The team was founded in 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and named after the state’s nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”1)
The Lakers started in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before it merged to form the NBA.2)
In 1960, the Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, becoming the first NBA team on the West Coast.3)
The Minneapolis Lakers won 5 titles in 6 seasons from 1949 to 1954.4)
The purple and gold color scheme was adopted in the 1967–68 season, replacing blue and white.5)
The Lakers have won 17 NBA Championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for most all-time.6)
They achieved a three-peat twice: in 1952–54 and 2000–2002.7)
The team won 5 titles in the 1980s under Magic Johnson.8)
From 2000 to 2002, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to three straight titles.9)
In 2020, the Lakers won their 17th title inside the NBA Bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic.10)
Known as the NBA’s first true superstar, Mikan revolutionized the center position.11)
Jerry West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” is the silhouette of the NBA logo.12)
Wilt Chamberlain joined the Lakers in 1968 and won a title with them in 1972.13)
In his rookie year (1980), Magic Johnson started at center in the Finals and scored 42 points.14)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with his signature skyhook, won 6 MVPs, most with the Lakers.15)
Kobe Bryant played all 20 seasons with the Lakers — the most by any player with one team.16)
LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018 and led them to a title in 2020.17)
The Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys, #8 and #24 — a league first.18)
In 2023, the Lakers retired Pau Gasol's #16 jersey beside Kobe’s.19)
Coach Phil Jackson led the Lakers to 5 championships, second only to Red Auerbach.20)
In 1972, the Lakers won 33 consecutive games, still the longest streak in NBA history.21)
From 1967 to 1999, the Lakers played at the iconic Forum in Inglewood.22)
The 1980s team under Magic, Worthy, and Kareem was dubbed “Showtime” for its flashy fast breaks.23)
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors — second-most in NBA history.24)
Derek Fisher’s 0.4-second buzzer-beater against the Spurs in 2004 is one of the wildest in NBA history.25)
The Lakers have faced the Boston Celtics 12 times in the NBA Finals — a historic rivalry.26)
The 2002 Western Conference Finals vs. the Sacramento Kings is one of the most controversial series in NBA history.27)
Despite winning three titles together, tension between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led to Shaq’s departure in 2004.28)
The rivalry with the Clippers intensified after they signed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2019.29)
The Lakers have 13 playoff buzzer-beaters, the most in NBA history.30)
The Lakers have reached the NBA Finals 32 times, the most in history.31)
The Lakers rank among the top three in total franchise wins.32)
The Lakers have retired 13 numbers, honoring legends from Mikan to Kobe.33)
Magic Johnson holds the record for most career playoff triple-doubles.34)
Magic Johnson won Finals MVP as a rookie — the only player ever to do so.35)
The Lakers are the most celebrity-studded franchise, with fans like Jack Nicholson, Snoop Dogg, and Leonardo DiCaprio.36)
From 1999 to 2021, the Lakers played at Staples Center, a modern-day basketball mecca.37)
In 2021, the venue was renamed Crypto.com Arena, causing major fan backlash.38)
The Lakers are among the most-followed NBA teams on Instagram and Twitter.39)
Legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn called 3,338 consecutive games from 1965 to 2001.40)
The Lakers are one of the most recognizable sports franchises globally, with fans across all continents.41)
They've featured numerous global stars, like Pau Gasol (Spain), Vlade Divac (Serbia), and Rui Hachimura (Japan).42)
Their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, helps develop future talent.43)
Lakers legends often get full arena ceremonies with tributes, banners, and celebrity appearances.44)
The team now honors Kobe Bryant with the “Mamba Day” jerseys, black with snakeskin texture, worn on special occasions.45)