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Intro
Magic. Shaq. Wilt. Kareem. Kobe. West. Baylor. Mikan. The amount of one-name superstars this team has lets you know that the Los Angeles (and formerly Minneapolis) Lakers are one of the most iconic names in sports history. It's a team, it's a brand, it's a way of life. Just flash the colors purple and gold at certain fans, and they get all twitchy.
With 16 championships and a rich history that can be traced back to the league's inception, the Lakers have had countless great moments. But we've counted the top 50 nonetheless. From clutch shots to epic trades, sky hooks both Junior and Senior, 81 points in a single game and even a plane crash—these are the 50 Greatest Moments in Lakers History.
Lakers Break In Western Forum
50. Lakers Win First Game in Western Forum
Date: 1/17/1968
For all the acclaim Madison Square Garden receives as the game's Mecca, The Great Western Forum may be more deserving of that title. Built to resemble a Roman Colosseum, The Forum has been home to the greatest stars and most competitive basketball in league history. Plus, unlike the Knicks, the Lakers won more than two titles in their hallowed halls (shots!). So it's only fair that we pay homage to the Lakers' first victory in Mecca West, a 132-116 triumph led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West over Oscar Robertson's Cincinnati Royals.
Nick Van Exel Buzzer Beater
49. Nick Van Exel Closes Out the Garden
Date: 1/21/1995
The Lakers rivalry with the Celtics is literally as old as the game itself. As is Boston Garden. So when the home to Celtics basketball since 1946 and battlefield for ten Finals matchups between the two titans closed its doors in 1995, there was no better farewell than one last game. Since both teams had fallen on hard times in the mid '90s, it wasn't a glamorous affair, but it was exciting. Well, at least for Lakers fans, as Nick Van Exel beat the buzzer before Boston broke out the wrecking ball.
Magic Sets Finals Record With 21 Assists
48. Magic Sets Finals Record with 21 Assists
Date: 6/3/1984
The 1984 NBA Finals aren't remembered with much fondness in Hollywood. The Lakers lost to their hated Boston rivals in a grueling seven game series riddled with miscues that ultimately led to Magic Johnson's unfortunate (albeit temporary) nickname, "Tragic." But let's remember the good times. Particularly Game 3, in which L.A. handed the Celtics their worst playoff defeat in franchise history, 137-104 at The Forum, highlighted by Magic's record-breaking 21-assist triple double performance.
Kobe's Buzzer Beater Against the Suns in 06'
47. Kobe Sinks the Suns at the Buzzer
Date: 4/30/2006
There was nothing Kobe Bryant couldn't do with a basketball in 2006. Well, almost. Bryant scored 35 points a game that season, earning his first scoring title and the highest average the league had seen since Michael Jordan's 37 ppg 19 years prior. But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment was leading a team featuring Kwame Brown and Smush Parker to the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference. The 7th seeded Lakers exceeded expectations again in the first round as Kobe gave the Lakers a 3-1 series lead. Of course we all know how things turned out, but this memory still lives on in NBA lore.
Shaq Scores 61 on his B-Day
46. Shaq Scores 61 on His Birthday
Date: 5/6/2000
The league's most dominant player only wanted one thing for his birthday. The ball. Entering the final game of the season in a matchup with the Clippers, Shaquille O'Neal extended L.A.'s winning streak to 16 games with an all time performance. He finger rolled, led fast breaks, inhaled rebounds, made his free throws and of course, he dunked. When he was done, the Clippers and the box score were in shambles. 45 minutes, 24-35 FG, 13-22 FT, 61 points and 23 rebounds. On this night, much like many others, no one could stop the reign.
Kareem Beats Buzzer in Magic's First Game
45. Magic's First Game, Kareem Beats the Buzzer
Date: 10/12/1979
World B. Free had a career night with 46 points and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sunk a sky hook to win the game. But the night belonged to Magic. The rookie dazzled in his first game on the NBA stage, wowing fans with effortless ball handling and pinpoint passing. However the most telling moment was after the buzzer. Jabbar, a grizzled veteran, just considered his game winner another day at the office. But Johnson leapt into his arms with a competitive joy that was just a glimpse into the future of several championship seasons.
