<< 1950-51 Minneapolis Lakers | 1952-53 Minneapolis Lakers >>

The 1951-52 Minneapolis Lakers did not dazzle in the regular season the way their previous teams had, but that didn’t matter once the postseason began. Once again led by George Mikan and Vern Mikkelson, the Lakers were among the elite in the NBA.

After having 11 teams in 1950-51, the NBA dropped to 10 teams, making it an even five per division. The Lakers finished second in the West with a 40-26 record, and went on to sweep their first round opponent. In the divisional finals, the Lakers beat the best team in basketball — the Rochester Royals — in just four games.

They needed seven to get past the New York Knicks in the Finals, but ultimately were able to do so to win their third championship in four seasons.

Roster

NBA regular season statistics

NBA regular season schedule and results

NBA playoffs statistics

NBA playoffs schedule and results