Prime Lakers Team: Ranking The Greatest Lakers Squads

Hey Lakers fans! Let's dive into a fun debate: who was the absolute best Lakers team of all time? It's a question that sparks endless discussions, fueled by nostalgia, stats, and pure, unadulterated love for the Purple and Gold. So, buckle up as we journey through Lakers history, ranking some of the most iconic and dominant squads ever assembled in Los Angeles. We'll break down what made them special, their accomplishments, and why they deserve to be in the conversation for the prime Lakers team title.

Defining "Prime": What Makes a Lakers Team the Greatest?

Before we jump into the rankings, let's establish some ground rules. What exactly defines a "prime" Lakers team? Is it solely based on championships won? Or does dominance, star power, and overall impact on the game factor in? For our purposes, we'll consider a combination of factors, including:

• Championships: Rings are king, baby! Winning multiple titles certainly boosts a team's claim to the throne.
• Regular Season Dominance: A high win percentage and top seed demonstrate consistent excellence.
• Playoff Performance: How did the team perform when the pressure was on? Did they steamroll the competition or struggle to get by?
• Star Power and Chemistry: Were there multiple Hall of Famers on the roster? Did they play well together, or were there ego clashes?
• Impact and Legacy: Did the team revolutionize the game? Did they inspire a generation of fans and players?

With these criteria in mind, let's get to the rankings!

Ranking the Lakers' Dynasty Teams

1. The 1986-87 Lakers: Showtime at Its Finest

Often considered the pinnacle of Showtime, the 1986-87 Lakers were a force of nature. Led by the dynamic duo of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this team epitomized fast-paced, high-scoring basketball. Magic, in his prime, orchestrated the offense with his dazzling passes and incredible court vision, while Kareem, still a dominant force at 39, provided the inside presence and unstoppable skyhook. But it wasn't just about Magic and Kareem; the team boasted a deep and talented roster, including James Worthy, A.C. Green, Michael Cooper, and Byron Scott, all key contributors to their success. The 1986-87 Lakers finished the regular season with a stellar 65-17 record, showcasing their dominance from start to finish. In the playoffs, they faced tough competition but ultimately prevailed, defeating the Boston Celtics in a thrilling six-game series to win the NBA championship. This victory was particularly sweet, as it avenged their loss to the Celtics in the 1984 Finals and solidified their status as the top team in the league. What made this team so special was their unselfishness and camaraderie. They genuinely enjoyed playing together, and their chemistry was evident on the court. They moved the ball with precision, ran the floor with speed, and defended with tenacity. They were a joy to watch, and their impact on the game is still felt today. The 1986-87 Lakers not only won a championship but also captured the hearts of fans around the world with their exciting style of play. For many, they represent the epitome of Lakers basketball and remain the benchmark against which all other Lakers teams are measured.

2. The 2000-01 Lakers: The Shaq and Kobe Dynasty

The 2000-01 Lakers were a juggernaut. Fresh off their championship victory in 2000, Shaq and Kobe were hungry for more. This team was arguably the most dominant Lakers team ever, steamrolling through the regular season with a 56-26 record despite some early-season struggles. But it was in the playoffs where they truly cemented their legacy, going on an unprecedented 15-1 run. Led by the unstoppable force of Shaquille O'Neal and the burgeoning superstar Kobe Bryant, the Lakers simply overpowered their opponents. Shaq, at the peak of his physical dominance, was virtually unguardable, averaging 30.7 points and 15.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Kobe, meanwhile, showcased his incredible offensive arsenal, averaging 29.4 points per game and solidifying his status as one of the game's elite players. The supporting cast, including players like Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, and Robert Horry, provided valuable contributions, adding depth and experience to the team. What made this team so special was the combination of Shaq's raw power and Kobe's relentless drive. They complemented each other perfectly, creating a dynamic duo that was almost impossible to stop. While there were occasional tensions between the two superstars, they always managed to put their differences aside on the court and focus on winning. The 2000-01 Lakers not only won a championship but also established a dynasty that would continue for two more years. Their playoff dominance remains one of the most impressive feats in NBA history, and their place among the greatest Lakers teams of all time is secure.

