The Los Angeles Stars history is one of passion and resilience in professional basketball. Competing in the Los Angeles Stars ABA, the team quickly became known for their energetic playstyle and dedicated fan base. Throughout their run, the Los Angeles Stars basketball franchise brought excitement to fans and helped shape the early years of the ABA.
Established
1967
City
Anaheim – Los Angeles – Salt Lake City
League History
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1975 / Utah Stars
1968 – 1970 / Los Angeles Stars
1967 – 1968 / Anaheim Amigos
Nickname
Stars – The Los Angeles Stars have been a part of the city’s sports landscape since their inception in 1967. But what is the origin story behind this nickname? Let’s examine Los Angeles Stars history and how the team got its name?
The first iteration of Los Angeles Stars was an ABA franchise, established in 1967 as one of eleven original teams for the newly formed professional basketball league. The team was owned by Bill Sharman, who chose “Stars” as their moniker because he wanted something that would be widely recognizable and evoke images of Hollywood glamour and celebrity status associated with LA culture. He also liked that it could be abbreviated to “LA St.,” which made for a catchy logo when paired with his signature star symbol design on jerseys or merchandise items like hats or t-shirts.
Los Angeles Stars Origin
Other iterations followed suit as time passed – including two WNBA franchises (Los Angeles Sparks) and two MLS teams (LAGalaxy). All four organizations kept some version of Sharman's "stars" theme alive over time - whether through logos featuring stars or simply using them in marketing materials or slogans - ensuring they didn't forget where they came from initially! This has helped keep fan loyalty strong throughout all these years despite changes within each organization itself; people can always connect back to those original roots no matter what else may happen around them!
In conclusion, while there are many different theories surrounding why exactly Bill Sharman chose “Stars” as his team's name back in 1967 – ranging from wanting something glamorous enough for LA culture all way up to being inspired by astronomy – we do know one thing: It indeed has stood out among other professional sports nicknames ever since then! From sparking ideas about stardom & celebrity status associated with Hollywood glitz & glamour down through generations today, still connecting us back to our beloved hometown heroes...the legacy lives on always here at home under our shining banner: The Los Angeles STARS!!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
1971
Arena
*Utah*
1970 – 1975 / Salt Palace
*Los Angeles*
1968 – 1970 / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
*Anaheim*
1967 – 1968 / Anaheim Convention Center
Owner
1975 / Snellen M. Johnson and Lyle E. Johnson
1974 – 1975 / James A. Collier
1970 – 1975 / Bill Daniels
1968 – 1970 / Jim Kirst
1967 – 1968 / Art Kim
- 1968
-
Move to Los Angeles – Now Called the Stars
The Amigos lost $500,000 in their first season, largely due to poor attendance; they only averaged 1,500 fans per game in a 7,500-seat arena. Kim realized he did not have the resources to keep going and sold the team to construction company owner Jim Kirst, who moved the team as the Los Angeles Stars in 1968 and played at the ...
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Los Angeles Stars History
The Los Angeles Stars were a professional basketball team that competed in the Los Angeles Stars ABA from 1967 until their relocation to Utah in 1970, where they became the Utah Stars. The franchise was initially established by sports entrepreneur Jim Kirst and later sold to Bill Daniels, a businessman who relocated the team. The Los Angeles Stars basketball team became one of the more competitive franchises in the early years of the ABA, known for their thrilling play and loyal West Coast fan base.
The Los Angeles Stars basketball journey began with Bill Sharman, a former NBA player and coach with the Boston Celtics, serving as their first coach. Under his leadership, the Stars quickly became playoff contenders. In their 1969–70 season, they reached the ABA Finals but fell to the Indiana Pacers. Their fast-paced style, combined with skilled players and strong defensive performances, made them one of the standout teams of the Los Angeles Stars ABA era.
Some of the most notable players in Los Angeles Stars history included Hall of Famers such as Connie Hawkins, George Gervin, and Mel Daniels. Other key players, including Mack Calvin, Art Becker, and Mike Warren, played vital roles in the team’s success. Their rosters consistently featured some of the most exciting talents in professional basketball at that time. Sharman himself earned Coach of the Year honors, reflecting the Stars’ disciplined yet energetic playing style.
Stars Achievements
However, despite their on-court success, the Los Angeles Stars ABA franchise faced financial issues and low attendance numbers in Los Angeles. Ownership instability and a lack of long-term fan support ultimately led to the team’s relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1970. The move marked the end of the team’s time as the Los Angeles Stars basketball club but began a new chapter as the Utah Stars, where they would go on to win the ABA Championship in 1971.
ABA Finals Appearance (1970)
One of the greatest moments in Los Angeles Stars history came during the 1969–70 season when they reached the ABA Finals. Led by Bill Sharman and standout performances from Mack Calvin and Willie Wise, the Stars made an impressive playoff run before being defeated by the Indiana Pacers. This achievement remains a proud moment in the franchise’s legacy.
Developing Future Legends
The Los Angeles Stars basketball franchise also played a vital role in developing several players who would become legends of the game. George Gervin and Connie Hawkins used their ABA experience to launch successful careers in the NBA. Their time with the Los Angeles Stars ABA team is often seen as the foundation for their later greatness.
Lasting Legacy
Though the Los Angeles Stars eventually moved and became the Utah Stars, their contribution to ABA basketball remains significant. Their exciting gameplay, strong coaching, and the talent they nurtured helped shape the competitive spirit of the league. Even decades later, the Los Angeles Stars basketball story continues to be remembered as a key chapter in the rich Los Angeles Stars history and professional basketball in California.
Sports Fan Products
Coaches
1975 / Tom Nissalke
1974 – 1975 / Bucky Buckwalter & Tom Nissalke
1973 – 1974 / Joe Mullaney
1971 – 1973 / LaDell Andersen
1969 – 1971 / Bill Sharman
1967 / Al Brightman/Harry Dinnel
*Blue is this team’s history