This Day In Lakers History: February

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February 2, 1996

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan’s first meeting since the 1991 NBA Finals became the highest-rated game ever on cable TV with a 7.1 rating and was viewed in an average of 4.75 million homes. However, the Lakers lost 99-84.

February 3, 2010

Phil Jackson (534 wins) surpassed Pat Riley for most wins as head coach in a 99-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

February 4, 1987

Lakers held the Sacramento Kings to four points in the first quarter, which was the fewest in the shot clock era.

February 9, 1992

Magic Johnson returned for the first time since announcing his retirement due to HIV. Johnson recorded 25 points and nine assists to lead the West to a 153-113 win and earned NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors.

February 10, 2002

Kobe Bryant recorded 31 points, five rebounds, and five assists in only 30 minutes to lead the West to a 135-120 win over the East. Bryant was named the unanimous NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in his hometown.

February 13, 2000

Shaquille O’Neal headlined a trio of seven-footers that started for the West in a 137-126 win over the East. O’Neal (22 points) and Tim Duncan (24 points) were then named the co-NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Players.

February 14, 1986

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (50,001 minutes) passed Elvin Hayes (50,000) for first on the NBA’s all-time minutes list after playing 24. Abdul-Jabbar recorded 25 points (10-of-13 from the field) in a 141-117 win vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

February 16, 1972

Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in NBA history to score 30,000 points. Despite 19 points (6-of-10 from the field), 21 rebounds, and five assists while playing all 48 minutes, the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns, 110-109.

February 16, 1992

Lakers retired Magic Johnson’s No. 32 jersey.

February 23, 1986

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,304 games) passed Elvin Hayes (1,303) for first on the NBA’s all-time games list. Abdul-Jabbar recorded 28 points, five rebounds, and seven blocks in a 117-111 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

February 27, 2012

Kobe Bryant (271 points) surpassed Michael Jordan (262) for most points scored in NBA All-Star Games.

February 28, 1987

Chick Hearn called his 2,500th consecutive Lakers game in a 107-100 loss to the Utah Jazz.