Amidst the sea of professional basketball teams in the US, the Los Angeles Lakers, often called the “Grammy Lakers”, emerge as one of the most iconic teams in history. With a remarkable number of championship wins, the Lakers are considered to be a major powerhouse, both in the NBA and in the world of sports. So how did it all begin? What is the untold story behind the success of the Los Angeles Lakers? Let’s take a look at the historical facts and events that shaped the team’s record and reputation. Here at CGEBET PH.
The Origins of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were initially established back in 1947 as the ‘Minneapolis Lakers’. A professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the team was founded by Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen with help from the Minneapolis Star. Berger and Chalfen named the team after the state’s nickname of “Land of 10,000 Lakes”.
The Minnesota Lakers was the only professional basketball team in the city and was composed of six men—five from Minnesota and the other from Missouri. The team also included future Basketball Hall-of-Famers George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, and Jim Pollard, as well as coach John Kundla.
In 1948, the Lakers won the Professional Basketball League of America championship after beating the Chicago Stags 44-40 in an exciting seven-game series. This marked their first championship victory, the start of a long legacy of wins to come.
The Minnesota Lakers Years
The Lakers' incredible dominance continued in the 1949-50 season, winning the National Basketball League (NBL) championship after beating the Fort Wayne Pistons. The team also went undefeated in the playoffs, establishing them as one of the most powerful teams in the league.
In 1950, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to form what would later become the NBA. The Minnesota Lakers thus entered the nucleus of the NBA, and their dominant streak continued for the next five years.
From 1950 to 1954, the Minnesota Lakers won five NBA championships, the most in any five-year span. This period was marked by the success of their star player, George Mikan, who was named the league’s MVP three times.
The Minnesota Lakers era in the NBA was perhaps its most successful era. After winning five championships in five years, the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960 due to failing ticket sales in Minneapolis.
The Los Angeles Lakers Years
The Lakers moved to Los Angeles alongside their rivals, the Minneapolis-based Minneapolis Millers. The team was purchased for $15 million by Bob Short, its former owner. He also changed their name to Los Angeles Lakers, a name that reflected the city’s glamorous image.
The Lakers entered a period of rebuilding from 1960 to 1968, as the team lost five Finals appearances in the West Coast Division. But the team was reshaped in the late 60s with the addition of Elgin Baylor, a future Hall-of-Famer, and Jerry West, the 12th pick in the 1960 draft.
The team’s lineup was further bolstered when the team acquired Wilt Chamberlain from the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968. With this new lineup, the Lakers achieved incredible success, winning the NBA championship in 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 2000.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also a dominant force in the Western Conference, earning 20 Division championships, the most of any team in the NBA.
The Secret to Their Success
So what is the secret to the success of the Los Angeles Lakers? While it can’t be accurately determined, it is undoubtedly a combination of hard work, talent, focus, and the right coaching.
The Lakers’ impressive record was greatly helped by their legendary coaches, including Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. The team has also been blessed with a number of talented players, such as Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry West, just to name a few.
The team’s collective dedication to success has been instrumental in its numerous championship wins. Even though the Lakers suffered a series of about 10 years of their golden period, their core team always stayed strong.
The Los Angeles Lakers Today
The Los Angeles Lakers have managed to stay competitive throughout the years, despite all the ups and downs. From 2018-2020, the Lakers had a brief period of rebuilding, as they lost all but one of the Finals appearances they played in.
But the team rose up again and regained its title of the NBA's most winning team in 2020, beating their rivals, the Miami Heat, to win the NBA Finals. This marked their first championship win under the leadership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers have a long and remarkable history of dominance in the NBA. From their beginnings in Minneapolis in 1947 to their subsequent move to Los Angeles in 1960, the Lakers have earned numerous championships and established themselves as one of the most powerful teams in the NBA.
Their success can be attributed to their dedicated coaching staff and talented core players, as well as their focus on winning. And although the Lakers have had their ups and downs throughout the years, they are still considered to be a powerhouse team in the NBA.
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