Los Angeles Lakers Tickets

Discover the Magic of the Los Angeles Lakers: A Legacy Like No Other

Step into the pulsating heart of basketball royalty with the Los Angeles Lakers. Renowned not only for their iconic purple and gold jerseys but also for a legacy studded with legends, dramatic showdowns, and championship banners that tell tales of glory. From the Showtime era of Magic Johnson to the indomitable spirit of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have defined eras of the NBA.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the world of hoops, securing a ticket to witness the Lakers in action is not just watching a game – it's experiencing a chapter in basketball's greatest saga. Grab your Los Angeles Lakers tickets and become a part of the Laker Nation's storied journey.

Formation and Early Years

The Lakers franchise predates the formation of the NBA. Originally, they were the Minneapolis Lakers, formed in 1947 as a nod to Minnesota's nickname, "The Land of 10,000 Lakes". They began their journey in the National Basketball League (NBL) and then transitioned to the Basketball Association of America (BAA) a year later. When the BAA and the rival National Basketball League merged in 1949, the NBA was born, and the Lakers became one of its founding teams.

Minneapolis Era: The Reign of George Mikan

The Minneapolis Lakers were dominant right out of the gate. Under the towering presence of George Mikan, arguably the NBA's first superstar, the Lakers captured five titles in six seasons (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954). This period saw the Lakers establish themselves as the league's first dynasty.

Move to Los Angeles and a New Beginning

By 1960, despite their on-court successes, the Lakers faced financial difficulties and a dwindling fan base in Minneapolis. This led to their relocation to Los Angeles, making them the NBA's first West Coast team. Though they retained the "Lakers" name, the franchise embarked on a new chapter in a city without many natural lakes.

The Showtime Era

The late 1970s and the 1980s marked a golden era for the Lakers, known as the "Showtime" era. Led by the charismatic Magic Johnson, along with other legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, the Lakers played an exciting, fast-paced style of basketball. They clashed with rivals like the Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, in epic NBA Finals matchups. The Showtime Lakers secured five championships during the 1980s (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988).

Kobe and Shaq: A Dynamic Duo

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of another dominant Lakers era. With the duo of Shaquille O'Neal and a young Kobe Bryant, the Lakers won three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002. Their on-court chemistry was electric, even if their off-court relationship was often tumultuous.

Post-Shaq and Kobe's Solo Brilliance

After Shaq's departure, Kobe Bryant emerged as the franchise's sole leader. His unmatched work ethic and drive led the Lakers to two more titles in 2009 and 2010. Bryant became synonymous with the Lakers' brand, dedicating his entire 20-year career to the franchise.

Recent Years

Following Bryant's retirement in 2016, the Lakers entered a rebuilding phase. The acquisition of LeBron James in 2018 signaled a new era of hope for the franchise. With the addition of Anthony Davis in 2019, the Lakers clinched their 17th championship in 2020, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history.

Life in the NBA for the Lakers

Being based in the entertainment capital of the world, the Lakers are more than just a basketball team. They are a global brand and a cultural phenomenon. Staples Center, their home since 1999, isn't just a sports arena; it's where Hollywood's elite come to see and be seen. Celebrities routinely grace the courtside seats, adding to the Lakers' glamour.

Over the years, the Lakers have faced highs and lows, but their resilience, star power, and legacy in the NBA remain unmatched. From Minneapolis to Los Angeles, from Mikan to LeBron, the Lakers' saga is a testament to excellence, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of basketball.

The 7 Greatest Players in Los Angeles Lakers History

The Lakers, with their rich and storied legacy, have seen a plethora of talent grace their roster. While it's challenging to narrow it down to just seven players given the depth of their historical roster, the following players are undoubtedly among the greatest to ever don the purple and gold:

Magic Johnson

Position: Point Guard

Notable Achievements: 5× NBA champion, 3× MVP, and 12× All-Star.

Legacy: Magic epitomized the "Showtime" Lakers of the 1980s. His exceptional vision, passing ability, and charismatic leadership made him one of the most beloved Lakers ever. Johnson transformed the point guard position, bringing size and versatility that had been previously unseen.

Kobe Bryant

Position: Shooting Guard

Notable Achievements: 5× NBA champion, 2× NBA Finals MVP, and 18× All-Star.

Legacy: Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, establishing himself as one of the game's all-time greats. Known for his scoring prowess, unmatched work ethic, and clutch performances, Kobe became the face of the Lakers for over a decade.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Position: Center

Notable Achievements: 6× NBA champion, 6× MVP (most in NBA history), and 19× All-Star.

Legacy: While Kareem played a portion of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, his contributions to the Lakers are undeniable. His skyhook shot became one of the most unguardable moves in NBA history.

Shaquille O'Neal

Position: Center

Notable Achievements: 3× NBA champion with the Lakers, 3× NBA Finals MVP, and 15× All-Star.

Legacy: Shaq's combination of size, strength, and skill made him one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen. His tenure with the Lakers during the early 2000s resulted in a three-peat.

