32× Western Conference Title

Lore & Background

The Lakers advanced to the 2025 NBA Cup knockout stage as the winner of West Group B, having finished the group stage with an undefeated 4–0 record. However, they were eliminated by the eventual Cup runners-up San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals. On March 31, the Lakers clinched the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and their second consecutive Pacific Division title. They also won 50 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009–10 and 2010–11. On April 9, the Lakers improved on their 50–32 record from the previous season. For the second season in a row, the Lakers have home-court advantage in the first round. Luka Dončić sustained a left hamstring strain during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sidelining him beginning on April 2. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 53–29 record, ranking fourth in the Western Conference. They faced the Houston Rockets in the first round in a rematch of the 2020 Semifinals, in which the Lakers defeated the Rockets in five games en route to their 17th championship. Los Angeles defeated Houston in six games of the first round, but were later swept by the top-seeded (and defending NBA champion) Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. This was the last season for public address announcer Lawrence Tanter, who retired from the role, but stayed on as an adviser on the Lakers' game presentation. This would also be the end of LeBron James's tenure with the Lakers, as he announced on social media that he would return for the 2026-27 NBA season but with a different team. Lastly, this was Mark Walter's and the TWG Global last season as owners of the team, as they were sold in August 2026 to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed until only the polished hardwood reflected the glow. A veteran stood at center court, eyes fixed on the rafters where thirty-two banners hung like a constellation of gold and purple stars. Each one demanded a season of sacrifice—every bruise, every buzzer-beater, every overtime against rivals from Seattle to San Antonio carved into its fabric. The silence wasn't empty; it was heavy with the weight of expectation, reminding everyone in the building that history doesn't just sit on display. It demands to be added to.

Did You Know?

• The Lakers won 50 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009–10 and 2010–11.
• Luka Dončić sustained a left hamstring strain on April 2 and was sidelined.
• This was the last season for public address announcer Lawrence Tanter.
• LeBron James announced he would return for the 2026-27 NBA season but with a different team.
• The Lakers were sold in August 2026 to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner.