Los Angeles Lakers NBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Won a record-tying 17 NBA Championships
• Boast 33 Hall of Fame players, coaches, and contributors
• Holds the NBA record for longest winning streak (33 games)

The Los Angeles Lakers stand as one of basketball's most storied franchises, with a legacy of excellence spanning nearly eight decades of NBA dominance. The Los Angeles Lakers are synonymous with NBA success, having established themselves as one of the most iconic and successful franchises in professional sports history. From their origins in Minneapolis to their current home in Los Angeles, the Lakers have consistently fielded championship-calibre teams, leaving an indelible mark on basketball culture.

Australians who have played for the Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bogut: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Bogut signed with the Lakers in September 2017. He played 24 games during the 2017–2018 season, providing veteran leadership and defensive presence in the front court. Bogut was waived by the Lakers in January 2018.

Team history

The Lakers' story began in 1947 when the team was founded as the Minneapolis Lakers. Led by Hall of Fame centre George Mikan, the team quickly established itself as a powerhouse, winning five championships in six years during the 1940s and 1950s. The franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, ushering in a new era of Lakers basketball.

The 1960s saw the emergence of stars like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, who laid the foundation for future success. However, it wasn't until the arrival of Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 that the Lakers secured their first championship in Los Angeles, defeating the New York Knicks in 1972.

The 1980s marked the beginning of the "Showtime" era, led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. This high-octane, fast-paced style of play revolutionised the game and resulted in five championships during the decade.

Following a brief lull in the 1990s, the Lakers returned to prominence with the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Under the guidance of coach Phil Jackson, the team won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Bryant would later lead the team to back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Most recently, the Lakers added to their legacy with their 17th championship in 2020, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, tying the Boston Celtics for the most titles in NBA history.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers are important

The Lakers' importance to basketball cannot be overstated. They have been at the forefront of the sport's evolution, from the dominant big men of the early years to the "Showtime" era's fast-break offence, to the modern superstar-driven teams. The franchise has consistently adapted to changing styles of play while maintaining a commitment to excellence.

The Lakers have also been instrumental in growing the NBA's global appeal. With their Hollywood connections and star-studded rosters, they've helped transform basketball into a global entertainment phenomenon. The rivalry between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics in the 1980s is widely credited with saving the NBA from financial troubles and catapulting it into the mainstream. The Lakers' inclusion on any list of greatest teams is a foregone conclusion. Their 17 championships speak volumes, but it's the consistent excellence across multiple eras that truly sets them apart. From George Mikan in the 1950s to LeBron James in the 2020s, the Lakers have fielded competitive teams in every decade of their existence.

The franchise's ability to attract and develop superstar talent is unparalleled. Names like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have all donned the purple and gold, creating a legacy of excellence that few teams can match.

Moreover, the Lakers have been innovators both on and off the court. The "Showtime" era revolutionised offensive basketball, while Dr. Jerry Buss's approach to team ownership and marketing set new standards for sports franchises worldwide.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Lakers have appeared in the NBA Finals a record 32 times
2. They hold the NBA record for the longest winning streak (33 games) set in the 1971-72 season
3. The franchise has had 13 players win the NBA MVP award, more than any other team
4. Lakers games have the highest average attendance in the NBA
5. The team's name comes from Minnesota's nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes"

Career Highlights Timeline

1947: Minneapolis Lakers founded

1949-1954: Win five NBA championships in six years

1960: Franchise relocates to Los Angeles

1972: Win first championship in Los Angeles

1979-1988: "Showtime" era, winning five championships

2000-2002: Three-peat led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant

2009-2010: Back-to-back championships led by Kobe Bryant

2020: Win 17th championship, tying Boston Celtics for most all-time

The Los Angeles Lakers' legacy as one of the greatest teams in NBA history is built on a foundation of sustained excellence, innovative play, and an unparalleled ability to adapt and thrive across multiple eras. From their early dominance in Minneapolis to their Hollywood-infused success in Los Angeles, the Lakers have consistently set the standard for what it means to be a championship organisation.

Their impact on the sport extends far beyond their 17 titles, influencing the very fabric of basketball culture and helping to propel the NBA into a global phenomenon. As they continue to evolve and compete at the highest level, the Lakers remain a benchmark for success in professional sports, their purple and gold colours synonymous with basketball greatness.