3. The 2009-10 Lakers: Redemption and Repeat

The 2009-10 Lakers were a team on a mission. After falling short against the Boston Celtics in the 2008 Finals, and then securing the title in 2009 against the Orlando Magic, they were determined to prove that they were the best team in the league. Led by a more mature and refined Kobe Bryant, this team was characterized by their toughness, resilience, and defensive prowess. Kobe, now a seasoned veteran, was still the team's primary scorer and closer, but he also embraced a leadership role, guiding and mentoring his younger teammates. The addition of Ron Artest (later Metta Sandiford-Artest) added a much-needed defensive presence and a dose of crazy to the team, while Pau Gasol continued to be a reliable scorer and rebounder in the frontcourt. The 2009-10 Lakers finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, earning the top seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they faced tough challenges, including a grueling seven-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. But they persevered, ultimately defeating the Boston Celtics in a thrilling seven-game rematch of the 2008 Finals. This victory was particularly sweet for Kobe, who finally got his revenge against the Celtics and cemented his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. What made this team so special was their mental toughness and unwavering belief in themselves. They faced adversity throughout the season and playoffs, but they never gave up. They played with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove their doubters wrong. The 2009-10 Lakers not only won a championship but also demonstrated the importance of perseverance and teamwork.

4. The 1984-85 Lakers: Showtime Begins

The 1984-85 Lakers marked the true beginning of the Showtime era. After years of dominance by the Boston Celtics, the Lakers were determined to establish their own dynasty. Led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this team was a perfect blend of youth and experience, athleticism and finesse. Magic, in his second season, was already a superstar, dazzling fans with his incredible passes and infectious enthusiasm. Kareem, still a dominant force at 37, provided the inside presence and leadership that the team needed. The supporting cast, including James Worthy, Jamaal Wilkes, and Michael Cooper, added depth and versatility to the team. The 1984-85 Lakers finished the regular season with a 62-20 record, showcasing their dominance from start to finish. In the playoffs, they faced tough competition, including a rematch against the Boston Celtics in the Finals. This time, however, the Lakers were ready. They defeated the Celtics in six games, winning the championship and avenging their loss in the previous year's Finals. This victory was a watershed moment for the Lakers, signaling the beginning of a new era of dominance. What made this team so special was their unselfishness and commitment to playing together. They moved the ball with precision, ran the floor with speed, and defended with intensity. They were a joy to watch, and their success helped to popularize the game of basketball around the world. The 1984-85 Lakers not only won a championship but also ushered in the Showtime era, a period of unprecedented success and excitement for the franchise.

5. The 1971-72 Lakers: A Record-Breaking Season

The 1971-72 Lakers were a team for the ages. Led by Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich, this team was a dominant force from start to finish. They set an NBA record by winning 33 consecutive games, a feat that still stands today. Wilt, in his 13th season, was still a dominant force, averaging 14.8 points and 19.2 rebounds per game. Jerry West, the "Mr. Clutch", was the team's primary scorer and leader, averaging 25.8 points per game. Gail Goodrich added a much-needed offensive spark, averaging 25.9 points per game. The 1971-72 Lakers finished the regular season with a 69-13 record, the best in NBA history at the time. In the playoffs, they faced tough competition but ultimately prevailed, defeating the New York Knicks in five games to win the NBA championship. This victory was particularly sweet for Wilt, who finally won his second NBA title. What made this team so special was their incredible talent and experience. They had three Hall of Famers in their prime, all of whom were committed to winning. They played with a sense of purpose and determination, and their record-breaking season remains one of the most impressive accomplishments in NBA history. The 1971-72 Lakers not only won a championship but also set a standard of excellence that few teams have been able to match.

Honorable Mentions: Other Great Lakers Teams

• The 2001-02 Lakers: Completing the three-peat, this team solidified the Shaq-Kobe dynasty.
• The 1987-88 Lakers: Back-to-back champions, proving their dominance in the late 80s.
• The 2008-09 Lakers: Kobe's fourth title and the start of a new era of Lakers dominance.

The Verdict: Who is the Prime Lakers Team?

So, who is the prime Lakers team? It's a tough question, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Each of the teams we've discussed had its own unique strengths and accomplishments. However, if I had to pick one, I'd lean towards the 1986-87 Lakers. They were the epitome of Showtime, with Magic Johnson at the peak of his powers and a deep, talented roster that played with unselfishness and flair. Their championship victory over the Boston Celtics solidified their place in Lakers history and cemented their status as one of the greatest teams of all time.

But hey, that's just my opinion. What do you guys think? Which Lakers team do you consider to be the prime? Let me know in the comments below!