The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most famous basketball teams in the world. With a rich history and many legendary players, the Lakers have won numerous championships and created unforgettable moments in sports. From Magic Johnson’s incredible passes to Kobe Bryant’s amazing scoring skills, this team has thrilled fans for decades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s always something new to learn about this iconic franchise.
Today, we will share some fun and interesting Lakers trivia that will test your knowledge of the team. Did you know that the team was originally based in Minneapolis before moving to Los Angeles? Or that they have had some of the greatest players in NBA history wear their purple and gold jersey? Whether you think you know everything about the Lakers or want to learn new facts, you’re sure to enjoy these tidbits. Get ready to impress your friends with your Lakers knowledge!
Los Angeles Lakers Trivia
From Minneapolis to LA: The Lakers’ Journey
1. In what year did the Lakers move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles? (Answer: 1960)
2. What was the original name of the Lakers? (Answer: Minneapolis Lakers)
3. The Lakers’ name comes from which state’s nickname? (Answer: Minnesota’s “Land of 10,000 Lakes”)
4. Who was the first coach of the Lakers in LA? (Answer: Fred Schaus)
5. Which year did the Lakers win their first championship in Los Angeles? (Answer: 1972)
6. What was the Lakers’ home arena before moving to the Staples Center? (Answer: The Forum)
7. Which major professional sport was the first to adopt the Los Angeles Lakers? (Answer: Basketball)
8. Who were the Lakers competing against when they first debuted in LA? (Answer: The San Francisco Warriors)
9. How many times have the Lakers won the championship while based in Los Angeles? (Answer: 17 times)
10. What colors did the Lakers wear when they first moved to Los Angeles? (Answer: Purple and gold)
The Legendary Players of the Lakers’ Dynasty
1. Which Lakers player was known as “Magic”? (Answer: Magic Johnson)
2. Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Lakers? (Answer: Kobe Bryant)
3. Which center had the nickname “The Big Dipper”? (Answer: Wilt Chamberlain)
4. Who led the Lakers to five championships in the 1980s? (Answer: Magic Johnson)
5. What position did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play? (Answer: Center)
6. Which player won the MVP award in 2008 while playing for the Lakers? (Answer: Kobe Bryant)
7. Who was the first player to have his jersey retired by the Lakers? (Answer: Elgin Baylor)
8. Who is known for his famous skyhook shot? (Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
9. What was the nickname given to the duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant? (Answer: “The Shaq and Kobe Show”)
10. Which player was drafted by the Lakers in 2005? (Answer: Andrew Bynum)
Championship Moments That Defined Lakers History
1. How many NBA championships have the Lakers won in total? (Answer: 17)
2. What year did the Lakers celebrate their last championship win? (Answer: 2020)
3. Who did the Lakers defeat to win the championship in 2000? (Answer: Indiana Pacers)
4. In what year did the Lakers win back-to-back championships in the 2000s? (Answer: 2009 and 2010)
5. Which team did the Lakers face in the Finals in 1987? (Answer: Boston Celtics)
6. What was the final score of Game 7 of the 2010 Finals? (Answer: 83-79)
7. Who hit the game-winning shot for the Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals? (Answer: Shaquille O’Neal)
8. What year’s Finals featured the Lakers against the Orlando Magic? (Answer: 2009)
9. Who was the Finals MVP for the Lakers in 2020? (Answer: LeBron James)
10. The Lakers won their first title in Los Angeles in which year? (Answer: 1972)
Rivalries That Shaped Lakers’ Legacy
1. Who is the Lakers’ biggest rival? (Answer: Boston Celtics)
2. What was the famous nickname for the Lakers-Celtics rivalry? (Answer: The Basketball Classic)
3. How many Finals matchups have there been between the Lakers and Celtics? (Answer: 12)
4. Which player famously said, “I hate the Lakers”? (Answer: Larry Bird)
5. The rivalry with which team is termed “The Battle of LA”? (Answer: Los Angeles Clippers)
