Lakers Nation

Lakers win inaugural NBA Cup, fall to Nuggets in first round.

The 2023–24 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 77th season of the franchise, its 76th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), its 64th season in Los Angeles, and its 25th season playing home games at Crypto.com Arena.

Quick Facts

Fourth quarter lead record: 57–0 (Regular Season + Playoffs)

Lore & Background

This was the Lakers' second and final season with Darvin Ham as head coach. LeBron James switched his jersey number back to #23 after wearing #6 the previous two seasons. On August 24, 2023, the Lakers announced a statue of Kobe Bryant would be unveiled on February 8, 2024. The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup on December 9, 2023, defeating the Indiana Pacers. They finished the season 47–35, qualified for the Play-In Tournament, and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs 4–1. On May 3, 2024, the Lakers fired their entire coaching staff, including head coach Darvin Ham and assistant coach Phil Handy.

Reader's Guide

The Lakers held the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, along with the 47th pick. On draft day, they traded their 47th pick and cash considerations to the Indiana Pacers for the 40th pick.

Did You Know?

The Lakers drew an average home attendance of 18,903 in 42 home games in the 2023-24 NBA season.
This was the first time the Lakers lost in the first round since 2021, and the second time LeBron James lost in the first round in his career.