secured the NBA Championship by defeating the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
February 14, 2011: Time Warner Cable and Lakers Formation of Networks Announced
On February 14, 2011, Time Warner Cable and the Lakers announced the formation of two new regional sports networks that would exclusively televise the team's games and related programming.
May 2011: Mike Brown Named Head Coach
In May 2011, Mike Brown was named as Phil Jackson's replacement for the 2011–12 season.
May 25, 2011: Mike Brown Hired as Head Coach
On May 25, 2011, former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown was hired as head coach.
2011: New Announcers for the 2011-12 Season
For the 2011–12 season, Bill Macdonald became the new television play-by-play announcer. John Ireland joined Mychal Thompson to call the games on radio.
2011: Phil Jackson Retired
In 2011, Phil Jackson retired from coaching the Lakers, marking the start of the team's longest playoff drought.
2011: Telecasts Split
Until 2011, telecasts had been split between KCAL-TV (road games) and Fox Sports West (home games), unless chosen for national broadcasts on ABC.
July 4, 2012: Steve Nash Agrees to Sign-and-Trade Deal with Lakers
On July 4, 2012, Steve Nash agreed to a sign-and-trade deal to join the Lakers from the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for draft picks and cash.
July 11, 2012: Steve Nash Trade Officially Completed
On July 11, 2012, the Lakers officially completed the sign-and-trade deal to acquire Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns.
August 10, 2012: Lakers Acquire Dwight Howard in Four-Team Trade
On August 10, 2012, the Lakers acquired Dwight Howard in a four-team trade, forming a "superteam" with Bryant, Gasol, and Nash.
November 9, 2012: Mike Brown Relieved of Coaching Duties
On November 9, 2012, Mike Brown was fired as head coach after a 1-4 start to the 2012-13 season.
November 12, 2012: Lakers Hire Mike D'Antoni as Head Coach
On November 12, 2012, the Lakers hired Mike D'Antoni as their new head coach.
2012: New Regional Sports Networks
Starting with the 2012–13 season, Time Warner Cable exclusively televised the team's games and related programming.
February 18, 2013: Lakers Owner Jerry Buss Dies
On February 18, 2013, Lakers owner Jerry Buss died at the age of 80 due to cancer.
March 30, 2013: Kobe Bryant Passes Wilt Chamberlain in All-Time Scoring
On March 30, 2013, Kobe Bryant passed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history, during a game against the Sacramento Kings.
April 16, 2013: Lakers Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 16, 2013, the Lakers clinched a playoff berth as the seventh seed in the Western Conference after defeating the Houston Rockets.
December 8, 2013: Kobe Bryant Returns After Achilles Injury
On December 8, 2013, Kobe Bryant played his first game since tearing his Achilles tendon in April.
December 17, 2013: Kobe Bryant Suffers Knee Injury
On December 17, 2013, Kobe Bryant suffered a broken bone in his knee, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
2013: D'Antoni Resigned
At the end of the 2013–14 season, Mike D'Antoni resigned as head coach.
2013: Jerry Buss Passes Away
In 2013, Jerry Buss passed away; Forbes valued the Lakers at $1 billion.
2013: Spurs Defeat Lakers
In 2013, the Spurs defeated the Lakers in their matchup.
2013: Jeanie Buss Becomes Controlling Owner
Since 2013, Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers' controlling owner, running the team on behalf of the entire family.
March 25, 2014: Lakers Score Franchise Record in a Quarter
On March 25, 2014, the Lakers scored 51 points in the third quarter against the New York Knicks, setting a franchise record for most points in a quarter.
April 30, 2014: Mike D'Antoni Resigns as Head Coach
On April 30, 2014, Mike D'Antoni resigned from his position as head coach after a disappointing 27-55 season.
July 2014: Byron Scott Hired as Head Coach
In July 2014, Byron Scott was hired as head coach of the Lakers.
July 28, 2014: Byron Scott Hired as Head Coach
On July 28, 2014, the Lakers hired former player Byron Scott as their new head coach, signing him to a multi-year contract.
2014: Julius Randle Selected Seventh Overall
In 2014, Julius Randle was selected seventh overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
2014: Spurs Win NBA Championship
In 2014, the San Antonio Spurs won another NBA Championship.
November 30, 2015: Kobe Bryant Announces Retirement
On November 30, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced that he would retire at the end of the season after 20 seasons with the team.
2015: Scott Fired
After the 2015–16 season ended, Byron Scott was fired as head coach.
2015: D'Angelo Russell Selected Second Overall
In 2015, D'Angelo Russell was selected second overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
April 24, 2016: Lakers Decline Option on Byron Scott's Contract
On April 24, 2016, the Lakers announced that they would not exercise their option on Byron Scott's contract for the following season.
April 29, 2016: Luke Walton Named Head Coach
On April 29, 2016, former Lakers player Luke Walton was named as Byron Scott's replacement as head coach.
2016: Brandon Ingram Selected Second Overall
In 2016, Brandon Ingram was selected second overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
2016: Renamed Spectrum SportsNet
In 2016, Time Warner Cable SportsNet was renamed Spectrum SportsNet upon Charter Communications' purchase of Time Warner Cable.
2016: Worst Regular Season Record
In 2016, the Lakers posted their worst regular season record at 17-65.
