- 1947
- 1947
- 1959
- 1960
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Lakers Formation
In the National Basketball League a fledgling professional league based in the Midwest the first year Minneapolis Lakers benefit when another rival league known as the Professional Basketball League of America folds. The expansion Lakers who already had a solid roster with forward Jim Pollard and playmaker Herm Schaefer added Center George Mikan who quickly became the most dominant player ... -
Drafted George Mikan
As the Gems had recorded by far the worst record in the NBL, the Lakers had the first pick in the 1947 Professional Basketball League of America dispersal draft, which they used to select George Mikan, later to become one of the greatest centers of his time. With Mikan, new coach John Kundla and an infusion of former University of ... -
Elgin Baylor Number 1 pick
The last place, however, meant the first pick in the draft, and the Lakers chose wisely, picking Elgin Baylor, who went on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 24.9 points per game and 15.0 rebounds per game. In 1959, Baylor and Mikkelsen were able to lead the team past their recent nemesis, the Hawks, and ... -
Move to LA
In 1958, the Brooklyn Dodgers of Major League Baseball moved to Los Angeles and quickly became a huge financial success. Short did not fail to notice this. After considering moves to Chicago and San Francisco, he decided to move the franchise to Los Angeles prior to the 1961 season, making the Lakers the NBA’s first West Coast team. The Lakers ...
History of the Lakers
The Minneapolis Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the National Basketball Association. Founded in 1947, they were one of the original members of the NBA and have won 16 championships throughout their history. The team was initially based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota but relocated to Los Angeles before the 1960 season due to financial difficulties.
The early years of this franchise were dominated by Hall-of-Famer George Mikan, who led them to five championships between 1949 and 1954 as part of a dynasty that included players such as Vern Mikkelsen, Slater Martin, and Jim Pollard. After relocating from Minnesota, they would go on win another championship with Elgin Baylor leading them past Boston Celtics in the 1959-60 season before eventually winning eight more titles during the 1980s under head coach Pat Riley with star player Magic Johnson at the helm alongside Kareem Abdul Jabbar among others.
Today’s version is still considered a powerhouse within the league thanks largely due Kobe Bryant's legendary career, which spanned two decades, making him face the franchise from 1996 until his retirement in 2016 after helping lead the Lakers back into contention once again, including three straight trips finals 2006 - 2008 culminating fifth title for organization 2009–10 season. While the future is uncertain now that the former great is no longer playing, the legacy he left behind will live forever and continue to inspire new generations of basketball fans worldwide.
Lakers Products
Established
1947
City
Minneapolis – Los Angeles
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1948 – 1949 / Basketball Association of America
1947 – 1948 / National Basketball League
Team History
1960 – Present / Los Angeles Lakers
1947 – 1948, 1948 – 1960 / Minneapolis Lakers
Nickname
Lakers – The Minneapolis Lakers are among the most iconic teams in the history of the NBA. As a sports fan, you may already know they were the first team to win five championships and have produced some of basketball's greatest players. But do you know how they got their nickname?
It all started when owner Bob Short moved them from Detroit to Minneapolis in 1947. He wanted something catchy to represent his new city and came up with "Lakers" as a reference to Minnesota's 10,000 lakes! The name was an instant hit with fans and has stuck ever since - even after moving again in 1960 from Minnesota back home to Los Angeles, where it remains today as part of the storied franchise we now call the Los Angeles Lakers.
The unique moniker has become synonymous with success; this team has won 16 championships (second only behind Boston). It also serves as a reminder for those who don't live there: no matter where life takes us or what challenges come our way -- just like those 10,000 lakes -- we can always find our way back home!
Championship
NBA Championships 5
2010, 2009, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1982, 1980, 1972, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1950, 1949
Arena
2000 – Present / Staples Arena
1967 – 1999 / The “Fabulous” Forum
1960 – 1967 / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
*Minneapolis*
1947 – 1960 / Minneapolis Auditorium
Owner
2013 – Present / Buss Family Trust
1979 – 2013 / Jerry Buss
1965 – 1979 / Jack Kent Cooke
1957 – 1965 / Bob Short
1948 – 1957 / Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
8 / Kobe Bryant
13 / Wilt Chamberlain
22 / Elgin Baylor
24 / Kobe Bryant
25 / Gail Goodrich
32 / Magic Johnson
33 / Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
34 / Shaquille O’Neal
42 / James Worthy
44 / Jerry West
52 / Jamal Wilkes
MIC / Chick Hearn
*Blue is this team’s history
