Los Angeles Lakers Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

What was the Lakers' Showtime era?

"Showtime" refers to the Lakers of the 1980s, led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy under coach Pat Riley.

Known for a fast-break, high-scoring, entertaining style, the Showtime Lakers won five NBA championships in the decade and turned Lakers games into Hollywood events at the Forum.

How many championships have the Lakers won?

The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships — five in Minneapolis and twelve in Los Angeles — tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history.

Their rivalry with the Celtics, whom they've met a record number of times in the Finals, is the defining rivalry of the NBA.

Were the Lakers originally from Minneapolis?

Yes.

The franchise began as the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947 — the name references Minnesota's "Land of 10,000 Lakes" — and won five early championships behind George Mikan before relocating to Los Angeles in 1960. The "Lakers" name stuck despite Los Angeles having few lakes.

Los Angeles Lakers Records, Titles & Milestones

How many NBA championships have the Los Angeles Lakers won?

The Los Angeles Lakers have won 8 NBA championships (2020, 2010, 2009, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1988, 1987).

Do the Los Angeles Lakers retire jersey numbers?

The Lakers have retired 13 numbers for 12 players — Kobe Bryant is the only player in NBA history with two numbers (8 and 24) retired by the same team. The franchise also honors broadcaster Chick Hearn with a microphone in the rafters.

Ring of Honor (12 members)

The Greatest Los Angeles Lakers Players of All Time

Who is the greatest Los Angeles Lakers player of all time?

By the measure of championships, individual honors, and lasting impact, Magic Johnson tops most all-time Los Angeles Lakers rankings. The full top 5 follows.

1. Magic Johnson PG \u00b7 1979–1991, 1996

   Five-time champion, three-time MVP, and the engine of Showtime. Redefined what a point guard could be at 6'9" and is central to the greatest era in franchise history.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C \u00b7 1975–1989

   The NBA's all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years, a Lakers champion five times over, and owner of the unstoppable skyhook.

3. Kobe Bryant SG \u00b7 1996–2016

   Five-time champion, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, and the only player with two numbers retired by the team. Twenty seasons, all in purple and gold.

4. Shaquille O'Neal C \u00b7 1996–2004

   The most dominant force of his era — three straight titles and three Finals MVPs alongside Kobe, anchoring the early-2000s three-peat.

5. Jerry West G \u00b7 1960–1974

   "The Logo" — the silhouette of the NBA's emblem, a Finals MVP, and a franchise cornerstone whose number 44 hangs in the rafters.