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The Los Angeles Lakers is a National Basketball Association team based in the largest city of California , Los Angeles . It was established in 1947 and joined NBA in 1948. Prior to its existing name, the club was recognized as Minneapolis Lakers from 1947 to 1960. All through the 1940s and 1950s they conquered the NBA. In 1951, they won their first NBA championship. The club was then led by George Mikan who stood 6-10. He scored 11,764 points (22.6 ppg) in his nine professional seasons of basketball. His points were the best in league history when he retired. The Lakers created an era by subjugating 4 Championships in the first five years of the NBA. They took home the victory by winning three back-to-back seasons from 1999-2002.
The veterans who assisted the team to taste the fruit of success include the names of include Kareem Abdul Jabar, Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, Jerry West, and Magic Johnson.In 1954, their dominance came to an end with the retirement of Mikan. The team also lagged behind due to the introduction of the 24-second shot clock and due to the limitations on the personal fouls. The change in the set of laws made the game quick-paced for which the Lakers were not yet ready. .The Lakers became the recipient of six Western Conference titles from 1961-62 to 1968-69 but every time they were knock down by the Celtics.
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Guard Gail Goodrich and Jerry West became the conspicuous stars of this time. In the late 70s guards Magic Johnson and Norm Nixon, forwards Michael Cooper and Jamaal Wilkes became the focus of an explosive team. Following the methodical guidelines of coach Pat Riley, the Lakers captured NBA championships from 1979-80 to 1987-88. The early 90s belonged to center Vlade Divac, forward Cedric Ceballos, and guard Nick Van Exel. Currently the clubs' active lineup looks like an All-Star team, with players such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, Karl Marlone and coach Phil Jackson all set to take the club towards a new horizon.
The home stadium of the Lakers is Staples Center . It was inaugurated in 1999 and can accommodate 19,000 basketball admirers. The Lakers wear purple and gold colored jersey. Their logo has a yellow colored basketball with “LOS ANGELES LAKERS” in purple superimposed on it. |
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