Establishment of Purple and Gold Identity
Purple and gold: a shared royal legacy since 1967–68.
The Los Angeles Lakers adopted their iconic purple and gold color scheme in the 1967–68 season, the same season the Los Angeles Kings were founded. The colors were originally chosen by Kings owner Jack Kent Cooke for his NHL team, and the Lakers, which Cooke also owned, later adopted them.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1947 (Minneapolis)
- Team colors
- Purple and Gold
- Original home arena
- Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Lore & Background
According to the source, Kings owner Jack Kent Cooke chose the team name 'Kings' and the original colors of purple (or 'Forum Blue') and gold because they were colors traditionally associated with royalty. This color scheme was then adopted by the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA, which Cooke also owned.
Reader's Guide
The Lakers' purple and gold identity began in the 1967–68 season, not the 1966–67 season. The Kings were founded on June 5, 1967, and began play in the 1967–68 season, the same year the Lakers adopted the colors.
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