Chick Hearn
Inducted:
2003
Stats
Born
November 27, 1916
Buda, Illinois, U.S.
Died
August 5, 2002
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Position
Contributor
College
Bradley University
Chick Hearn was the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers for more than four decades and one of the most influential broadcasters in sports history. Beginning in 1961, Hearn called an unmatched 3,338 consecutive Lakers games, becoming a constant presence through championship eras and generations of players. His fast-paced, descriptive style brought the game to life for listeners and viewers, making basketball easier to understand and more exciting to follow.
Hearn coined or popularized many terms that are now part of everyday basketball language, shaping how the game is spoken about worldwide. His professionalism, preparation, and passion set the gold standard for sports broadcasting. More than just a commentator, he became part of the Lakers’ identity and NBA culture as a whole. In recognition of his lasting impact on the game, Chick Hearn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Hearn's Awards and Records
- Curt Gowdy Media Award (1991)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1986)
- Emmy Award for Excellence (1965)
- Bronze Statue at Crypto.com Arena (Dedicated 2010)
- American Sportscasters Hall of Fame (1995)
- Radio Hall of Fame (2022)
- Longest consecutive broadcast streak in NBA history
- One of the most influential voices in basketball history
Team
Los Angeles Lakers (1961–2002)
NBA Stats
Tenure with Lakers:
1961–2002
Consecutive Games Streak:
3,338 (1965–2001)
NBA Championships Called:
9
Lakers championships covered:
11
Hall of Fame Category:
Contributor (Inducted 2003)
National Sportscaster of the Year:
3 (1959, 1965, 1987)