Pacific Division (NBA)
One of two major league divisions with no animal-themed nicknames.
The Pacific Division is one of three divisions in the NBA’s Western Conference. It was formed for the 1970–71 season, when the league grew from 14 to 17 teams and split into two conferences, each with two divisions. The original five members were the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego Rockets, San Francisco Warriors, and Seattle SuperSonics. Today, the division includes the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings. The Suns are the only team not located in California. The Pacific Division and the American League West of MLB are the only two major North American league divisions without animal-themed nicknames.
Quick Facts
- Conference
- Western Conference
- League
- National Basketball Association
- Sport
- Basketball
- First
- 1970–71 season
- Teams
- 5
- Champion
- Los Angeles Lakers (26th title)
- Most titles
- Los Angeles Lakers (26 titles)
Facts from the source article.
Background
The Pacific Division began with five inaugural members: the Lakers, the Trail Blazers, the Rockets, the Warriors, and the SuperSonics. The Lakers, Rockets, Warriors, and SuperSonics all joined from the Western Division. Over its history, the division has produced 19 NBA champions, with the Lakers winning 12 championships, the Warriors winning 5, and the Trail Blazers and SuperSonics winning one each. All of those championship teams except the 1976–77 Trail Blazers, the 2001–02 Lakers, and the 2021–22 Warriors were also division champions.
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