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Basketball

Los Angeles Lakers Colors Meaning

by Jon 15 Jul 2024
Los Angeles Lakers Colors Meaning

The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team with decades of success, and their colors have remained consistent since they were established in 1958. Purple and gold are the official colors of the Lakers, specifically a deep and bold shade of purple and bright yellow gold, which represent the team’s heritage, strength and success.

The two colors also evoke a sense of regality and royalty, which is fittingly reflective of the Lakers’ iconic status. The choice to keep these two colors as their official colors is a part of the Lakers’ identity and history and helps to create a unique visual identity for the team.

The Lakers were founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1947 and when they relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, the colors were brought along with them. In the early days of the NBA, most teams had red and blue as their official colors, but the Lakers’ choice to go with purple and gold was a unique choice that made them stand out in a very competitive atmosphere.

The Lakers’ purple and gold was a color combination that was immediately recognized and associated with the Lakers, and it has become so iconic and recognizable that it is almost inseparable from the team itself. The colors became an integral part of the Lakers’ brand and it’s clear that the choice to use these two particular colors was a wise decision.

The warm yellow gold and deep purples are not just a way to recognize the team’s past, but they also symbolize their future. The yellow gold is a reminder of their illustrious past,but the deep purple is a representation of the future and a sign that the team has the potential to be even more successful than it already is.

Los Angeles Lakers color codes: RGB, CMYK, Pantone, Hex

The Lakers’ colors are truly unique in terms of the NBA landscape, and that is why they have been so successful for so many decades. The combination of the royal purple and the warm yellow gold evokes a sense of quality, prestige and success, which is exactly what the Lakers strive for. With these two colors adorning the team’s apparel, jerseys and logo, the Lakers will always remain an iconic symbol of basketball excellence.

Los Angeles Lakers color codes
Gold Hex color: #fdb927
RGB: 253 185 39
CMYK: 0 30 94 0
Pantone: PMS 123 C
Purple Hex color: #552583
RGB: 85 37 130
CMYK: 79 100 0 12
Pantone: PMS 526 C
Black Hex color: #000000
RGB: 6 25 34
CMYK: 30 100 0 0
Pantone: PMS Black C

Los Angeles Lakers Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers are an American-qualified basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Western Conference in the Pacific Division. 

The Lakers play their home games at Staples Center, an arena shared with the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association.

In this LA Lakers Overview, Red's Army will provide you with information about this basketball team. Let's start.

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History

1947–1958: Beginnings and Minneapolis dynasty

Los Angeles Lakers

In 1947, Minneapolis-based basketball team the Lakers purchased the Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League. The purchase was arranged by sportswriter Sid Hartman and helped to secure the team's first head coach, John Kundla.

The Gems had been disbanded just a few months earlier, and the Lakers were inspired by their Minnesota namesake, taking on the nickname "Lakers." In their inaugural season, they led the NBL with a 43-17 record and won the championship.

The following year, they moved to the Basketball Association of America, and Mikan set an NBA record with his 28.3 points per game average. They repeated as champions in 1949 and 1950 and reached the Western Division Finals in 1956 but had one of the worst seasons in team history in 1957.

1958–1968: Move to Los Angeles and Celtics rivalry

Los Angeles Lakers 1958–1968

In 1960, the Lakers were coming off a 25-50 record. They were selected second in the 1960 NBA draft and selected Jerry West from West Virginia University. In the 1960 off-season, the team became the first West Coast team when owner Bob Short decided to move the team to Los Angeles.

Led by Baylor's 34.8 ppg and 19.8 RPG, the Lakers won 11 more games than they did the year before while also breaking Jerry West's scoring record. In 1966, the Lakers lost in the Finals to the Boston Celtics. The following year, they lost in the Finals again to the Celtics, this time by two points. In 1968, the Lakers moved to a brand-new arena, The Forum.

1968–1973: The arrival of Wilt Chamberlain

LA Lakers Wilt Chamberlain

In 1968, the Lakers acquired Wilt Chamberlain from the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first season with the team, Chamberlain set a team record by averaging a league-leading 21.1 rebounds per game. The Lakers and Celtics again met in the finals, and Los Angeles had a home-court advantage against Boston for the first time in their rivalry.

However, Boston won the series in seven games. In 1970, West won his first scoring title at 31.2 points per game. The next season the Lakers were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, led by future Laker Lew Alcindor (now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

The 1971-72 season brought several changes, including the arrival of new head coach Bill Sharman and the retirement of Elgin Baylor. The Lakers went on to win 14 straight games in November and all 16 games played in December.

