Lap Up These Lakers Facts

Aching to notch up some Lakers facts?

We’re going to tell you what you need to know about the iconic basketball team that’s almost as famous as the sport itself.

With a rich history, this team has found success as well as star power over the years. But the Laker’s success isn’t just about talent. It’s about a winning culture. Teamwork, excellence and resilience are key to everything the Lakers do. And you’re going to discover just what’s so impressive about the powerhouse basketball team…

Lakers facts all began in 1947

Sure, everyone knows that the Lakers are based in Los Angeles. But that is not where they were born and bred. Oh no. Their story actually started in Minneapolis. would you believe? Now that is one of the best Lakers facts you can know! They spent their first decade and change there, only moving to LA in 1960. And that’s when things started to heat up…

Early success

George Mikan is widely credited for the team’s early success. This pioneering centre led them to five championships in the pre-NBA era. And this set a high bar for the team and the sport in general. The Lakers soon became known for winning. And their purple and gold jerseys became symbols of basketball royalty, one of the key Lakers facts out there. Well, if you’re a fan, that is.

It’s showtime

The 1980s ushered in an era known as Showtime. This was when big personalities reigned supreme on the court. For example, Magic Johnson. Need we even explain ourselves any more on these Lakers facts? Magic was a charismatic point guard at the helm of the 80s Showtime era. He dazzled fans with his skills and showmanship. Boasting fast-paced, fast play during the decade, the Lakers won five NBA championships.

Basketball fans also worship at the altar of Kareem Abdul-Jabber, another 80s icon. When he retired. he was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. What a way to say goodbye to the game! His skyhook shot became iconic. And his partnership with Magic Johnson was the key to the team’s success.

New millennium, new partnerships

Looking for some Lakers facts for the new millenium? Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were the kings of the 2000s on the Lakers. Even though though they famously never got on on a personal level, they formed a formidable duo. The Lakers secured three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. With Kobe’s work ethic and talent, paired with Shaq’s power and charisma, the duo was unstoppable.

However, tragedy struck in January 2020 with Kobe’s untimely death. It was a huge blow to the basketball world. The Lakers and their fans mourned deeply. Kobe’s legacy lives on in the hearts of many all over the world.

Hello LeBron

It’s hard to believe there was ever a time when the Lakers didn’t have LeBron James in their lineup. His arrival created quite a buzz and soon after he joined, there was zero doubt that he’d become one of the Laker’s true modern icons. After all, he’d already packed some heat on the court with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

Expectations were high when he joined in 2018 and they weren’t unfounded. LeBron led the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship, tying them with the Boston Celtics for most championships in NBA history.

Big rivalries

Speaking of the Celtics, these two teams have quite the history. In fact, they’re known as one of the great sports rivalries in history, let alone in Lakers facts. That’s why when a Lakers vs Celtics game is on the cards, it’s highly anticipated. There’s always an electric atmosphere, and fans relish these matchups. Even if they spend a lot of the games watching with gritted teeth if the other team seem to be doing well!

Check the NBA schedule to see if any big clashes are coming up any time soon…

Betting on the Lakers

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