2006 Los Angeles Lakers

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the San Antonio Spurs, winners of the Western Conference Finals, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Los Angeles Lakers for the amazing season they had, finishing 2nd place in the brutally competitive Pacific Division!

Phil Jackson continues to build around Kobe Bryant to sustain the offensive firepower of the Lakers. Kobe, of course, remains at the top of his game, though he’s switched things up this year with a new number, as his familiar #8 has now been replaced with #24, his first high school number. Younger players on the purple and gold, including Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, and first-round draft pick Jordan Farmar, prove that the Lakers are a multi-dimensional threat around the league. This new Laker nucleus will have a lot of excitement to bring to the Staples Center as they make waves in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a long history of being champions. Before moving to L.A. in 1960, they originally played out of Minneapolis, and they dominated the NBA throughout the '40s and '50s. Led by George Mikan, the Lakers won the first NBA Championship in 1951, and they became the first dynasty by winning four championships in the first five years of the NBA. All together, they have won a total of nine championships, with three of them coming in consecutive seasons from 1999-2002.

Over the years, some of the greatest players in the history of the game have played for the L.A. Lakers. These great players include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, Jerry West, and Magic Johnson.

The Lakers seem poised to return to dominance of the NBA as they seek their 10th NBA Championship. Attend a home game at the Staples Center and witness one of the greatest franchises in the history of the NBA. The L.A. Lakers are sure to be an exciting team to watch! Also, be sure to check out the Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers or the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings when you come to town.