2010 NBA Championship
A dynasty born in Minneapolis, a legacy forged in Los Angeles.
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.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 2010
- Finals opponent
- Boston Celtics
- Series result
- Lakers Won 4-3
- Final mvp
- Kobe Bryant
- Head coach
- Phil Jackson
- Championship count
- 16th NBA Title
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 nine 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.
Reader's Guide
The franchise was founded in 1946 as the Detroit Gems, played in the NBL during the 1946–47 season, and relocated to Minneapolis in 1947 to become the Lakers. The Lakers won the NBL championship in their first season, then switched to the BAA and won that championship the following season. After the merger forming the NBA, the Lakers won the inaugural NBA championship. They became the NBA's first dynasty, having won six NBL/BAA/NBA championships in seven years. The team moved to Los Angeles before the 1960–61 season, becoming the NBA's first West Coast team.
Did You Know?
- The Lakers' name comes from Minnesota's nickname, 'The Land of 10,000 Lakes'.
- George Mikan is described by the NBA's official website as the 'first superstar' in league history.
- The Lakers participated in the lowest-scoring game in NBA history on November 22, 1950, losing 19–18 to the Fort Wayne Pistons.
- Jerry West's silhouette is featured on the NBA's official logo.
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