With 17 championships, the Lakers are in fierce competition with the Celtics, who won their 18th title in the 2023-24 season. However, a sudden revelation seems to be disrupting the entire equation. And there might be a chance that it will leave the Lakers behind. It’s more of a fact than a revelation. Charles Barkley, who has recently posed this question, was more baffled than ever.

The question was whether the Lakers really have 17 NBA titles. They also added the In-Season Tournament banner last year. But the only issue here is that the franchise didn’t win all of its titles in LA. Five of the 17 championships that the Los Angeles Lakers boast of were clinched when the team was still in Minnesota. The host, Chris Miles, argued that the Purple and Gold should give up their 5 titles.

Barkley was clear about one thing the Lakers shouldn’t give up their 5 titles under any circumstances. “That ain’t the same. You’re going to count the Emirates Cup as a championship, so now they tied with the Celtics. Stop it, Chris,” the Philadelphia 76ers legend joked. Despite hearing Chuck’s answer, Miles added another point to support his question. 

He highlighted how the Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, won a championship in 1979. However, they don’t hang that banner since they are now in a new city. 

However, when Miles mentioned it, he agreed that, regardless, it was a good point and suggested that Thunders should have one. “That’s actually a really good point because the Thunder should have Seattle when they won a championship that’s a great question,” Barkley concluded. Is it wrong for the franchise to claim their wins, even if they were won in different cities? Or do you agree with Chuck?

Here’s a brief history of the Lakers: The franchise was founded in 1946 as the Detroit Gems. It later moved to Minneapolis in 1947 and became the Lakers. The inspiration behind the name came from the city’s nickname, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The team had great success in the city, winning 5 championship titles. Then, how did the Lakers reach LA?

Why did the Lakers move to LA?

The Lakers’ stardom and big opportunities were limited to the early 1950s. Over time, they began to face financial issues due to dwindling attendance and diminishing performance. Moreover, the Lakers lacked a permanent home, often playing in various locations. They couldn’t always play in the Minneapolis Auditorium during special events like the annual Sportsmen’s Show.

While businessmen Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen initially brought the team to Minnesota, Bob Short purchased the team in 1957. Due to ongoing financial struggles, Short considered it better to move the team to Los Angeles, which was thriving at the time with a growing population and expanding entertainment industry.

The team played its final game in Minnesota against the St. Louis Hawks in March 1960 at the Minneapolis Armory. The next NBA team to come to Minnesota was the Minnesota Timberwolves, in 1989, as part of the league’s expansion. That is how the Lakers made their way to Los Angeles.

But that still hasn’t solved the problem. Should the Lakers give up 5 titles, or should the Thunder include the 1979 title?