Magic's Return to NBA
44. Magic Returns to the NBA
Date: 1/30/1996
Magic shocked the league and the world with his abrupt retirement after contracting HIV in 1992. We had no idea what we'd do without him, but as time passed, it became increasingly clear he wasn't going anywhere. After giving coaching a shot in 1994, Magic realized that even at 36 years old, his talents were still best used on the court. Returning for the final 32 games of the '95-'96 season, Johnson posted impressive averages of 14, 7 & 6, but more importantly, he did something he hadn't before. He left on his own terms.
Ron Artest Buzzer Beater
43. Ron Artests' Game-Winner
Date: 5/27/2010
When the Lakers signed Ron Artest, they knew they'd have to take the bad along with the good. They didn't know the bad and the good would come a minute apart. With the Western Conference Finals knotted at two games apiece and the Lakers nursing a narrow lead, Ron did what Ron tends to do, chucking a needless three pointer instead of milking the clock. He was scolded by teammates, booed by fans, and thanked by the Suns, who promptly tied the game. But before that disgust could set in any further, Ron saved the game—and possibly the season—by putting back Kobe's airball at the buzzer to give L.A. a 3-2 series lead.
Kobe Hits 2 Buzzer Beaters
42. Kobe Hits 2 Buzzer-Beaters to Win Pacific Division
Date: 4/14/2004
Two games prior, Kobe took just two shots in the second half of a 17-point loss to Sacramento. A supposed act of defiance to some, treason to others. But in the final game of the regular season, he needed just two shots to save the Pacific Division title and home court advantage in the playoffs. Two threes, one to force OT, the other to win it. Two threes, both with only a second to shoot and a defender suffocating him. Two threes, all net.
Hearn's 3000th Broadcast
41. Chick Hearn's 3000th Broadcast
Date: 1/19/1998
Practically every phrase uttered during the course of a basketball game can be traced back to Chick Hearn. The Lakers broadcaster coined the terms slam dunk, air ball, boo birds, charity stripe, finger roll, dribble drive, brick, give and go, and was even the first to detail the distance of shots taken during a game. Manning the booth since 1961, Chick rarely missed a game and was so in demand that his voice was simulcast on both television and radio. So when he reached the unfathomable feat of 3,000 consecutive games, the Lakers were proud to honor the voice of their franchise.
Trade For Wilt
40. Lakers Trade for Wilt
Date: 7/9/1968
If you're looking to brush up on your trivia, Darrall Imhoff, Jerry Chambers, and Archie Clark are three guys who have never been in your kitchen, but they're also the three guys traded for Wilt Chamberlain. That's right, three guys whose own grandkids may not know they played in the NBA were traded for 1967's reigning MVP. Joining Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, the Lakers' Big Three would go on to rewrite the NBA record books. The Lakers were always a franchise capable of acquiring talent and this was their biggest signing yet.
Kobe Scores 55 in MJ's Last Game Against the Lakers
39. Kobe Drops 55 In Last Game Against MJ
Date: 3/28/2003
If we know anything about Michael Jordan, it's that he's the ultimate competitor and loves a challenge. If we know anything about Kobe Bryant, it's that he's dying to be Michael Jordan. So when the aging Wizard came to Staples Center for his final game against the Lakers, he should've known that his apprentice would show no mercy. Jordan became an impressive jump shooter in his latter years, but Bryant put on a shooting display for the ages. Kobe set a Laker record with 42 points—in the first half. Including eight three pointers. He'd finish with 55 for the game. Sound familiar, Mike? And to add another layer of irony, he did it all while guarded by Jordan's former nemesis, Byron Russell. Oh, and in a pair of Air Jordans.
Kobe Scores 61 is MSG
38. Kobe Scores 61 in MSG
Date: 2/2/2009
While Laker fans certainly garner more attention, Knicks fans lave long been held in esteem as astute observers of the game. So during a midseason road trip to MSG's hallowed halls, Kobe gave them—and the Knicks—something to watch. In a 61-point display of dazzling footwork and marksmanship, Kobe left the building with the win, the Garden's scoring record, and perhaps an even more impressive feat. He left Spike Lee speechless.
