Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Histroy

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the biggest and most decorated franchises in NBA history. With few of the most iconic players by its name, it is NBA's one of the most prestigious chapters. The Lakers' franchise initially emerged in 1947. Drawing inspiration from Minnesota's "Land of 10,000 Lakes" nickname, it paved its name. At the time, the Lakers were part of the National Basketball League. Soon, the franchise made a significant leap to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), ultimately lifting titles in the format.?

However, its charm dwindled close to the beginning of the 60s, prompting the team to relocate to Los Angeles. Regardless, the franchise's struggle stayed. Even though the Lakers reached the NBA finals six times during the 1960s, they fell short of securing the title each time. However, the Lakers' fortunes changed dramatically soon. With few of the greatest players on its roster, the Lakers paved through 8 NBA finals in the 80s, ultimately securing 5 of those. Furthermore, their dominant era marked an evolutionary checkpoint for the game of basketball.?

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After their star players in the early 90s, the Lakers again faced a challenging period. This time, they endured their longest-ever NBA finals drought. However, change came in the 1999?2000 season with their new coach and set of young stars, who clinched a three-peat in the early 2000s. After being forced to rebuild, their next congratulations came in 2010, right before marking a grim tenure for the franchise.?

After failed all-star calibre collaborations, losing their franchise player to industries, and unfruitful rebuilding, the Lakers shook up their staff. Magic Johnson took over as the president of basketball operations, and soon, good times seemed on its way. Even though Johnson resigned early, his moves are still making noise in the Lakers' success.?

Los Angeles Lakers Owners

As one of the oldest franchises in the league, the Lakers boast a rich and diverse history. Like any enduring empire, their story unfolds through different eras and different orchestrators.

In 1947, Berger and Chalfen purchased the NBL's Detroit Gems. He transferred them to the Lakers and relocated to Minnesota. Over time, ownership changes ensued. Notable figures like Max Winter and George Mikan came into the picture. In 1957, the Lakers found themselves in the hands of Bob Short's investor group. They initially committed to keep the team in Minnesota. However, due to disappointing attendance and financial challenges, Short decided to move the team to Los Angeles in 1960.

Eventually, Bob Short sold the team to Jack Kent Cooke in 1965. Cooke's ownership of the Lakers continued until 1979, when he orchestrated a substantial sale. It included the Lakers, NHL's Los Angeles Kings, the Forum, and real estate to Jerry Buss for $67 million.?

Under Buss's leadership, the Lakers set a precedent by introducing stadium sponsorships renaming the Forum to the Great Western Forum in 1988. In 2013, following Buss's passing, his children assumed ownership responsibilities, with Jeanie Buss taking on the role of the Lakers' governor.

YEAROWNERGENERAL MANAGER
2017-presentBuss Family TrustRob Pelinka
2016Buss Family TrustMitch Kupchak/Rob Pelinka
2014Buss Family TrustMitch Kupchak
1994Dr. Jerry BussMitch Kupchak
1982Dr. Jerry BussJerry West
1979Dr. Jerry BussBill Sharman
1976Jack Kent CookeBill Sharman
1972Jack Kent CookePete Newell
1967Jack Kent CookeFred Schaus
1965Jack Kent CookeLouis Mohs
1960Robert ShortLouis Mohs
1958Robert ShortDavid Babcock, Odd Moe, John Scheefe
1957Robert ShortJohn Kundla
1954Ben BergerGeorge Mikan
1948Ben BergerMax Winter

Los Angeles Lakers retired jerseys and HOF players

With over seven decades in basketball, the Lakers have produced some of the most illustrious superstars in the sport's history. Even in 2023, several of these players are debated for their greatness.

via Imago

Collectively, the Lakers proudly boast more than 35 Hall of Fame inductees among their ranks. Additionally, they've retired a total of 13 jersey numbers, forever linking these iconic digits to the legendary players who wore them.

No.NamePositionTenureInductedNo.NamePositionTenureInducted
17Jim Pollard 2Forward1948?1955197831Spencer HaywoodForward1979?19802015
22Slater MartinGuard1949?1956198231Zelmo BeatyCenter1974?19752016
34

89

Clyde LovelletteForward/Center1953?1957198811Charlie ScottGuard1977?19782018
42Connie HawkinsForward/Center1973?1975199212Vlade DivacCenter1989?1996

2004?2005

2019
19Vern MikkelsenForward1949?1959199523Lou HudsonGuard/Forward1977?19792022
11

25

Gail GoodrichGuard1965?1968

1970?1976

199616Pau GasolForward/Center2008?20142023
11Bob McAdooForward/Center1981?1985200099George Mikan 1Center1948?1954

1955?1956

1959
00

42

James WorthyForward1982?1994200322Elgin BaylorForward1958?19711977
4Adrian DantleyForward1977?1979200813Wilt ChamberlainCenter1968?19731979
11Karl MaloneForward2003?2004201044Jerry West 3 5Guard1960?19741980
73Dennis RodmanForward1999201133Kareem Abdul-JabbarCenter1975?19891995
52Jamaal WilkesForward1977?1985201232Magic Johnson 4 6Guard1979?1991

1996

2002
20Gary PaytonGuard2003?2004201334Shaquille O'NealCenter1996?20042016
23Mitch RichmondGuard2001?2002201410Steve NashGuard2012?20152018
8

24

Kobe BryantGuard1996?20162020

Los Angeles Lakers' active roster for 2023-24 season

Following a stretch of impressive teamwork and growing chemistry, the Lakers have retained significant players to solidify their roster for the 2023 season. Notably, they have also secured contract extensions for their superstar players.

USA Today via Reuters

What's more, they've bolstered their squad by adding fresh talent through free agency and draft picks.

POS.NAMEBASE

SALARY

CONTRACT TYPE
PFLeBron James$47,607,350Vet Extension / Bird
CAnthony Davis$40,600,080Free Agent (Max) / Bird
PGD'Angelo Russell$17,307,693Free Agent / Bird
PFRui Hachimura$15,740,741Free Agent / Bird
SGAustin Reaves$12,015,150Free Agent / Early Bird
PGGabe Vincent$10,500,000Free Agent / NT-MLE
PFJarred Vanderbilt$4,640,000Acquired via Trade
PFTaurean Prince$4,516,000Free Agent / Bi-Annual
PGJalen Hood-Schifino$3,695,040Drafted / Rookie
CChristian Wood$2,709,849Free Agent (Min)
CJaxson Hayes$2,165,000Free Agent (Min)
SFCam Reddish$2,165,000Free Agent (Min)
SGMax Christie$1,719,864Drafted (Min)
SFMaxwell Lewis$1,119,563Drafted

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