Jerry West

Position: Shooting Guard

Notable Achievements: NBA champion, 14× All-Star, and NBA Finals MVP (the only player to win it from a losing team).

Legacy: Known as "Mr. Clutch", West's silhouette serves as the NBA's logo. His contributions to the Lakers aren't just limited to his playing days; he's also been instrumental in building championship teams as an executive.

Elgin Baylor

Position: Small Forward

Notable Achievements: 11× All-Star and NBA Rookie of the Year.

Legacy: Baylor was a pioneer in bringing athleticism and flair to the NBA. Despite never winning a championship, his impact on the game and the Lakers' franchise is unquestionable.

James Worthy

Position: Small Forward

Notable Achievements: 3× NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, and 7× All-Star.

Legacy: "Big Game James" was known for stepping up in crucial moments. As a vital part of the "Showtime" Lakers, his contributions were pivotal in securing multiple championships during the 1980s.

While these seven players are among the greatest in Lakers history, it's worth noting that the franchise has been home to many legends, and several others could easily stake a claim on this list.

The 7 Greatest Moments in Los Angeles Lakers History

The Los Angeles Lakers, with their storied past, have given fans countless unforgettable moments. From thrilling game-winners to championship clinchers, here are seven of the greatest moments in Lakers' history:

Magic’s Rookie Finals Performance (1980)

In Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's absence due to an ankle injury, rookie Magic Johnson stepped up in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Playing center and various other positions, Magic recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to a championship. His versatility and brilliance that night remain legendary.

Kobe to Shaq Alley-Oop (2000)

In Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers completed a 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter. The defining moment was a fast-break alley-oop from Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O'Neal, sealing the victory and leading the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they secured their first title since 1988.

Jerry West’s Half-Court Shot (1970)

In Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, with the Lakers trailing by two, Jerry West made an incredible 60-foot shot to tie the game as time expired. Though there were no three-pointers at the time (so it only counted as two points), and the Lakers eventually lost in overtime, it remains one of the iconic shots in NBA history.

Kobe’s 81-point Game (2006)

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in NBA history, scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. Only second to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game, this showcased Kobe's offensive mastery and determination.

“Showtime” Lakers Defeat Celtics (1985)

After several painful defeats to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals throughout history, the Lakers finally overcame their arch-rivals in 1985. Winning in Game 6 at the Boston Garden, they captured the championship, an especially sweet victory given the historical context.

Magic’s Sky Hook (1987)

In Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, with the game on the line, Magic Johnson hit a junior sky hook over the outstretched arms of multiple Celtics defenders. This clutch basket helped give the Lakers a crucial win, and they went on to clinch the title in Game 6.

Lakers Secure 17th Championship (2020)

Amidst the unique challenges of the NBA Bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the emotional weight of Kobe Bryant's tragic passing earlier in the year, the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, defeated the Miami Heat in six games to tie the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.

While these moments are among the most iconic, the Lakers' history is filled with numerous other memorable moments, each telling a tale of basketball brilliance and resilience.

Los Angeles Lakers' Biggest Rivalries

The Los Angeles Lakers, as one of the most successful and storied franchises in NBA history, have naturally developed intense rivalries over the decades. These matchups go beyond just regular games – they're battles of legacy, supremacy, and bragging rights. Here are some of the Lakers' fiercest rivalries:

Boston Celtics

Undoubtedly, the Lakers-Celtics rivalry is one of the most iconic in sports history. These two teams have met in the NBA Finals a record 12 times, with the Celtics winning nine and the Lakers winning three. From the clashes of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 1980s to the Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce era in the late 2000s, this rivalry is rich in history and epic showdowns.

San Antonio Spurs

Since the late 1990s and through the 2000s, the Lakers and the Spurs represented the Western Conference's best, frequently meeting in high-stakes playoff matchups. Players like Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Tony Parker became key figures in this rivalry, with both teams trading blows and championships.

Sacramento Kings

In the early 2000s, the Lakers-Kings rivalry was one of the hottest in the NBA. The Kings, led by Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, and Mike Bibby, had multiple intense playoff series against the Shaq and Kobe-led Lakers. The 2002 Western Conference Finals, in particular, is often remembered for its intensity and controversial moments.

Los Angeles Clippers

Traditionally, the Clippers lived in the shadow of the Lakers in Los Angeles. However, in the 2010s, with the rise of players like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and more recently, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the "Battle of LA" has intensified. Both teams share the Staples Center, making their regular-season matchups especially electric.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Lakers and the 76ers have met in the NBA Finals several times, first during the late 1960s and early 1980s when the 76ers had stars like Julius "Dr. J" Erving. Later, Allen Iverson's 76ers met Shaq and Kobe's Lakers in the 2001 Finals. While not as frequent as the Celtics rivalry, their Finals clashes have made for some memorable moments.