Kobe Scores 62
37. Kobe Scores 62 Points in 3 Quarters
Date: 12/20/2005
At the peak of his powers, with an unrivaled arsenal and a permanent green light, Kobe Bryant seemed capable of taking on the world in 2006. On this night, however, he'd have to settle for the Mavs. Already cooking with 35 first half points, Kobe stepped things up a notch after taking exception to a flagrant foul from Josh Howard. It seems that a franchise with such a soft reputation as Dallas that year would know better than to provoke a attack from the league's premier scorer. But in case they ever forget, a quick look at the record book will serve as a reminder. For the first time in NBA history, an entire team was outscored by a single player through three quarters. Kobe Bryant: 62, Mavericks: 61.
Jerry West Averages 46 in 65' Playoff Series
36. Jerry West Catches Fire, Averages 46 PPG in '65 Playoff Series
Date: 4/13/1965
Elgin Baylor and Jerry West were one of the league's most dynamic duos, but when Baylor went down with a crippling knee injury, the Lakers playoff chances lessened dramatically. To everyone but Jerry West, that is. In the Western Conference Finals against the Baltimore Bullets, West scored 49 points in Game 1, 52 points in Game 2, 44 points in Game 3, 48 in Game 4, 43 in Game 5, and 42 in the decisive Game 6. The Lakers won the series 4-2 and West etched his name in history with a record 46.3 ppg series average that still stands today.
Lakers Survive Plane Crash
35. Minneapolis Lakers Survive Plane Crash
Date: 1/18/1960
Everything might have been—and very well should've been—different after this moment. No Los Angeles, no Baylor, no West, no Wilt, no Kareem, no Magic, no Shaq, no Kobe and ultimately, no titles. The prestige of the purple & gold would be lost, replaced with an eternally ominous cloud of bad luck. Or maybe there would be no team at all. Instead, they landed in a corn field. In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers battled a harrowing blizzard and an electrical failure on board their team plane that forced an emergency landing on a small field in Carroll, Iowa. Everyone walked away unscathed. Were it not for that cornfield, the plane would've presumably found a far less comfortable landing and altered the course of NBA history. In recognition of the miracle's 50th anniversary, the Lakers donated $25,000 to build an outdoor court on that very same spot.
Jerry West Steal and Layup
34. Jerry West Steals a Game in 62' Finals
Date: 4/10/1962
The Lakers and Celtics rivalry was particularly lopsided in its early goings, but there were moments when it seemed the purple and gold were destined to prevail. With three seconds remaining in Game 3 of the 1962 Finals, Jerry West stole Sam Jones' inbounds pass at midcourt and raced to the basket to give Los Angeles the victory. Eventually they'd fall in overtime of the seventh game, but this moment lives on in NBA playoff lore.
Hack-A-Shaq
33. Hack-A-Shaq Fails in Finals
Date: 6/9/2000
Kobe was injured and the Lakers championship hopes were dependent on whether Shaquille O'Neal could make a free throw. It wasn't an ideal scenario to say the least. After Bryant injured his ankle in the second quarter of Game 2 in the 2000 Finals, Larry Bird did what any coach would. The Pacers resorted to the Hack-a-Shaq strategy, sending O'Neal to the line a record 39 times, where he would convert 18 attempts, including 9-16 in the fourth quarter. Hardly an impressive percentage, but still enough to secure the win and take L.A. one step closer to a title. Finishing with 40 points and 24 rebounds, Shaq continued to assert that he'd make them when they counted.
Shaq's Near Quadruple Double in 01'
32. Shaq Flirts with Finals Quadruple-Double
Date: 6/8/2001
After a shocking loss to the Sixers in Game 1 of the 2001 Finals, the Lakers needed Superman to save them from a seemingly insurmountable 0-2 deficit. He answered the call as expected. Leaving an imprint on practically every aspect of this game, Shaq brushed off a slow 1-6 start and reasserted his dominance with a near quadruple double, which would've been the first in Finals history. 28 points, 20 rebounds, 9 assists and 8 blocks. There was no stopping him and the Lakers wouldn't lose another game en route to their second straight title.