1973–1979: Building "Showtime"

Building Showtime

In 1973, the Lakers lost their superstar, West, to a leg injury. With no one to replace him, the Lakers struggled. However, Goodrich stepped up and led the team to a late-season surge. In 1975, they acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he helped lead them to their first division title in years.

The following season, they made it to the playoffs but were swept by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, in 1978, they managed to win 47 games while losing their starting power forward, Washington, to an altercation. Despite this, they were unable to make it past the semifinals. The Lakers would not make the playoffs again until 1988.

1979–1991: "Showtime"

Los Angeles Lakers Showtime

In 1979, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. At first, his teammates were unaccustomed to his passing ability, as his "no-look" passes often caught them unaware. Once they adjusted, Johnson's passing became a key part of the Lakers' offense.

The Lakers won 60 games in Johnson's rookie year and beat the Philadelphia 76ers in six games in the 1980 NBA Finals. Johnson won the Finals MVP award and helped the team win several more championships in the following years.

In 1983, the Lakers lost the Finals to the Boston Celtics but rebounded to win the title the next year against the Celtics again. This led to Johnson being dubbed the "Lakers Legend".

In the 1985-86 season, the Lakers started 24-3 and went on to win 62 games, their 5th straight division title. In the 1986-87 season, they acquired Mychal Thompson from the Spurs, who helped lead them to a 65-17 record.

The 1988-89 season saw the Lakers fail to win the Pacific Division for the first time in 10 years but still finished with a 58-24 record. In the 1990-91 season, they failed to make it to the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years.

However, in 1991, they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. This marked the turning point in the history of the Lakers, as they would not make it back to the NBA Finals until 2000.

1991–1996: Post-"Showtime" dry spell

Post-Showtime dry spell

In 1991, Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire from basketball. The Lakers, who were then managed by Mike Dunleavy, went on to lose 43 games in his first season without him.

However, they still made the playoffs, and in the opening round, they won two games against a number one seed. After the season, Dunleavy was fired, and Magic Johnson returned as player-coach. The next two seasons were successful, but after some disagreements with Nick Van Exel, Magic retired for the final time.

1996–2004: O'Neal and Bryant dynasty

O'Neal and Bryant dynasty

In 1996, the 17-year-old Kobe Bryant was traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. Bryant had a successful rookie year with the Lakers, leading them to a 56-26 record and third place in the league in blocked shots.

In 1997, head coach Del Harris was fired after a three-game losing streak and replaced on an interim basis by former Laker Kurt Rambis. The Lakers finished 31-19 in the strike-shortened season and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they defeated Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers four games to two.

West retired from his spot in the team's front office after the season. In the 2017-2018 season, the Lakers started off strong with a record of 17-5. However, they soon fell to 13-15 and then 10-16. In order to try and save their season, they traded for Anthony Davis. They then went on a tear and ended up with a 55-27 record. They were able to make it to the NBA Finals but lost to the Golden State Warriors.

In 2001-02, the Lakers finished the season with a record of 58-24. They swept their first-round playoff opponent, the Portland Trail Blazers, in 4 games and then faced off against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. The series was widely considered one of the greatest playoff matchups in NBA history and went to 7 games.

In game 1, Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, leading the Lakers to a 106-99 victory. The next two games were won by the Sacramento Kings, who would go on to lose the series to the Lakers.

However, in game 4, with the Lakers down 3-1 in the series and only 20 seconds remaining in the game, Robert Horry stole the ball from Karl Malone and passed it to Vlade Divac, who tapped it away from the rim, securing the win for the Lakers.

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2004–2016: The Kobe Bryant Era

Kobe Bryant Era

2004–2007: Rebuilding

The 2004-05 season was a rebuilding year for the Lakers as O'Neal was traded to Miami. This led to tension between Bryant and O'Neal which caused the latter to be traded to the Heat.

Jackson resigned as head coach shortly after the season and was replaced by Rudy Tomjanovich. Despite being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the season saw Bryant break the record for most points scored in a game.

2007–2011: Bryant and Gasol duo

In 2007, the Lakers re-acquired Derek Fisher and started the season 25-11. Pau Gasol was acquired from Memphis in February and went on to help the Lakers win 22 games in the regular season, earning him the Western Conference MVP.

The Lakers reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 but lost to the Celtics. In the following season, Phil Jackson returned as head coach, and the Lakers won 65 games, their best record in the Western Conference. They defeated the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the playoffs but were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. After the season, it was announced that Jackson would not be returning to coach the Lakers.

