James Worthy Buzzer Beater 1988 Finals Game 6

Lore & Background

The franchise was founded in 1946 as the Detroit Gems, played in the National Basketball League (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 Basketball Association of America (BAA) and won that championship the following season. After the merger forming the NBA, the Lakers won the inaugural NBA championship, becoming the NBA's first dynasty with 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.

In Their Own Story

The air inside The Forum was thick with tension as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter. With the series on the line and Detroit's defense suffocating, Magic Johnson found Worthy cutting toward the rim. Time seemed to suspend; Worthy leaped, absorbing contact from Joe Dumars, his body contorting mid-air. As he released the ball, a collective gasp rose from twenty thousand fans, followed instantly by the roar of victory as the net rippled and the buzzer sounded.

Reader's Guide

The 1988 NBA Finals was the Lakers' 11th championship in franchise history (including Minneapolis titles). The Lakers won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988, but did not win in 1986. Magic Johnson won the 1987 Finals MVP.

Did You Know?

• The Lakers are second in NBA championship wins with 17, just behind the Boston Celtics with 18 NBA titles.
• The Lakers hold the all-time record for most NBA Finals appearances (32).
• The franchise was originally the Detroit Gems in the NBL before moving to Minneapolis and becoming the Lakers.