Jerry West Forces OT in 70'
31. Jerry West Forces Overtime
Date: 4/29/1970
They called him Mr. Clutch, but after this he should've been named Mr. Refuckingdiculous. In Game 3 of the 1970 Finals, Dave DeBusschere sank a short jumper to give the Knicks a two point lead with just three seconds remaining and the Lakers with no timeouts. Most teams would've conceded the loss, but West, ever the competitor, successfully as the crowd exploded. As would be his luck, the three pointer wouldn't exist for another nine seasons and Lakers went on to lose in overtime.
Trade For Pau Gasol
30. Lakers Trade for Pau Gasol
Date: 2/1/2008
The Lakers always find a way to secure top level talent, especially big men. But this was ridiculous. With Kobe Bryant demanding a trade out of Hollywood, the Lakers were under immense pressure to find another star to return them to championship contention. And just like that, it happened. Five years later, we still can't believe it happened. Pau Gasol for...Kwame Brown!? It was a mind boggling exchange that ultimately led to more titles in Tinsletown and for once rendered Stephen A. Smith's trademark hyperbole entirely appropriate.
Lakers Hire Phil Jackson
29. Lakers Hire the Zen Master
Date: 6/16/1999; 6/14/2005
Shaq & Kobe will probably go down as the greatest duo to ever play the game. An unparalleled combo of speed, skill and strength, the only thing that could stop them was their own petty bickering. After a series of inexplicable early playoff exits, the Lakers hired the only coach capable of managing such talent. Phil Jackson provided immediate results, leading Los Angeles to three straight titles and making his case for being considered the best of all time.
Sign Shaq & Draft Kobe
28. The Summer of '96
Date: 7/18/1996 (Shaq); 6/26/1996 (Kobe)
Jerry West was Mr.Clutch on the court, but his greatest achievement may have come as a general manager. In the summer of '96, West fervently worked the phones, wooing a superstar Shaq out of Orlando and perhaps more impressively, recognized the boundless potential of a young Kobe Bryant, and stole him from the Hornets. Wowed by the high schooler in draft workouts, West acquired the rights to Bryant from Charlotte in exchange for an aging Vlade Divac and the rest, as they say, is history.
Lakers Trade for Kareem
27. Lakers Trade for Kareem
Date: 6/16/1975
Kareem Abdul Jabbar was a scoring and rebounding force, a three time MVP and an NBA champion. But most importantly in 1975, he was a man looking for a change of scenery. Despite his success alongside Oscar Roberston in Milwaukee, Kareem desired a locale that fit his cultural needs and requested a trade. Los Angeles welcomed him with open arms and Jabbar breathed new life into the franchise.
Lakers Draft Magic After Winning a Coin Flip
26. Lakers Win Coin Flip, Draft Magic
Date: 6/25/1979
A simple flip of a coin was another fortuitous turn of events that furthered the Lakers reputation as a team of destiny. The top pick in the 1979 Draft came down to a call of heads or tails. The Chicago Bulls went with heads and lost the pick to the then New Orleans Jazz. However the Jazz were required to compensate Los Angeles after previously signing free agent Gail Goodrich. Included in their package of three draft picks was their first rounder in '79. The Lakers, of course, drafted Magic Johnson and then it was Showtime.
Lakers Draft Jerry West
25. Lakers Draft Jerry West
Date: 4/11/1960
Oscar Robertson was the first selection in the 1960 Draft, a territorial pick of the Cincinnati Royals. The soon to be relocated Minneapolis Lakers then selected West Virginia guard Jerry West. Now given their resumes as players, there seemingly wasn't a loser in this scenario. Two Hall of Famers, two icons, two winners, right? But considering West's undying loyalty to the Lakers and subsequent success as a general manager, this is one situation where the Lakers were lucky to have come in second.
Magic's 24 Assists in a Playoff Game
24. Magic's Playoff Record, 24 Assists in a Game
Date: 5/15/1984
Glance quickly enough over the box score from May 15, 1984 and you might think Magic Johnson didn't have that good of a game: six points, seven rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. Nothing extraordinary, right? Now check the assists column. That's right, 24 of them, a playoff record which still stands to this day. Johnson found everyone in sight during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, as Los Angeles breezed past the Suns 118-106.