Detroit Pistons

The "Bad Boy" Pistons of the late 1980s established a heated rivalry with the Lakers, culminating in back-to-back NBA Finals matchups in 1988 and 1989. The physical style of the Pistons often clashed with the finesse of the "Showtime" Lakers. Their matchups in the Finals were hard-fought battles, with each team taking a championship.

Phoenix Suns

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the Suns, led by Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire, had several playoff clashes with the Lakers. The high-paced style of the Suns often contrasted with the more methodical approach of the Lakers, leading to some thrilling games.

While the intensity of these rivalries has fluctuated over the years based on team success and playoff matchups, they've played a significant role in shaping the Lakers' rich history and have given fans countless unforgettable moments.

Crypto.com Arena: The Iconic Home of the Los Angeles Lakers

Overview:

Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center, is a multi-purpose sports arena located in downtown Los Angeles, California. It has been the primary venue for several major sports teams in Los Angeles, including the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks.

History:

• Construction and Inception: The arena opened its doors on October 17, 1999, and quickly became an integral part of the sports and entertainment scene in Los Angeles. Its construction played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the downtown area, subsequently giving rise to the adjacent L.A. Live complex, which houses restaurants, concert venues, and other entertainment facilities.
• Name Change: In November 2021, it was announced that Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange platform, Crypto.com, acquired the naming rights for the arena in a 20-year deal, replacing "Staples Center" with "Crypto.com Arena."

Features:

• Seating Capacity: The arena can host up to 20,000 spectators for basketball games, with capacity adjustments for other events such as concerts or hockey games.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Crypto.com Arena boasts modern amenities, including luxury suites, high-definition screens, and top-notch acoustics. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to maintain its status as a premier venue.
• Sustainability: The arena has made strides in environmental sustainability, incorporating practices such as water-saving fixtures, solar panels, and recycling initiatives.

Notable Events:

Apart from being the home of the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks, Crypto.com Arena has played host to a myriad of significant events:

• NBA Finals: The Lakers have clinched several NBA championships at the arena, with memorable moments involving players like Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
• NHL Stanley Cup Finals: The Los Angeles Kings have also celebrated Stanley Cup victories at the arena.
• Concerts: Many high-profile artists, from Taylor Swift to U2, have performed sold-out shows at the arena.
• Awards Shows: The venue has hosted events like the Grammy Awards, showcasing its versatility beyond just sports.

Legacy and Impact:

Crypto.com Arena stands as more than just a sports venue. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the cultural and entertainment heartbeat of Los Angeles. As the city's landscape continues to evolve, the arena remains a testament to L.A.'s rich history of sports excellence and entertainment prowess. With the new naming rights and the continued evolution of downtown Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena is poised to remain a centerpiece of the city's vibrant mosaic for years to come.

Facilities at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center):

Seating Options:

• General Seating: The arena can accommodate around 20,000 fans for basketball games. The seating is designed to offer clear views from all angles.
• Luxury Suites: These private suites provide a luxurious experience with plush seating, private restrooms, and in-suite catering options.
• Premier Seats: These seats come with VIP entrances, in-seat service, and access to exclusive clubs and lounges.

Clubs and Lounges:

• San Manuel Club: An exclusive club that offers gourmet food options, bars, and lounge seating.
• Hyde Lounge: Positioned with a bird’s-eye view of the action, this upscale lounge offers a nightclub-like atmosphere during events.

Dining and Concessions:

• The arena boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional arena fare to gourmet meals. The range includes popular food chains, local favorites, and specialty stalls offering a variety of cuisines.
• Team Stores: Fans can purchase merchandise, including jerseys, hats, and other memorabilia of their favorite teams, at the various team stores located within the arena.

Modern Technology:

• High-Definition LED Scoreboards: At the center, the arena has a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard offering crisp visuals. Additionally, there are high-definition screens throughout the venue to ensure fans don't miss any action.
• Wi-Fi Access: The arena is equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing attendees to stay connected during events.

Accessibility Features:

The arena is designed to be accessible to everyone and includes:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating
• Assistive listening devices
• Elevators and escalators for easy access to all levels

Safety and Security:

The arena places a high emphasis on the safety of its attendees with:

• Multiple security checkpoints with metal detectors
• A comprehensive surveillance system
• A dedicated team of security personnel

Entertainment Spaces:

• Apart from the main event area, the arena has other spaces where events, parties, or gatherings can be hosted.

Sustainable Features:

Over the years, there's been an emphasis on making the arena environmentally friendly. This includes:

• Solar panels to generate renewable energy
• Water-saving fixtures
• Recycling and waste reduction initiatives

Transport and Parking:

There are multiple parking lots around the arena, with reserved parking options available.

• The location in downtown Los Angeles offers good connectivity with public transportation, including bus lines and the Metro Rail.

The Crypto.com Arena stands as a testament to the blend of sports, entertainment, and luxury. With its multifaceted facilities and commitment to delivering top-tier experiences to visitors, it remains one of the premier event venues in the world.