Latest Los Angeles Lakers News

Latest Los Angeles Lakers News

More Los Angeles Lakers News

NBA Legend Advises Nikola Jokic Against Signing Nuggets Extension Amid Luka Doncic Rumors

Rumor mills surge and swell with new Luka Doncic connection as NBA legend advises Nikola Jokic from signing an extension with Denver.
Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic

Celtics Legend Mocks Luka Doncic Once Again As Truth About Tensions In Family Finally Emerge

Paul Pierce takes a shot at Luka Doncic's weight during an interview in which he also recalled family tension over Lakers-Celtics Rivalry
NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves

No Room for LeBron James in Mark Walter’s Plan as Rich Paul’s Heated Argument Revealed

LeBron James' future is in jeopardy as Lakers' new owner Mark Walter points towards a new era, which did not sit right with Rich Paul
LeBron James Mark Walter Rich Paul

Dalton Knecht’s Lakers Future in Jeopardy as NBA Insider Delivers Verdict on Trade Value

Dalton Knecht’s rocky Summer League showing sparks major trade talks, as NBA insiders weigh in on his fading value and Lakers future.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns

Shaquille O’Neal Makes Major Change To $74.6M-A-Year Business Amid Legal Troubles

Shaquille O'Neal's new collaboration to improve his fast-food restaurant chain announces new plans months after former player's legal issues
Shaquille O’Neal

Cooper Flagg Puts Mavs In Jeopardy Amid Nico Harrison’s LeBron James Decision

Cooper Flagg's shocking confession sparks concerns for Dallas Mavericks amid Nico Harrison's bold LeBron James call
Cooper Flagg, Nico Harrison, LeBron James

Concerns Persist Around Bronny James as Eyewitness Notes Major Change in Lakers Rookie

Bronny James in the Summer League has been a sight for sore eyes. But he's still a diamond in the rough. Lots of work to do.
NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers

Rich Paul Confronts ESPN Analyst Over Lakers Remark as LeBron James’ Ex-Teammates Explain His Behavior

Tensions rise as Rich Paul reacts to shifting dynamics in L.A., while LeBron James’ former teammates offer insight into his current mindset.
Rich Paul, LeBron James

Nico Harrison Hit With LeBron James Warning as Lakers Star Sends Clear Message on Future

Getting LeBron James in exchange for depth will be one of Nico Harrison's biggest blunders. But what if he doesn't leave LA at all?
LeBron James, Nico Harrison

Lakers Fans Erupt at Rob Pelinka as Clippers Land Bradley Beal With Just $5.3M

The Clippers just picked up Bradley Beal for a steal. Can you blame the Lakers fans for being upset with Rob Pelinka?
Rob Pelinka, Bradley Beal

Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion’s Dallas Impact Could Cost Lakers in Big Way

The Klay Thompson-Megan Thee Stallion effect comes to bite the Lakers as the Dallas Mavericks get a new fan added to their list.

Lakers Get Reason for Desperate Al Horford Push Despite Warriors’ Upper Hand

Could Al Horford’s veteran savvy tilt the balance between two Western giants eying for a title push? Read on for the details!
NBA: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks

Cavaliers Find Path to Land LeBron James as Call Grows for Darius Garland Breakup

The Cavaliers have found an unusual path to reunite with LeBron James, as calls grow for them to split up their All-Star backcourt duo.
Darius Garland and LeBron James

Ex-Lakers Star Sends Cryptic Message to Nico Harrison Amid LeBron James Rumors

Did you hear the rumor mills sprinted into overtime as LeBron James’s ex-teammate dropped a spicy cryptic gem for Nico Harrison?
LeBron James, Nico Harrison

Lakers Offered Plan B in Bradley Beal Scenario Despite Josh Okogie’s Free Agency Addition

Josh Okogie’s free agency stirs the pot as the Lakers could weigh defense-first depth against bold offensive swings.