Magic Becomes Assist Leader
23. Magic's the NBA's All-Time Assists Leader
Date: 4/15/1991
For a career filled with such wizardry, it was a shockingly simple climax. A textbook entry pass to Terry Teagle ended in a turnaround jumper. It was assist number nine in the game for Magic Johnson, but number 9,888 for his career, taking him past Oscar Robertson and making Showtime's conductor the NBA's all-time assist leader.
Mikan leads Lakers to First Titile in NBA History
22. George Mikan, Lakers Win First Title in NBA History
Date: 4/13/1949
The league was quite different back then, but some things never change. George Mikan was the NBA's first superstar and in 1949, he was the only superstar. Mr. Basketball trounced the competition with his size and skill early and often, knowing nothing could stop him. Not even a broken hand would slow him down, as he led the Lakers to the first title in league history in five games.
Mikan leads Lakers to First Threepeat
21. George Mikan Leads Lakers to First Threepeat
Date: 4/12/1954
The only thing that would ever slow Mikan down was time and the center's knee's began to break down late in his career. But after a few timely signings, the Lakers continued their championship reign with rookie Clyde Lovellette complementing their superstar center. Minneapolis triumphed over the Syracse Nationals in six games for their third straight title and the NBA's first dynasty.
Elgin Baylor Scores 71 in a Playoff Game
20. Elgin Baylor Breaks His Own Record, Scores 71
Date: 11/15/1960
Continuing their string of good fortune, the Lakers drafted another superstar shortly after Mikan's departure. Elgin Baylor was the first player to take the game to the air and immediately took the league by storm. He'd established himself with a series of breakout performances, but his strongest showing would result in a new scoring record. Baylor couldn't be contained in a November matchup against the Knicks and finished with an astounding 71 points along with 25 rebounds. The old record? Elgin Baylor's 64 points during the previous season.
Elgin Baylor Sets Playoff Scoring Record
19. Elgin Baylor's Record 61 Points in a Playoff Game
Date: 4/14/1962
Baylor was called out of the reserves into active duty by the Army during the 1962 season. He was only allowed to play on a weekend pass, yet somehow still scored over 1,800 points that year in only 48 games. Saving his best for last, Baylor lit up the rival Celtics for 61 points during Game 5 of the 1962 Finals, setting a record that still stands fifty years later.
Jerry West Wins Finals MVP in 69'
18. Jerry West Loses in Finals but Wins MVP
Date: 5/5/1969
The 1969 Finals were Jerry West's sixth trip to the championship round and despite admitted exhaustion, he put forth a valiant effort in search of his first championship. With 53 points in Game 1 and 43 in Game 2, the Lakers jumped out to a 2-0 series lead. But a hamstring injury in Game 5 visibly hobbled West for the remainder of the Finals. Not to be deterred, West still registered a 42-point triple double in Game 7, however it simply wasn't enough. Boston won the game 108-106 and the title. Yet in recognition of his stellar play, West still won Finals MVP, the only player to do so despite losing the championship. Of course this probably added insult to injury for a hypercompetitive player, but it was also a well deserved honor.
Magic Wins Second Title in 82'
17. Magic Gets His Second Title
Date: 6/8/1982
Magic was always known as a cheerful and carefree personality, but we saw another side to the superstar in 1982. A contentious relationship with coach Paul Westhead over the offense led to Westhead's firing early that season. Magic was suddenly viewed as a malcontent and felt the ire of several Lakers fans, who failed to notice that he missed the second triple double average in league history by mere fractions (18.6, 9.6 & 9.5). But Johnson would have the last laugh when the Lakers defeated Philadelphia in six games to secure their second title since his arrival.
Jerry West Wins First NBA Championship
16. Jerry West Gets a Ring
Date: 5/7/1972
Even in victory, Jerry West's singular mindset found room for criticism. West considered his play subpar in the 1972 Finals, but it was only appropriate that his team finally lifted him to victory. Wilt Chamberlain propelled the Lakers to a title in five games over the Knicks, but it was never in doubt that this moment belonged to Jerry West. Even if he didn't want it.
Kobe Wins One Without Shaq
15. Kobe Answers Critics, Wins Without Shaq
Date: 6/14/2009
Regardless of how silly the criticism was, Kobe Bryant, always in search of motivation, was still driven by rumblings that he hadn't won a title without Shaq. So after an embarrassing Finals loss to the Celtics in 2008, Bryant was determined not to leave another Finals empty handed, averaging 32, 5 & 7 against Orlando, en route to his first Finals MVP award. Now whether we considered it his first title or his fourth, his place amongst NBA legends was undeniable.
