The Lakers franchise has played 64 years of basketball. That means 64 years of enduring an off-season with anticipation for the upcoming season.
While, it can be argued that no other off-season has made Laker fans uneasy while waiting for the season to start than this last one that lingered on due to the lockout and just passed us by.
But it is now in the past.
On to opening night. The first game of the season means business. It is an opportunity to get started on the right foot in the win column, rather than in the loss column.
In their storied history, the Lakers are 42-22 on opening night; 36-15 in Los Angeles.
Let us look back at the ten best opening night games in Laker history.
10. 2003-04: The Stars Align Themselves
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI9QHZaKEA0
The 2002-03 season saw the Lakers underachieve, and thus disappoint fans; this after winning three consecutive championships. Little could bring forth excitement leading into the following season. But whatever little it took, it was done; thanks to a recruiting effort by Shaquille O’Neal to lure super-free agents Karl Malone and Gary Payton to Los Angeles.
Both players sought a championship to conclude their careers, and seemingly were in the right place to achieve such a feat. The Lakers would also sign Bryon Russell and Horace Grant to complete the revamping of their roster.
Excitement reeked in the air of Los Angeles; but the question remained about whether or not four All-Stars could co-exist and win.
The answer would begin to be answered on October 28, 2003.
You may remember that the team was without Kobe for this game, who missed 18 games that season due to court appearances.
The moral of this game was that when you have four stars, you can spare one. Malone finished just an assist shy of his fourth career triple-double; contributing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Aiding him was Payton, who led the Lakers in scoring with 21 points, and also added nine assists.
The team played much better with their new additions. Shaq, Derek Fisher, and Devean George all aiding the cause with 16 points apiece.
“Unbelievable. All that firepower. We’ve got cannons, rockets, missiles, you name it,” Lakers forward Bryon Russell said.
The Lakers cruised to a 109-93 victory on that evening; further exciting Lakers Nation. The team would enjoy two separate 10 game winning streaks during the season, as they would narrowly edge out the Sacramento Kings. Their hard work would pay off as they would defeat the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves to accomplish their goal of reaching the NBA Finals.
However, in a matchup with the “bad boys” of Detroit, the Pistons, it was the Lakers that would come out on the short end of a five-game defeat, and yet another failed attempt at a championship for Malone and Payton.
9. 1982-83: The Rich Also Become Worthy
At the close of the 1982-83 season, the Lakers found themselves with two jewels, one more rare than the other; they were the NBA champions and also held the first-pick in the upcoming NBA draft. The eventual pick would be used on James Worthy from the University of North Carolina. This marked the only time in which the defending champions also selected first in the draft.
Naturally, the hype began to revolve around this kid, who had just won a national championship for the Tar Heels. Together with Magic and Kareem, the Lakers were set to dominate the rest of the decade.
The hype was built up for three months before the team finally opened the season on October 29, 1982 against the Golden State Warriors.
Perhaps it was the ring celebration, or perhaps the hype of three mega-stars playing, but the Warriors easily were able to outpoint the defending champions, 132-117.
The opening loss was quickly brushed off as the Lakers would win their next seven games. The Lakers would later go on to defeat the Warriors in each of their next five games that season.
However, the season turned disastrous when Worthy broke his leg in the last week of the regular season, causing him to miss the playoffs. The Lakers would defeat the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs before succumbing in four games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals.
Next Page: A Little Shaq and Phil
8. 2000-01: Why, Hello Again!
The Lakers won their first NBA championship under the direction of Phil Jackson in 2000. Although, it almost did not happen. In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers needed seven games and a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter of Game 7 to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers en route to their championship victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers added Horace Grant to the roster to solidify the starting lineup and front-court presence alongside Shaq. Also arriving in Los Angeles was Isaiah “J.R.” Rider. The new pieces would prepare for a strong test as the team would begin their season against the same Blazers team they dramatically eliminated just four months ago.