6. In 1984, which game did the Lakers lose to the Celtics in the Finals? (Answer: Game 7)
7. What player ended the Lakers’ playoff hopes against the Spurs in 2003? (Answer: Tim Duncan)
8. Which player joined the Lakers after having a great rivalry with them in the Finals? (Answer: Shaquille O’Neal)
9. Who was the head coach during the peak of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in the 1980s? (Answer: Pat Riley)
10. The Lakers had a historic rivalry with which Texas team known for their large “Big Three”? (Answer: Houston Rockets)
The Lakers’ Home: Staples Center Experience
1. What year did the Staples Center open? (Answer: 1999)
2. How many championship banners hang in the Staples Center for the Lakers? (Answer: 17)
3. Which other team shares the Staples Center with the Lakers? (Answer: Los Angeles Clippers)
4. What is the maximum seating capacity of the Staples Center during a Lakers game? (Answer: Approx. 19,000)
5. Which famous pop artist has performed during Lakers games at the Staples Center? (Answer: Rihanna)
6. What is the signature feature of the Staples Center’s courtside seating? (Answer: Celebrity appearances)
7. How many times has the Lakers’ meeting with the Celtics happened at the Staples Center? (Answer: Multiple times)
8. Which event at the Staples Center is typically held every year in honor of Kobe Bryant? (Answer: Kobe Bryant Day)
9. What feature has become a staple for Lakers games at the Staples Center? (Answer: The purple and gold lights)
10. Who famously gave a speech at the Staples Center after passing of Kobe Bryant? (Answer: LeBron James)
Coaching Greats That Guided the Lakers
1. Who is the most successful coach in Lakers history? (Answer: Phil Jackson)
2. How many championships did Phil Jackson win while coaching the Lakers? (Answer: 11)
3. Who was the Lakers’ coach during the “Showtime” era? (Answer: Pat Riley)
4. What coaching style is Phil Jackson famous for? (Answer: Triangle Offense)
5. Who became head coach of the Lakers after Mike Brown? (Answer: Mike D’Antoni)
6. Under which coach did the Lakers rebuild after the Shaq-Kobe era? (Answer: Luke Walton)
7. Who succeeded Phil Jackson as the Lakers’ head coach? (Answer: Mike Brown)
8. Which coach led the Lakers to their last championship victory in 2020? (Answer: Frank Vogel)
9. What is the unique feature of coaching at the Lakers? (Answer: High Media Attention)
10. Which Laker coach is also known for his time with the Chicago Bulls? (Answer: Phil Jackson)
The Lakers’ Global Impact in Basketball
1. How many NBA players have worn Lakers jerseys and gone on to play internationally? (Answer: Numerous)
2. Which country besides the USA is known for having Lakers fans? (Answer: China)
3. What is the name of the Lakers’ international basketball school? (Answer: Lakers Youth Foundation)
4. In which international event did the Lakers’ players often showcase their skills? (Answer: Olympics)
5. How many countries have Lakers merchandise been sold in? (Answer: Over 100)
6. Which NBA stars were part of the international Lakers community? (Answer: Pau Gasol)
7. Which player’s signing increased the Lakers’ popularity in Europe? (Answer: Pau Gasol)
8. What philanthropic initiative has the Lakers sponsored to spread basketball globally? (Answer: NBA Cares)
9. How do the Lakers contribute to basketball development worldwide? (Answer: Clinics and Camps)
10. What is the effect of the Lakers on basketball popularity outside the USA? (Answer: Global Expansion)
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Lakers are not just a basketball team; they are a rich tapestry of history, rivalries, and champions that have left a significant mark on the sport. With their legendary players, memorable moments, and iconic matches, the Lakers continue to inspire fans around the world. Whether you’re wanting to dive deeper into the nuances of the franchise through other interesting themes, or learn about the career of athletes like LeBron James, there’s always more to explore. Make sure you check out more exciting trivia about the Lakers as well as other topics, like NBA Basketball Trivia and LeBron James Trivia. Discover the stories behind the games, players, and moments that make basketball an exhilarating sport!