Kobe Takes Over Game 4 of 00' Finals
14. Kobe Bryant: The Takeover
Date: 6/14/2000
Kobe was still hobbling around on a sprained ankle and Shaq had just fouled out. Overtime of Game 4 should've belonged to the Pacers, but Bryant wasn't to be denied. If the Michael Jordan comparisons can be traced back to any single moment, it's this one. As Shaq trudged back towards the bench, Kobe calmly reassured him, “I got you.” If that wasn't enough, he repeated it after practically every bucket he drained, none more important than the tip in with six seconds remaining
Kareem Becomes All-Time Scoring Leader
13. Kareem is NBA's All-Time Scoring Leader
Date: 4/5/1984
The skyhook is undoubtedly the most unstoppable shot in basketball. Given Kareem's height and length, once he pivots and extended his arm, the only options a defender had were to foul him or just hope he missed. It was only right that he also put the all time scoring record out of reach by using that very move.
Lakers Sweep Spurs in 01'
12. Lakers Sweep Spurs
Date: 5/27/2001
The Lakers were truly Hollywood's team in 2001. Much of the season was spent chronicling the continually escalating feud between Kobe and Shaq, leaving fans and teammates alike to wonder exactly how they were to defend their title as a team divided. But like all good dramas, the Lakers found common ground when it was needed. First they swept the Blazers. Then they swept the Kings. What was anticipated to be a knock down, drag out affair with their rivals just ended with the Spurs getting knocked the hell out in four straight games too. If not for an inspired performance by MVP Allen Iverson in Game 1 of the Finals, L.A. would've swept the entire playoffs. Instead, they'd have to settle for a 15-1 record and wide regard as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Derek Fisher Buzzer Beater with .4 Left
11. ".4"
Date: 5/13/2004
One of the most improbable victories in NBA history. Tim Duncan had sunk an unbelievable 18-footer over Shaq to give the Spurs a lead in Game 5, and with only 0.4 seconds left, presumably the series. But that sliver of time was all it took for Derek Fisher to snatch victory away from the Spurs and literally run away with the series. Ultimately, this shot would be just a footnote in a season that ended with a Finals loss to Detroit, but Lakers fans celebrated this moment as much as any championship.
Lakers Win 33 Straight
10. Lakers Win 33 Straight
Date: 11/5/1972-1/7/1972
Two months is a long time in an NBA season. The travel and stress is enough to wear down the best of teams. Two months without a loss in the NBA is absolutely unimaginable. Yet despite Elgin Baylor's retirement after just eight games, the Lakers did just that in 1972, defeating the Baltimore Bullets on November 5th and not losing until January 7th in Milwaukee. Their 33 games are the longest winning streak in any pro sport and will likely never be broken.
Kobe Scores 81
9. "81"
Date: 1/22/2006
Kobe Bryant isn't seven feet tall. He relies primarily on jump shots and slashes to the rim. Though the Toronto Raptors were indeed a sorry bunch, they were also far more equipped to defend Kobe than those poor saps matched up against Wilt every night. With that in mind, it's difficult not to consider this the greatest scoring performance ever. 81 points, with 55 in the second half alone. It was the perfect storm of ability, opportunity, and motivation. Kobe couldn't do it again if he tried. We doubt anyone else could either.
Magic's 92 All-Star Game
8. Magic's Return to the All-Star Game, Wins MVP
Date: 2/9/1992
Three months prior, Magic Johnson stunned the sporting world with his retirement due to HIV. But the fans voted him in the All-Star Game as a starter anyway. Controversy ensued about health risks and his eligibility from teammates and opponents alike, but Johnson suited up and put forth the most memorable All-Star MVP performance ever: 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, with several lasting images. It was a proper send off for one of the game's greatest ambassadors. We'd even forgive someone if they called it Magical.