The game took place on October 31, 2000.
The Lakers jumped out to a nine-point lead at halftime, and appeared to be in control. However, the Blazers came roaring back in the third, and tied the game heading into the final quarter. It was there that the Lakers blitzed Portland to easily take the rematch and quiet any doubters.
As was expected, the Blazers were led by Rasheed Wallace, who contributed with 27 points and seven rebounds. Newly acquired Blazers Dale Davis and Shawn Kemp were not of much help; contributing for a combined 10 points.
Meanwhile, Shaq exploded with a 36 point, 11 rebound effort; shooting 14-for-20 from the field. Kobe scored 14 points, while Rider contributed with 13.
The Lakers would split the season series with Portland before sweeping them in the first round of the playoffs. In fact, the Lakers would also sweep the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs to reach the NBA Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers took Game 1 of the Finals, awakening the sleeping giant that was the Lakers, who would in turn sweep the remainder of the series for the second championship in as many years.
7. 2010-11: The Beginning of a Farewell
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YlOmYyteWs
The Lakers won five world championships under the guidance of Phil Jackson; increasing his count to 11 rings, an NBA record. Phil Jackson publicly made it known that the 2010-11 season would be his final season as a head coach, thus the mood began towards winning a twelfth title for the zen master; the team’s possible third championship in a row.
The Lakers added Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff via free agency, with hopes of solidifying the club’s defensive presence. All seemed well leading to tip-off against the Houston Rockets on October 26, 2010.
The Rockets got off to a great start, leading by as much as 15 points that evening. However, Houston could not stop the gutsy Lakers, who were led by Shannon Brown’s three-point down pour. Brown scored 14 of his 16 points in a 6 1/2 minute span.
The final minute of the game saw the lead change hands four separate times when Steve Blake hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 18.8 seconds to go.
With just three seconds to go, the Rockets’ Luis Scola missed a difficult shot that led to a video review over who had possession of a loose ball. Moments later, it was determined that the Rockets would get the ball with 2.4 seconds to go. The ball was inboundeded to Aaron Brooks, who attempted a game-winning layup, only to have it blocked by Lamar Odom; solidifying the victory for the Lakers.
Leading the way for the Lakers was Pau Gasol with 29 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers began the season 8-0, and appeared to be in the driver’s seat towards that third consecutive championship. But in April, the wheels on the bus suddenly fell apart. The Lakers lost five of their last seven games, and were slotted to play the New Orleans Hornets in the playoffs.
After losing Game 1, the Lakers seemed to find that intensity that had many fans confident of a resurgence to their early-season form. They eliminated the Hornets in six games. But whatever confidence was had, was quickly diminished as the eventual NBA champions, the Dallas Mavericks swept the Lakers in four games; ending Jackson’s career in an unexpected fashion.
Next Page: Sky Hooks and Game Winners
6. 1975-76: An Sky Hook to Get Over the Hump
When the Lakers completed the 1975 season, the team found themselves in a very unfamiliar place; out of the playoffs. This marked the first time that the Lakers would not qualify for the post-season since arriving in Los Angeles, 15 years prior.
When something is broken, a fix must be instilled; and that is what the Lakers did. At the close of the season, the Lakers sent center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, and then standout rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman in return for reserve center Walt Wesley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kareem had requested a trade in October 1974 due to his cultural needs. Los Angeles would quickly prove to be the place for Abdul-Jabbar.
On October 23, 1975, the new-look Lakers opened up at Madison Square Garden against future Laker coach Phil Jackson, and the New York Knicks.
The excitement did not phase Kareem, who was just 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. The Lakers defeated the Knicks, 104-101 and seemingly would give hope to a team that was accustomed to make the playoffs year-in and year-out.
The end result was very familiar though. For the only time in Los Angeles Lakers history, the team missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons after finishing with a record of 40-42.
