32 Western Conference Titles

Lore & Background

The Lakers advanced to the 2025 NBA Cup knockout stage as the winner of West Group B, finishing the group stage undefeated at 4–0, but 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 won 50 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009–10 and 2010–11. On April 9, they improved on their 50–32 record from the previous season. For the second season in a row, the Lakers had home-court advantage in the first round. Luka Dončić sustained a left hamstring strain on April 2, sidelining him. 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, a rematch of the 2020 Semifinals, and defeated Houston in six games. They 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 but stayed on as an adviser. LeBron James announced he would return for the 2026-27 NBA season but with a different team. Mark Walter's and the TWG Global last season as owners ended with a sale in August 2026 to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner.

In Their Own Story

The tunnel lights flickered, casting long shadows as thirty thousand voices vibrated through the concrete floor. A veteran player stood frozen at the threshold, eyes locked on the digital board counting down to Game Seven. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and electric anticipation. He adjusted his wristband, feeling the crushing weight of 32 previous conquests pressing against his shoulders. He stepped onto the court, bathed in the iconic purple wash of arena lights. The roar swelled into a deafening chant that shook the rafters. This wasn't just another playoff series; it was a chance to add another line to the franchise's legendary ledger. As he dribbled at center court, the leather squeaking against the waxed floor, time seemed to suspend itself. In the periphery of his vision, ghosts of legends past—Mikan, Wilt, Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Kobe—stood in the shadows of the stands, nodding silently in approval.

Reader's Guide

The Lakers entered the draft with only one second-round selection. They traded their original first-round pick, along with a second-round pick acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers through separate transactions involving star players with the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz, respectively. The Lakers retained their own second-round pick.

Did You Know?

• The Lakers clinched the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and their second consecutive Pacific Division title on March 31.
• They 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, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.
• This was the last season for public address announcer Lawrence Tanter, who retired but stayed on as an adviser.
• LeBron James announced he would return for the 2026-27 NBA season but with a different team.