2011–2016: Post-Jackson era

Post-Jackson era

After retiring from the NBA, Jackson is hired by the Lakers as their new head coach. The season starts poorly, with Odom being traded and Fisher being acquired in a trade deadline deal.

After a 41-25 record, the Lakers make it to the playoffs but are swept by the Thunder in the second round. Brown is fired after the season, and D'Antoni is hired as his replacement. Despite missing key players due to injury, the Lakers managed to finish the season with a 40-32 record and clinched a playoff berth.

Scott is named the new head coach, and the team looks forward to improving on their previous season's record. The Lakers struggled the following season, with D'Angelo Russell struggling to live up to expectations.

However, in the playoffs, they made it to the second round, where they were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors. After the season, coach Byron Scott was fired and replaced by Luke Walton.

2016–2018: Post-Bryant era

Luke Walton takes over as head coach of the Lakers, inheriting a team with high expectations after years of losing. The Lakers acquired several young stars in the draft, including Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, and look to build off their recent success.

2018–present: The LeBron James era

LeBron James era

2018–2019: The Arrival of LeBron James

LeBron James and the Lakers agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract on July 9, 2018. The Lakers were six games above.500 by the Christmas Day game when James suffered a groin injury that caused him to miss several weeks of action.

Ball and Ingram both prematurely terminated their campaigns due to injuries. Zubac and Michael Beasley were dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 7, 2019, along with Mike Muscala.

The Lakers fired head coach Luke Walton two days after Johnson resigned as the organization's president of basketball operations on April 9, 2019, after the team missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

2019–present: James and Davis era

The Lakers have had a tumultuous off-season, as they lost their last remaining young core player, Kyle Kuzma, in a trade with the Utah Jazz. They then acquired some veteran players, including Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, to help try and bring back the glory days of the team.

Rivalries

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers rivalry features the two most illustrious basketball teams in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. The NBA's greatest rivalry has been described as it.  Since they first faced off in the NBA Finals in 1959, the two clubs have faced off the record 12 times.

In the 1960s and 1980s, when they played each other six times in the 1960s and three times in the 1980s, they would go on to rule the league.

The rivalry has diminished since Magic Johnson and Larry Bird retired in the early 1990s, but it was reignited in 2008 when the Celtics and Lakers faced off in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. The Celtics went on to win the series 4-2, reigniting the rivalry. In the 2010 NBA Finals, which the Lakers won in 7 games, they squared off once more.

With 17 titles each, the two teams have a tie for the most championships; their combined 34 titles make up nearly half of the 74 championships in NBA history.

The Celtics have an overall record of 204-162 against the Lakers, making them the series' favorites.

Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons

In the late 1980s, a rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons began to grow. In the 1988 NBA Finals, which the Lakers won in 7 games, and the 1989 NBA Finals, which the Pistons won in 4 games, both teams faced off against one another.

When both teams met in the 2004 NBA Finals, which the Pistons won in five games, the rivalry reemerged in the early 2000s.

Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers

Because they are the only two NBA teams to share an arena, the Crypto.com Arena, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers is special. Aside from the new crosstown rivalry between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, there are only two intra-city rivalries in the NBA.

The Lakers have typically been supported by Los Angeles residents.

According to some, the term "rivalry" wasn't accurate until the Clippers started to have greater success.

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers formed what some would consider a rivalry. The clubs have combined to play in seven consecutive NBA Finals since their first meeting in the NBA Playoffs in 1999. (from 1999 to 2005). From 1999 to 2003, the clubs won five NBA titles collectively.

The Spurs won in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014, while the Lakers triumphed in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. The clubs' rivalry was frequently regarded as the NBA's best from 1999 to 2004, and each time the clubs faced off in the playoffs, the winner proceeded to the NBA Finals.

The clubs reconnected in the Western Conference Finals in 2008, where the Spurs were soundly trounced, only for them to triumph against the Lakers in 2013.

Name, logo and uniforms

Lakers Name, logo and uniforms

Because Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," the moniker "Laker" originated there. White, gold, and purple are the team's colors. The Los Angeles Lakers' team name is printed in purple on top of a gold basketball in the franchise's logo. For home games on Sundays and major holidays, the squad typically dons white jerseys.