5. He’s Back!
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCrCEK3zFM0
Retirement could not keep Phil Jackson away for too long. After just a season apart, and two head coaches later, the Lakers found the answer to their solution (again) in Jackson.
This time the challenge was tougher. Phil no longer had Shaq, or Derek Fisher, or Robert Horry. This was a completely new Laker team. Let’s not forget that he did have Kobe though.
But still, Jackson went right to work with what he had. Fans wondered about the risky trade made by the Lakers on August 2, 2005 that would send Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins to the Washington Wizards for Kwame Brown and Laron Profit.
In essence, Brown would be Shaq, while free agent signing Smush Parker would attempt to be Fisher.
Nonetheless, the excitement was there because the zen master was back. If anybody could clean up such a mess, it was definitely Phil Jackson.
On November 2, 2005, the Lakers played a thriller on the road against the Denver Nuggets. Both teams were back and forth throughout the night; so much that the game needed as extra period to settle the outcome. It was in overtime that Kobe with 0.6 seconds left, welcomed Jackson back to the Lakers in grand fashion with the game-winning jumper, just in front of the three-point stripe; lifting the Lakers to victory by the score of 99-97.
Bryant scored eight of his 33 points in the extra period. The excitement was evident as Kobe ran to the other side of the court and clenched his fist, then bumped chests with Devean George.
Jackson did indeed get this young squad to overachieve. The team would claim the seventh seed out West, but would fall in seven games to the Phoenix Suns.
Next Page: Welcome to Los Angeles: Lakers and Phil Jackson
4. 1960-61: They Love L.A.!
The Lakers finished the previous season with a record of 25-50, which was enough for the team to secure the second pick in the NBA Draft, leading to the selection of Jerry West out of West Virginia University (the first pick went to the Cincinnati Royals, who selected Oscar Robertson).
Los Angeles now had three professional sports teams (the Rams in the NFL) and were crazy about their teams.
Despite not playing their first home game until five nights later, Los Angeles Laker fans tuned in as their team fell to Robertson and the Royals, 140-123.
West struggled in the first half of the season, but turned it around as the season went along. He, and Baylor propelled the Lakers past the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs despite a record of 36-43 in the regular season. The next round saw the Lakers narrowly fall to the St. Louis Hawks in the Western Conference Finals.
Nevertheless, the season set the stage for many exciting years in Los Angeles.
3. 1999-2000: A Zen Solution to Boost Performance
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlQtSOTd350
Since Pat Riley stepped down as coach of the Lakers in 1990, the team struggled to find an elite coach to guide the squad. That search finally ended in 1999 when the Lakers hired Phil Jackson, who won six championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
After losing to the eventual NBA champions, the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers suddenly felt confident. Jackson br0ught along one of his former Bulls, Ron Harper. The Lakers then signed John Salley out of retirement; he had not played since the 1995-96 season.
What was to expect? The fans of Los Angeles wanted to win immediately. If coach Jackson was not the right leader, who would be? Was Phil solely regarded as one of the best because of the players he coached?
The first answers were quickly answered on November 2, 1999; when the Lakers traveled to Salt Lake City to play the always-difficult Utah Jazz, coached by the venerable Jerry Sloan.
The Lakers’ season would begin without Kobe, who sustained a hand injury in a pre-season game against the Washington Wizards.
However, the Lakers carried on, and jumped out to a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The next two quarters played slightly in favor of the Jazz, who were led in scoring by guard Jeff Hornacek’s 23 points.
However, it was the Lakers that would prevail in the final period. Taking Kobe’s place in the scoring column was Glen Rice, who shot five-for-six from beyond the arc, and eight-of-13 from the field in general. He would finish the evening with 28 points.
The Lakers proved to be too tough for the Jazz, and reigned victorious, 91-84.
The team would post winning streaks of 16 games, and then 19. During that 19-game winning streak, they won 30-of-31 games, and 33-of-35.
