Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team. The team is based in Los Angeles, California, and is one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. The franchise was founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers. The team moved to Los Angeles in 1960, and its legacy is marked by the Showtime Basketball era of the 80s. The Lakers have won 17 titles to date and play their home games at the Crypto.com Arena.

Los Angeles Lakers Best Players

Kobe Bryant

Few names resonate with Lakers fans like Kobe Bryant. Kobe joined the LA Lakers when he was just 17, and he spent his entire career with the franchise. He was also known as the “Black Mamba.” With his exceptional skillset and mentality, Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers. He could contribute on both ends, and his footwork and basketball IQ made him one of the best of all time. Sadly, Bryant passed away in an accident in 2020.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson was the best player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, leading the team to five championships during his era. He was a 6 feet 9 inch point guard, who led the league in assists four times. Johnson was also a three-time Finals MVP and a 12-time All-Star.

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is considered one of the best centers of all time. At 7 feet tall, he and Kobe Bryant led the team to three championships from 2000 to 2002. Besides his towering height, it was O’Neal’s strength that made him impossible to guard. Additionally, his larger-than-life personality, both on and off the court, added a unique charm to his persona, making him a beloved figure in Lakers' lore.

LeBron James

Although his adventures with the Lakers began late in his career, LeBron James brought a legacy of quality. Widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest players, LeBron’s versatility, court vision, and basketball intelligence are unmatched. In just his second season with the Lakers, he led them to their 17th NBA championship, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history. In addition to his own accolades, LeBron’s leadership and mentoring of the younger players on the roster have been instrumental in the team’s recent success.

Jerry West

Jerry West, the man on the NBA logo, spent his entire 14-year career with the Lakers. West was known for his ball-handling skills, scoring, and clutch performances. Nicknamed ‘Mr. Clutch,’ he helped the Lakers win the championship in 1972.

Los Angeles Lakers History

The story of the Los Angeles Lakers spans more than 70 years and is a testament to efficiency, resilience, and progress. Founded in 1947, the Lakers are from Minneapolis, inspired by Minnesota's nickname of "Land of 10,000 Lakes." It was in these early days that they won their first tournament in 1950 and showed signs of the greatness that was to follow.

After the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960, they started making a mark on NBA history. Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar helped the team win multiple rings in the 1970s and 1980s.

In the 1990s, the Lakers drafted Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, who won three straight titles between 2000 to 2002. Under Phil Jackson’s leadership, Kobe Bryant brought the team another two championships in 2009 and 2010.

The Lakers traded for LeBron James in 2018 and won their 17th championship in 2020. The team is now tied for the most NBA titles with the Boston Celtics.

From Minneapolis to Los Angeles, from Jerry West’s clutch shot to Kobe’s Mamba concept, the Lakers’ journey from the Showtime era to the modern game is nothing short of legendary. Their history is not only a basketball record but one of passion, and dedication.

Los Angeles Lakers Owner

The Los Angeles Lakers' ownership is a blend of basketball passion and business acumen. Dominantly held by the Buss Family Trust with a substantial 66% stake, the family's deep-rooted association with the Lakers has seen the franchise rise to unparalleled heights. Complementing the Buss family's majority ownership, Todd Boehly and Mark Walter contribute significantly with a combined 27% stake in the illustrious club.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and Ed Roski round off the ownership group as minority stakeholders. While their financial investment showcases their belief in the team's value and potential, they predominantly remain silent partners, entrusting strategic and operational decisions to their co-owners.

Los Angeles Lakers Team Roster

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

Darvin Ham, a name that resonates with basketball excellence, took the reins as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach on June 6, 2022, becoming the team's 28th head coach. However, his tryst with the Lakers began much earlier when he was an assistant coach under Mike Brown between 2011-2013. Those two seasons witnessed the Lakers making crucial playoff runs, including reaching the Western Conference semifinals.

Before the Lakers, Ham was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018. He also served as assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2018 to 2022. The Bucks won their first NBA championship in 50 years under his guidance.

Darvin Ham was born on July 23, 1973, and started his education at Saginaw High School. His collegiate career at Otero College and Texas Tech University was marked by a memorable NCAA tournament run to the Sweet Sixteen in 1996. As a player, Ham's tenacity and talent took him across a 12-year professional journey, gracing NBA courts and international arenas. Off the court, he shares his life with his wife, Deneitra, and son, Darvin Jr., embodying the spirit of dedication and family.

Net worth

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't just basketball legends; they're financial giants too. Since 2003, the franchise's value has skyrocketed over tenfold. Recent evaluations placed their worth at an astounding $5.9 billion, earning them the title of the third most valuable NBA franchise. This meteoric rise in value attests to the Lakers' enduring appeal and on-court success, making them a true powerhouse both in sports and business arenas.

Los Angeles Lakers Championships

The Los Angeles Lakers with their numerous NBA championships are a testament to the franchise’s excellence. In 2023, the Lakers have 17 titles to their name and are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.

Their championship journey began in 1949 when they won five titles until 1954. The team was guided by George Mikan during this time, and this set an initial stone for the franchise.

And the popular showtime started in the 1980s. Under the leadership of Magic Johnson and Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, the team won five titles during this decade. This was the best era for both Lakers and Boston Celtics, and both had enduring rivalries.

The other major turn to the Los Angeles Lakers franchise came when they drafted Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. They both secured three championships from 2000 to 2002. Additionally, Bryant led the team to win the other two championships in 2009 and 2010.

The most recent championship for the team came in 2020. LeBron James and Anthony Davis spearheaded the team to victory, honoring the Mamba spirit and adding another chapter to the Lakers' illustrious championship history.