February 2017: Jeanie Buss Fires Jim Buss
In February 2017, Jeanie Buss fired Jim Buss from his role in basketball operations, leading to a legal dispute over control of the Lakers.
February 21, 2017: Lakers Fire Mitch Kupchak, Name Magic Johnson President
On February 21, 2017, the Lakers fired general manager Mitch Kupchak and named Magic Johnson as the president of basketball operations. Jeanie Buss also removed her brother, Jim Buss, from his executive position.
March 7, 2017: Lakers Hire Rob Pelinka as General Manager
On March 7, 2017, the Lakers hired Rob Pelinka as their general manager, signing him to a five-year deal.
March 2017: Control of Lakers Transferred
In March 2017, the Buss siblings gave Jeanie Buss lifetime operational control over the Lakers, "as long as the family owns the Lakers."
2017: Lonzo Ball Selected Second Overall
In 2017, Lonzo Ball was selected second overall in the NBA draft by the Lakers.
2017: Best Playoff Record Broken
In 2017, the Golden State Warriors broke the 2000-01 Lakers' record for best playoff record.
February 2018: Lakers Trade Nance Jr. and Clarkson
In February 2018, the Lakers traded Nance Jr. and Clarkson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a 2018 first-round draft pick.
July 2, 2018: Lakers Renounce Julius Randle
On July 2, 2018, Julius Randle was renounced by the Lakers.
July 9, 2018: Lakers Sign LeBron James
On July 9, 2018, the Lakers signed LeBron James to a four-year, $154 million contract.
2018: Walton Ended
At the end of the 2018–19 season, Luke Walton served as head coach.
February 7, 2019: Lakers Trade Zubac to Clippers
On February 7, 2019, Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers along with Michael Beasley in exchange for Mike Muscala.
April 9, 2019: Magic Johnson Steps Down as President of Basketball Operations
On April 9, 2019, Magic Johnson stepped down as the Lakers' president of basketball operations.
May 13, 2019: Frank Vogel Named Head Coach
On May 13, 2019, Frank Vogel was named as Luke Walton's successor on a multiyear deal.
2019: Passing of JoAnn Buss
In 2019, JoAnn Buss, Jerry Buss' ex-wife, passed away; she had a reserved portion of the Lakers shares.
2019: Traded for Anthony Davis
In 2019, the Lakers traded several prospects for star big man Anthony Davis.
January 25, 2020: LeBron James Passes Kobe Bryant in All-Time Scoring
On January 25, 2020, LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA's all-time scoring list during a road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
2020: Lakers Win 2020 NBA Championship
In 2020, the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 4-2 to win the NBA Finals, dedicating the championship to Kobe Bryant. James was named Finals MVP.
2020: NBA Championship
In 2020, the Lakers, led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and coach Frank Vogel, won their 17th championship.
2021: Vogel Fired
Following the conclusion of the 2021–22 season, Frank Vogel was fired.
June 6, 2022: Darvin Ham Named Head Coach
On June 6, 2022, Darvin Ham was named as Frank Vogel's successor as head coach.
December 9, 2023: Lakers Win Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament
On December 9, 2023, the Lakers won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the championship game. LeBron James was named the tournament MVP.
May 3, 2024: Darvin Ham Fired
On May 3, 2024, Darvin Ham was fired by the Lakers after being eliminated in Game 5 of the first round by the Denver Nuggets.
June 20, 2024: JJ Redick Hired as Head Coach
On June 20, 2024, JJ Redick was hired as the new head coach of the Lakers.
June 24, 2024: JJ Redick Hired as Head Coach
On June 24, 2024, former NBA player JJ Redick was hired as the 29th coach in team history.
June 27, 2024: Lakers Draft Bronny James
On June 27, 2024, the Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron James' son, as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history.
October 2024: Lakers Valued at $7.1 Billion
In October 2024, Forbes estimated the Lakers to be the third-most-valuable team in basketball, with a value of $7.1 billion.
October 23, 2024: LeBron and Bronny James Play Together, Making NBA History
On October 23, 2024, the Lakers made NBA history as the first team to have a father and son (LeBron James & Bronny James) play together, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opening game.
2024: Lakers Ownership Structure
In 2024, ownership of the Lakers is divided among the Buss Family Trusts (66%), Mark Walter (20%), Todd Boehly (7%), Patrick Soon-Shiong (4%), and Ed Roski Jr. (3%).
2024: Tied Celtics for Most Titles
In 2024, the Lakers tied the Celtics for the most titles with 17.
2024: Celtics Surpass Lakers in Championship Titles
In the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics surpassed the Lakers for the highest number of championships, holding 18 titles.
February 1, 2025: Lakers trade Davis for Dončić, Kleber, and Morris
On February 1, 2025, the Lakers traded Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick for all-star guard Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Jazz got Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two 2025 second-round picks.
February 11, 2025: Last Roster Transaction
The Lakers' last roster transaction occurred on February 11, 2025.
February 2025: Traded Anthony Davis, Acquired Luka Dončić
In February 2025, the Lakers traded Anthony Davis while acquiring Luka Dončić.
2041: Lease Expires
The Lakers' lease at Crypto.com Arena runs until 2041.