The end result was a record of 67-15, the fifth-best record in NBA history. Their playoff run would wind up being just as exciting as the regular season was; the team went five games with the Sacramento Kings, then easily disposed of the Phoenix Suns before facing the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland nearly eliminated the Lakers before a miraculous 15-0 run catapulted Los Angeles from the grave into the NBA Finals. In six games, the Lakers fulfilled their goal of a championship.
The wait was over for fans. But it was just the beginning.
Next Page: Legends are Made
2. 1979-80: Let the Magic Begin
The first and second picks in the draft were awarded to the two teams with the worst records in each conference. That year, the teams were the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. To determine who got the first pick, a coin was flipped. Since the Jazz traded their pick, the lost their chance at a legend. As we all know, the Lakers won the flip; and drafted Earvin “Magic” Johnson from Michigan State University. The Bulls settled for David Greenwood of UCLA.
Immediately the Lakers would become the favorites to win the NBA championship. Not only did the Lakers already have Kareem to anchor the squad, but now they had perhaps the best guard in the league (at the time), who formed one of basketball’s greatest duos of all time.
But that was yet to be seen at the time. Fans were forced to wait until October 12, 1979, when the Lakers opened on the road in San Diego against the Clippers.
The game went down to the wire before Kareem hit a game-winning sky hook. Magic ran and jumped into the arms of his center. However, he was quickly reminded that he had 81 games left to be played. Johnson had just won the NCAA championship just seven months ago, and was seemingly on top of the world.
Magic averaged 18 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists in his rookie year.
It would not be long before Johnson would get to celebrate again as the Lakers would defeat “Dr. J” Julius Erving and the Philadelphia 76ers in six games of the NBA Finals. It would be the start of the “Showtime” era, and just the beginning of Laker domination throughout the decade.
1. 1996-97: The Beginning of Kobe and Shaq
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pc7sKXoZ3U
The 1995-96 season was filled with criticism and power struggles for Shaquille O’Neal. His impending free agency rose much debate about whether or not the Orlando Magic would be able to keep their young superstar, or if they could even keep him at all. It all did not matter when the Lakers signed him to a seven-year/$121 million contract on the first day of Team USA’s training camp.
As if that was not excitement enough, another move the Lakers made would excite Laker fans for many years to come. The problem is that fans did not know to what extent they would be excited. At least not at the time. With Shaq manning the center position, the Lakers no longer had room for Vlade Divac. Thus, on the night of the 1996 NBA Draft, the Lakers traded Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for the rights to the 13th pick, Kobe Bryant from Lower Marion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Bryant was seen as a tremendous gamble being the first guard to be drafted out of high school.
The Lakers did not know it yet, but also in that draft, the team selected Derek Fisher from Arkansas-Little Rock. Those three players would form a core that would be responsible for much Laker history.
On the first day of November in 1996, the Lakers hosted the Phoenix Suns. But the excitement was not for Kobe and Shaq, like many fans might have expected at present day; it was all about the diesel.
He did not disappoint. The Lakers jumped in front of the Suns by 17 points at halftime.
But perhaps the lead was too big, and the Suns crept back into the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers’ lead had fallen to just three points. Still, this was Shaq’s night. In Orlando, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway pushed the notion that he was the leader, not Shaq. Clearly, O’Neal proved that theory to be false. In the fourth quarter, the Lakers reverted back to their first half form, and outscored the Suns by 11 to cruise to a 96-82 victory.
Shaq led all players with 23 points on the evening. He also contributed with a game-high 14 rebounds. Rookie Derek Fisher contributed with 12 points off of the bench.
Kobe averaged just 7.6 points that season while he played behind Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. Meanwhile, Shaq averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds.
The season culminated in a semifinal defeat against the Utah Jazz in five games. But this team was just getting started. Fans would slowly begin to understand just how important this season was as important pieces were put together towards the eventual six championships won over the next fifteen years.