This Day In Lakers History: L.A. Defeats 76ers In 2001 NBA Finals To Cap Off Historic Playoff Run
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have an illustrious history filled with superstars and championship trophies, but that doesn’t mean they are jaded by their success. Each title has its own unique story, a struggle that the team had to endure and ultimately conquer in order to stand at the top of the mountain when the dust settled.

On this day in Lakers history, June 15th, 2001, they did just that, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in order to win their 13th NBA title and second in a row.

The Lakers had been perfect during their playoff run, sweeping their Western Conference foes the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs in what was a truly awe-inspiring run to the Finals.

The Lakers were led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, their unstoppable inside-out tandem that managed to overcome a spirited attempt by the legendary Allen Iverson and shot-swatting Dikembe Mutombo to deny Los Angeles their destiny.

The 76ers even managed to stop the Lakers’ winning streak, stealing Game 1 of the series and robbing Los Angeles of the chance to be the only team to ever get through the NBA playoffs undefeated.

After that, however, the Lakers went back to their winning ways, reeling off four straight victories to finish the season.

In the final game, Bryant and O’Neal led the way with 26 and 29 points, respectively, while Rick Fox netted 20 of his own and Derek Fisher went for 18. Bryant and O’Neal also gobbled up over half of the team’s 47 rebounds, with Bryant snagging 12 and O’Neal 13. O’Neal would ultimately win Finals MVP, his second consecutive time winning the award.

The score was close at halftime with the 76ers trailing 52-48, but a 31-20 third-quarter surge by the Lakers all but put the game and the series out of reach for Philadelphia. When the final buzzer sounded, the Lakers were on top, 108-96, and the celebration began.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Become First Team Since Bulls & Nets In 2004-05 To Finish Above .500 After 2-10 Start

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to finish the 2022-23 NBA season with at least 42 wins…

Kai Sotto Prepares To Bring His Dreams, And Those Of The Philippines, To NBA

Kai Sotto is quiet and unassuming. Friendly to all those around him, the 20-year-old goes about his day like many his age…

Lakers News: Russell Westbrook Reflects On Wearing Same Uniform As Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers fans got their first look at Russell Westbrook in the Purple and Gold on Tuesday when the organization…

Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell Not Surprised But In Awe Of Anthony Davis’ Dominance

Coming off an overtime loss on Sunday to the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers had no time to regroup as they had…