Lakers Win 10 Finals
7. Lakers Avenge Loss To Celtics, Win Finals in Game 7
Date: 6/17/2010
The Lakers and Celtics rivalry was renewed after two decades in 2008 with a six-game Boston smackdown that didn't even feel that long. So when the two teams tangled again in 2010, this time with the Lakrs as defending champs, both were out for blood. Back and forth it went, leading to Game 7, an ugly, yet exciting affair with the unlikeliest of heroes. As Kobe Bryant struggled to find his footing during a 6-24 performance, Ron Artest steadied the ship with a series of timely baskets, including two key three pointers in the final minutes. The Lakers were once again back to back champs and there was no sweeter sight than their former bullies slinking off in defeat.
Robert Horry's Buzzer-Beater
6. Robert Horry Saves the Season
Date: 5/26/2002
Things weren't looking so good. The Lakers were on a mission to threepeat, but the upstart Sacramento Kings had plans of their own. Up 2-1, the Kings came to Staples to put a stranglehold on the series, breaking out to a 24-point lead. However the Lakers came roaring back and down by two, with seconds remaining, Kobe drove the lane. Then Shaq attempted a put back. Then, Robert Horry reminded everyone that he should've got the ball in the first place.
James Worthy's Finals Game Triple-Double
5. James Worthy's Game 7 Triple Double
Date: 6/21/1988
The Detroit Pistons were a hungry and talented squad and the Lakers hadn't won a Game 7 since 1954. So of course this was when we all should've expected James Worthy to post the first—and only—triple double of his career. Furthermore, it was the first triple double in a Finals Game 7. If there's a more fitting nickname than Big Game James, we sure don't know what it is.
Shaq and Kobe Lead Comeback
4. Shaq & Kobe: The Comeback
Date: 6/4/2000
Who knows what would've happened if they lost this. Kobe could've been traded. Or maybe Shaq would've just killed him. After hiring Phil Jackson that summer, the Lakers tore off 67 wins, with Shaq earning his first scoring title and MVP along the way. Everyone presumed their troubles were behind them and prepared to watch L.A. march towards its first title in years. Then it happened. They blew a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals to a talented Blazers squad. Making matters worse, in Game 7, the Blazers held a 15-point lead entering the fourth quarter and the only question was who would be blamed for this implosion. But the Lakers rallied for the biggest playoff comeback in NBA history and an unforgettable play to cement their victory. The drama was far from over, but neither was their winning.
Lakers Beat Celtics in 85'
3. Lakers Beat Celtics, Champs in 85
Date: 5/30/1985
Twenty-five years, eight tries, eight losses. The Lakers had never beat the Celics in the NBA Finals, including a heartbreaking seven game series the previous season. The Celtics, looking to repeat as Champs in '85, certainly didn't give the Lakers much hope during a 148-114 ass-whooping in Game 1, better known as the Memorial Day Massacre. But the Lakers found their resolve, winning four of the next five games to finally break the Celtic curse. Becoming the first visiting team to celebrate a championship in Boston Garden was just icing on the cake.
Junior Skyhook
2. Magic's Junior Skyhook Gives Lakers 3-1 Advantage
Date: 6/9/1987
What would be the last Finals matchup of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's careers didn't turn out to be much of a contest, however it's doubtful any Laker fans lamented the lack of intrigue. Los Angeles held a 2-1 series lead when Bird sank a three pointer late in Game 4, looking to knot them at two apiece. But Magic Johnson stuck another dagger in Boston's heart with his iconic "junior sky hook" over McHale and Parish to give the Lakers a commanding 3-1 series lead. L.A. would go on to win the series in six, Magic was the unanimous Finals MVP and victor of his decade-long war against Bird.
Magic Rookie MVP
1. Magic Starts at Center, Wins Finals MVP
Date: 5/16/1980
Up 3-2 against Philly in a grueling Finals matchup, Kareem Abdul Jabbar was sidelined for Game 6 with a sprained ankle. The Lakers were emotionally wounded without their Captain and presumably looking ahead towards Game 7. But Magic Johnson was either too good or simply too naïve to be scared. Starting at center in Kareem's place, the rookie put on an exhibition in one of the most clutch performances of all time. Playing practically every position over the course of the contest, Johnson recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists in a convincing 123-107 victory. Winning NCAA and NBA titles in back to back years, Magic shocked the world and another Laker dynasty was born.