Lakers Insider Shuts Down LeBron James Trade Proposal to Heat After NBA Legend’s Invitation

LeBron James' potential trade to the Miami Heat is dismissed despite request from former teammate and trade proposals being put out.
LeBron James

Sources Pull Plug on LeBron James’ Anthony Davis Reunion After Lakers’ Demand Surfaces

LeBron James Anthony Davis reunion buzz gets shut down as sources pull plug on potential Mavs trade amid Lakers' demands.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James

Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Unexpected Realization Over Kobe Bryant Relationship After NBA Legend’s Snub

Shaquille O’Neal shared a heartfelt story about young Kobe Bryant’s first encounter with him, revealing the deep respect they had.
NBA: Shaquille O’Neal Statue Unveiling

Lakers’ Pre-Season Schedule 2025: Games, Dates, Times, Venues and More

The Lakers’ 2025-26 preseason schedule is set, featuring marquee matchups, key venues, and plenty of storylines ahead of opening night.
Luka Doncic-LeBron James FI

Billionaire Owner Reportedly Stands in LeBron James’ Vegas Dream Amid Surprise Steve Ballmer Meeting

James Dolan is against expansion. So for LeBron James to fulfill an ownership dream, he might have to pull out his contact book.
LeBron James Steve Ballmer FI

Fans Urge Rob Pelinka to Act as $7M Free Agent Could Fix Major Lakers Problem

Los Angeles Lakers fans light up social media after a key defensive free agent hits the market amid ongoing roster uncertainty.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers-Press Conference

Golden State Warriors’ Pre-Season Schedule 2025: Games, Dates, Times, Venues and More

Golden State's road back begins with LeBron showdowns, Steph bobbleheads & global hoops chaos. Unlock the full preseason schedule only here.
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors

Nina Westbrook Experiments With New Sports as Russell Westbrook Drops Cryptic LA Message

Russell Westbrook has sent out a cryptic message on IG about his future after his wife was spotted trying to learn a new sport.
Russell Westbrook and Nina Westbrook

Unusual Damian Lillard Proposal Spells Trouble for Austin Reaves as Lakers Face Major Dilemma

The Lakers might need to sacrifice Austin Reaves to get Damian Lillard. But that might not fit in with LeBron James' superteam idea.
Damian Lillard Austin Reaves

Shaquille O’Neal’s Personal Experience Prompts Promise to 52,918 Americans After No-Brainer Move Decision

Shaquille O'Neal is in the news once again, as the helping nature of the Lakers legend will benefit 52,918 Americans
DJ Shaquille O’Neal

Bucks’ $113M Mistake to Help Lakers’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Dream as Luka Doncic’s Major Decision Confirmed

Jovan Buha highlights how Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard is final straw for Giannis Antetokounmpo, opening him for a trade to Lakers
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic

About Los Angeles Lakers

Everything to Know About the Los Angeles Lakers

History

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular sports teams in the world. The Lakers are also a very successful team, and it started right from the beginning. The franchise began in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball League and won the title in 1948. The team then joined the rival Basketball Association of America, which would later become the NBA in 1948. The Lakers continued their successful run in the BAA as well. But the team struggled financially in the mid-50s and relocated to Los Angeles in 1960 as the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Read More: Why did Kobe Bryant have such a disturbing relationship with his parents?

Who is the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers?

Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers along with the Forum and NHL's Los Angeles Kings for $67 million in 1979 from then-owner Jack Kent Cooke. The Lakers thrived under the leadership of Buss as he revolutionized virtually the entire league.

When Dr. Buss passed away in 2013, the ownership was transferred to his six children through a family trust. The Buss Family Trusts is the majority owner of the Lakers now with Jeanie Buss acting as the controlling owner. She became the first female controlling owner to win the title when the Lakers clinched the championship in 2020.

Read More: NBA Throwback: Relive the Final Battle Between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

Who are the team sponsors?

The Los Angeles Lakers are sponsored by several major brands. Notably, the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers signed a stadium-naming rights deal with the cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com. According to reports, it was a 20-year $700 million contract. So, the Staples Center was officially renamed Crypto.com Arena.

While the official kit sponsor of the Lakers is Nike, the team signed a deal with bibigo as the official jersey patch partner in 2021. Some of the other notable sponsors of the team are American Express, Beyond Meat, BioSteel, Budweiser, Comerica, Delta and Pepsi.