Los Angeles Lakers Stats

Season 2021-22

  • Record: 33-49, Finished 11th in NBA Western Conference
  • Coach: Frank Vogel (33-49)
  • Executive: Rob Pelinka
  • PTS/G: 112.1 (11th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 115.1 (28th of 30)
  • SRS: -3.08 (22nd of 30) Pace: 100.1 (4th of 30)
  • Off Rtg: 110.3 (23rd of 30) Def Rtg: 113.3 (21st of 30) Net Rating: -3.0 (22nd of 30)
  • Expected W-L: 33-49 (22nd of 30)
  • Preseason Odds: Championship +425, Over-Under 52.5
  • Arena: Crypto.com Arena Attendance: 764,631 (5th of 30)

Season 2022-23

  • Record: 0-0, 1st in NBA Western Conference
  • Coach: Darvin Ham (0-0)
  • Preseason Odds: Championship +1400

Ownerships, Financial History, and Fanbase

Lakers ownership

In 1947, Berger and Chalfen purchased the Detroit Gems for $15,000 and changed their name to the Lakers. Max Winter bought a third of the club in their early years and sold his share to Mikan in 1954. Berger bought Mikan's share in 1956, giving him a controlling ( 2/3 ) interest.

After Mikan retired, attendance plummeted, and the team lost money for several seasons, leading the ownership group to put the team up for sale in 1957. Marty Marion, a retired baseball player and manager, and his business partner Milton Fischman attempted to purchase the team with the intention of moving the club to Kansas City, Missouri.

Mikan offered to mortgage his home in an attempt to buy the team and keep the club in Minnesota. The Lakers were sold to a group of investors led by Bob Short, however.

In the 1960s, Lakers owner Jerry Buss invested heavily in new players and facilities to try and turn his team into a contender. When Buss was forced to sell the team in 1979, he passed on the ownership to his children, who have allowed major sponsors to enter into the team's branding. In 2013, Jerry Buss died after a long battle with cancer, leaving his children in charge of the Lakers.

Franchise and NBA records

Lakers championship

As a young player, Kobe Bryant set many individual team records for longevity and scoring. His most notable achievements include most games played (1,333), most minutes logged (48,298), most assists (10,141), highest assist average for a season (13.1), and most triple-doubles (138).

Johnson holds all significant assist records for the Lakers, including career assists (10,141), assists in a game (24), and the highest assist average for a season (13.1). He also has the most blocks in a game (17), blocks per game for a season (4.85), and career blocks per game (3.93).

The scoring records are mostly shared by Elgin Baylor and Bryant, with Baylor having the highest average for a career (27.4) while Bryant has the highest points scored in a single game (81).

Home Arenas

Lakers Home arenas

Crypto.com Arena, located in downtown Los Angeles, is home to the Lakers and the Clippers. The arena opened in fall 1999 and seats up to 18,997 for Lakers games.

The Lakers played their home games at The Forum in Inglewood, California, from 1967-1999 before moving into Crypto.com Arena.

In 2009, the team hosted a preseason game versus the Golden State Warriors to commemorate the team's 50th anniversary season in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers Roster 2022

Number Name Position
  Fabian White Jr. Forward
  Max Christie Guard
  Cole Swider Forward
  Scotty Pippen Jr. Guard
  Javante McCoy Guard
0 Russell Westbrook Guard
2 Wayne Ellington Guard
3 Anthony Davis Forward-Center
4 D.J. Augustin Guard
4 Lonnie Walker IV Guard-Forward
5 Talen Horton-Tucker Guard
6 LeBron James Forward
7 Carmelo Anthony Forward
7 Troy Brown Jr. Guard-Forward
9 Kent Bazemore Guard-Forward
12 Kendrick Nunn Guard
13 Thomas Bryant Center-Forward
14 Stanley Johnson Forward-Guard
15 Austin Reaves Guard
20 Avery Bradley Guard
30 Damian Jones Center
30 Jay Huff Forward
35 Wenyen Gabriel Forward
39 Dwight Howard Center-Forward
95 Juan Toscano-Anderson Forward

Los Angeles Lakers Coach 2022

Name Position
Darvin Ham Head Coach
Phil Handy Assistant Coach
Chris Jent Assistant Coach
Jordan Ott Assistant Coach
Schuyler Rimmer Assistant Coach
Roger Sancho Trainer

FAQs

Los Angeles Lakers Overview:

What Year Did the Lakers Win Their First Championship?

In the 1949 BAA Finals, the Lakers won their first championship, beating the Washington Capitols four games to two.

How Many NBA Championships Do The Lakers Have?

The Los Angeles Lakers have won a total of 17 championships and are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.

Where Did the Lakers Play Before the Staples Center?

The STAPLES Center opened in 1999 after the Lakers moved from The Forum, which was the team's previous home.

Conclusion

The information on the Warriors basketball team is pointed out above. In the comments box, please let us know if you have any questions or would want further details about the team. We value you're visiting our post.

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