Latest Los Angeles Lakers News

Latest Los Angeles Lakers News

More Los Angeles Lakers News

Luka Doncic Gets Warned About $400M Lakers Future Amid Latest Andrew Wiggins Rumor

Luka Doncic might be better off waiting for a $400 million extension in 2028. And getting Andrew Wiggins might tempt him to stay.
Luka Doncic Andrew Wiggins FI

“I Am Sorry”: Magic Johnson Mourns Frank Layden’s Sudden Demise After Revealing Unheard Details

Frank Layden's unexpected death made an unfillable void in the state of Utah. But somehow, Magic Johnson was hurt the most.
Magic Johnson Frank Layden FI

After LeBron James, ESPN Set to Face Stephen Curry Blow Amid Amazon’s Major Recruit

Amazon recruiting Dell Curry might lure Stephen Curry away from ESPN, after potentially losing LeBron James too.
Stephen Curry, LeBron James

Giannis Antetokounmpo Confirms Lakers & Knicks Interest as 6-Word Answer Threatens Bucks Future

While in conversation with Speed, Giannis Antetokounmpo interest from LA and Knicks as he battles his loyalty towards Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Rob Pelinka Sends Strong Message to LeBron James With Free-Agency Move Savannah James Will Applaud

Rob Pelinka's clear offseason plan for Lakers could motivate LeBron James to fulfil wife Savannah James' wish

ESPN’s Richard Jefferson Refuses to Give Bronny James Sole Credit for Financially Helping Summer League

Richard Jefferson divides credit between Bronny James and Cooper Flagg for high ticket prices, while his co-host puts Bronny on a pedestal.
Richard Jefferson, Bronny James

Who Are Deandre Ayton’s Parents? All About His Father Alvin Ayton, Mother Andrea Ayton, and Siblings

Get to know Deandre Ayton's parents, Andrea and Alvin Ayton, and the story of sacrifice that took him from the Bahamas to the Lakers.
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Portland Trail Blazers

Stephen Curry Makes A Plea To LeBron James After Impersonating Lakers Star At Lake Tahoe

Steph Curry hilariously mimics LeBron James' golf swing at Lake Tahoe, turning friendly banter into a public invite to the game.
Stephen Curry, LeBron James

Billionaire LeBron James Enters Auction Game After Lakers Possession Is Made Available To NBA Fans

Billionaire LeBron James' iconic Los Angeles Lakers possession from this season up for sale at latest auction
LeBron James

Rob Pelinka Warned About Luka Doncic’s Loyalty as $228 Million Decision Looms

A ticking contract clock forces the Lakers into an impossible trust fall with Luka Doncic. The warning behind the $228 million gamble out!
Luka Doncic, Rob Pelinka

Mark Walter Makes Clear Decision On Jeanie Buss’ Lakers Future as Rob Pelinka Faces Harsh Reality

Jeanie Buss’ Lakers future takes shape as Mark Walter steps in, while front office tensions quietly build around Rob Pelinka’s role.
Jeanie Buss,  Rob Pelinka

Nico Harrison Turns to LeBron James’ Close Ally After Jason Kidd Suffers Triple Blow

The Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison have turned to LeBron James after Jason Kidd suffered back-to-back coaching staff blows.
LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and Nico Harrison

Bradley Beal Sends Blunt Message to Warriors as Lakers, Clippers Eye 12-Time All-Star

The Suns could buy out Bradley Beal's contract if he wants to go to the Warriors. But the rest? More suited to Chris Paul's liking.
NBA: Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors

With $70 Million at Risk, Dwight Howard Breaks Silence After Wife Files for Divorce

Dwight Howard's reaction his divorce shows real growth. But his ex-wife's demands might shock him as much as it shocked the rest of us.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

NBA Legend’s Alarming Account Suggests Anthony Davis’ Jeopardized Future as Unusual Injury Details Surface

A content creator casts doubt on the timing of Anthony Davis's injury by highlighting the precautions a former NBA player once used.
Anthony Davis Mavs FI

Deandre Ayton Directly Addresses LA After Disclosing Reason Behind Lakers Move

Deandre Ayton highlights his Lakers signing on X while providing additional context on concluding his 2-year journey with Blazers
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Portland Trail Blazers

How Many Rings Does Magic Johnson Have? A Look at the Lakers Legend’s Championship Legacy

Here's a full breakdown of Magic Johnson's championship wins and post-retirement rings as an owner in his entire career
NWSL: Portland Thorns FC at Washington Spirit

Jake LaRavia’s Father Was in Tears as Family’s Lesser Known LA Connection Emerges

Jake LaRavia signs with the Lakers and shares an emotional family tie to L.A., calling it the perfect fit for his game and his roots.
NBA: Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Hornets

“Worse Than Angel Reese”: Bronny James’ Performance Baffles Fans Before Record-Setting Cooper Flagg Game

Bronny James' rough Summer League debut vs. the Spurs sparked brutal fan reactions just days before his hyped showdown with Cooper Flagg.
Cooper Flagg and Bronny James

LeBron James Clears the Air on Cavs Speculation as Truth Behind “Homecoming” Hat Revealed

LeBron James' latest action seemingly shuts down Cavaliers speculation as truth behind viral 'Hat Gate' emerges
LeBron James

Lonzo Ball Explains LeBron James Allegiance in Kobe Comparison as Ring Culture Debate Persists

Lonzo Ball weighed in on the Kobe vs. LeBron debate, defended AI as the best without a ring, and called out ring culture’s flaws.
Lonzo Ball

Deandre Ayton Reveals Private Luka Doncic Conversation as Offseason Plans Emerge at Last

Deandre Ayton reveals he got a message from a Lakers Superstar, and is excited to team up with the player from the same draft class.
Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic

Is Nikola Jokic Leaving Nuggets for Lakers? Reason Behind Denied Contract Extension Explained

Find out the reason behind Nikola Jokic's decision to delay contract extension with Nuggets as Lakers rumors emerge.
NBA: Denver Nuggets at Atlanta Hawks

Jake LaRavia Reveals JJ Redick’s Plan as He Breaks Silence on Lakers Dynamic

Jake LaRavia joins the Lakers, and JJ Redick already has a defined role for him—built around IQ, spacing, and defensive matchups.
Jake LaRavia, JJ Redick

Deandre Ayton Addresses Negativity During Blazers Stint as He Makes Major Luka Doncic Confession

Deandre Ayton reveals what he took from the criticism received during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers in his first presser as a Laker
Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers History: Full Timeline of Ownership as Mark Walter Joins Elite List

Before Jeanie Buss ran the show, the Lakers’ ownership story was a wild ride of relocations, legends, and purple and gold power. Read inside.
Jeanie Buss, Mark Walter

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.

article-image

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

article-image

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