Read More: Where Does LeBron James Live? All That We Know About His Luxurious Villa

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USA Today via Reuters

Los Angeles Lakers roster

LeBron JamesSmall Forward38
Anthony DavisCenter30
Austin ReavesShooting Guard25
D’Angelo RussellPoint Guard27
Dennis SchroderPoint Guard29
Rui HachimuraPower Forward25
Lonnie Walker IVGuard24
Mo BambaCenter25
Jarred VanderbiltPower Forward24
Malik BeasleyShooting Guard26
Tristan ThompsonCenter32
Troy Brown Jr.Small Forward23

Read More: When Shaquille O'Neal challenged Michael Phelps to a swimming contest

Achievements and wins

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers' winning culture started right after the team was founded in 1947 as they won the NBL title in 1948. The Minneapolis Lakers continued winning titles after moving to the BAA as well. Then the BAA merged with NBL to form the NBA in 1949. So, the Lakers' 1948 title win is not considered by the NBA as an official championship. However, the 1949 championship is recognized since the team joined the BAA.

The dominance of the Lakers continued in the 50s as they won titles in 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954, led by legendary center George Mikan. However, things went south after Mikan retired in 1954 as the team struggled on and off the court. Because of the financial troubles, the franchise was relocated to Los Angeles in 1960. However, the team still found it hard to get back to its winning ways. After a dry spell that lasted years, the team won the 1972 title with the help of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. It was followed by another eight years of disappointment.

In 1979, Dr. Jerry Buss became the majority owner of the Lakers with the intention to turn the team's luck around. 1979 also marked the entry of NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson when the team drafted him as the first pick. Thus began the era of Showtime Lakers. With the help of Magic, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others, the Lakers lifted five championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. The team then lost the 1989 and 1991 NBA Finals.

The Lakers struggled again until Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant started working their magic. The duo led the Lakers to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002, a feat even the Showtime Lakers could not achieve. O'Neal, Bryant and the team dismantled their opponents on their way to all three titles, displaying utter dominance. After Shaq left the team in 2004, Kobe became the main man. He then led the team to two straight rings in 2009 and 2010. Recently, superstar LeBron James helped the team win their record 17th championship in 2020.

The Lakers' rivalry with the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics and the Lakers are the two most successful teams in the league with 17 championships each. The Lakers and Celtics also have one of the biggest and longest rivalries in sports history. The rivalry between the two started in 1959 when they first faced each other in the Finals. The two have battled in the Finals a record 12 times in which the Celtics mostly came out on top.

In 1959, the Celtics swept the Lakers for the title. The Celtics continued their dominance over the Lakers by winning a mindboggling eight straight Finals, winning in 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 and 1984 over the Lakers. This was a massive blow to the franchise and its loyal fans who felt that their opponents were simply unbeatable. However, the Lakers finally overcame this streak and won the championship against the Celtics in 1985 and then again in 1987.

After the 1987 Finals, the Lakers and the Celtics once again locked horns in 2008 where Boston came out victorious. The teams again clashed in the 2010 Finals with the Lakers clinching the title this time. While the Celtics have won 9, the Lakers have won 3 in their 12 Finals showdowns so far.

How many numbers have the Lakers retired?

The Lakers have always been fortunate to have some of the most storied players on their roster for a long time. Therefore, so far, the team has 14 names on their rafters. The jerseys of legends George Mikan (99), Elgin Baylor (22), Jerry West (44), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Gail Goodrich (25), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (33), Magic Johnson (32), James Worthy (42), Jamaal Wilkes (52), Shaquille O’Neal (34), Kobe Bryant (8, 24) and Pau Gasol (16) have been retired. Legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn's name is also up on the rafters.

Laker Girls: The owner's game-changing entertainment addition

Dr. Jerry Buss was a visionary who revolutionized the league with his entertainment and marketing ideas. The legendary team owner wanted the Lakers to be entertaining on and off the court to bring fans to the arena and to popularize the game in the country and around the world. One of Dr. Buss' important innovations was the Laker Girls.

The late owner ordered a formation of a dance squad with highly talented female dancers. While the idea received some backlash early on, it became widely accepted. While the Showtime Lakers entertained fans with their up-tempo style of play, the Laker Girls kept the crowd going with their dances during breaks.

Lakers on social media

Founded 1947
OwnerBuss Family Trusts
PresidentJeanie Buss
ConferenceWest
General ManagerRob Pelinka
Head CoachDarvin Ham
SponsorsCrypto.com, bibigo, Nike, etc 
ArenaCrypto.com Arena
Championships17
Conference Titles19
Division Titles33
Team Value$5.9 Billion