This Day In Lakers History: 2001 Team Completes Sweep Through Western Conference Playoffs
Kobe Bryant, Shaquile O'Neal, Lakers
Andrew D. Bernstein-Getty Images

When it comes to the greatest teams in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers have multiple entries into the discussion. The 1972 team still holds the record for longest winning streak while the 1985 and ’87 squads came right at the peak of the Showtime era.

Of the more recent teams starring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, however, there is no doubt that the 2001 squad stands above the rest. This wasn’t because of their regular season accolades, as they actually had the fewest wins of any of the Lakers five championships in the 2000s.

Once the playoffs started this team flipped the switch and reached a level that few have ever matched. On May 27, 2001, the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 111-82, completing a sweep of not only that series, but of their entire Western Conference playoff run.

First was the Portland Trail Blazers, who never came close to threatening L.A. in their three-game sweep.

The Sacramento Kings actually made the games close, but still weren’t good enough to take one in the second round. As for the top-seeded Spurs, Bryant and O’Neal took their hearts out in San Antonio before bringing the hammer down at Staples Center and this Game 4 was a major blowout.

The Lakers led by 23 at the half and never looked back in this demolition. As per usual, Shaq and Kobe did a lot of damage as Shaq finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Kobe had 24 points and 11 assists.

But neither led the team in scoring on this night as that honor went to Derek Fisher who scored 28 points on 11 of 13 shooting including 6 of 7 from three-point range.

As we all know, Allen Iverson would go crazy in leading the Philadelphia 76ers to steal Game 1 of the NBA Finals, ending the Lakers perfect playoff run. But they would go on to reel off four straight after that for their second straight NBA championship.

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

Jared Dudley Says Lakers Will Keep LeBron James, Anthony Davis Protected In Bubble Wrap Once Season Returns

In the past week, there has been more momentum for the 2019-20 NBA season to restart as commissioner Adam…

Lakers News: Avery Bradley Taking Things ‘One Day At A Time’ On Non-Guaranteed Contract

One day before the beginning of the 2021-22 regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed Avery Bradley off of waivers…

Kyle Kuzma Believes Win Against Kings Was Lakers’ Best Without LeBron James & Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers finally got back into the win column, blowing out the Sacramento Kings on Friday night…

NBA To Implement New Rules Regarding Non-Basketball Moves Starting In 2021-22 Season

Although the game of basketball has exploded in popularity, the NBA has had a difficult time officiating games due to players…