Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West Era (1968-1972)
A legacy of championships and legends.
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise has a long and storied history, having played and won championships in both the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Basketball Association of America (BAA) prior to the 1949 merger which formed the National Basketball Association (NBA). The franchise traces its roots to the NBL's Detroit Gems which was launched in 1946 and relocated to Minneapolis in 1947 to become the Lakers.
- Playoff Streak
- 10-game winning streak spanning multiple playoff series in the 1972 postseason
Lore & Background
The Lakers are one of the NBA's most famous and successful franchises. As of August 2024, the Lakers are second in the NBA's all-time records for wins (3,550) and winning percentage (.591), and hold the all-time record for most NBA Finals appearances (32). They are second in NBA championship wins with 17, just behind the Boston Celtics with 18 NBA titles, and with 10 more Finals appearances than the Celtics, their biggest rival. Their team has had many NBA legends, including George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Clyde Lovellette, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Forum was thick with humidity and anticipation as the Lakers took the floor for Game 4 of the 1972 Finals. Jerry West dribbled upcourt, his eyes scanning the defense, but he didn't need to look for Wilt; he knew exactly where the giant would be, setting a screen so massive it felt like moving a mountain. As the clock wound down, West drove into the paint, drawing three defenders before kicking it out to Wilt, who simply placed the ball on the rim and watched it fall through. There was no celebration, only the quiet nod of two men who had finally conquered their demons.
Reader's Guide
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Lakers featured players such as Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, and that the team moved to Los Angeles before the 1960–61 season.
Did You Know?
- The Lakers won six NBL/BAA/NBA championships in seven years from 1947 to 1954, becoming the NBA's first dynasty.
- On November 22, 1950, the Lakers lost to the Fort Wayne Pistons 19–18 in the lowest-scoring game in NBA history, which later contributed to the introduction of the shot clock.
- Elgin Baylor set a record for most points scored in a playoff game with 61, which stood for 25 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West Era?
This period marks the transition of the franchise to Los Angeles success, headlined by the partnership between a dominant center and a clutch shooting guard. It culminated in their first championship on the West Coast during Bill Sharman's tenure as coach.
What historic record did the Lakers set in this period?
The team achieved an NBA-record 69 wins in the 1971-72 regular season, showcasing unprecedented consistency and dominance. This performance laid the groundwork for their subsequent playoff run that year.
How did Wilt Chamberlain change the team's dynamic?
Acquired to complement Jerry West, the seven-foot center transformed the squad from a contender into an unstoppable physical force on both ends of the floor. His presence was crucial in securing the franchise's first title after moving west.
How did the 1972 season conclude for Los Angeles?
They capped off the chapter by winning the 1972 NBA Championship, sweeping their opponents with a historic ten-game playoff winning streak in the Finals. This victory solidified Los Angeles as a premier basketball market.
Why is this era significant to the franchise legacy?
It established the foundation of the team's championship culture by proving that star power could overcome previous struggles in the new city. The synergy between West and Chamberlain remains a legendary example of basketball chemistry.
More in Club History & Eras
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