1982-83 NBA Finals Run
A historic California rivalry with roots in the NBL and intense playoff battles.
The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers have a historic NBA rivalry, with playoff matchups dating back to the NBL and BAA. The Kings relocated to Sacramento in 1985.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Kansas City
- Status
- NBA Regular Season
- Conference
- Western Conference
- Season record
- 40-42
- Arena
- Kemper Arena
Lore & Background
The rivalry began in the NBL when the Rochester Royals (now Kings) faced the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1947–48 NBL championship, won by the Lakers. They met again in the 1948–49 BAA Western Division Finals, also won by the Lakers. After the Kings moved to Sacramento, the rivalry renewed in the early 2000s, including the 2002 Western Conference Finals, a bitterly contested series.
Reader's Guide
The Kings and Lakers have faced each other in multiple playoff series. In 1984, while the Kings were still in Kansas City, the Lakers swept them 3–0. In 2000, the Lakers defeated the Kings in 5 games in the First Round. In 2001, the Lakers swept the Kings in the Semifinals. The 2002 Western Conference Finals went to 7 games, with the Lakers winning after a controversial Game 6.
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