NBA Champions ·
1972 Los Angeles Lakers
The 1971-72 Lakers won 69 games, a record that stood for 24 years, and beat the Knicks in five for the franchise's first title in Los Angeles. In the middle of that season they won 33 games in a row, still the longest streak in major American team sports. Wilt Chamberlain, by then a defender and rebounder more than a scorer, was named Finals MVP.
Bill Sharman arrived as coach, installed morning shootarounds and a running game, and asked the aging stars to adapt. Elgin Baylor could not keep up with the new pace and retired nine games in. The Lakers then won 33 straight, the streak ending in January against Milwaukee.
Gail Goodrich led the team in scoring at nearly 26 a game, with Jerry West beside him in the backcourt. Jim McMillian stepped into Baylor's spot and played near an All-Star level. Chamberlain focused on the glass and the defensive end, sparking the break with outlet passes.
Los Angeles finished 69-13, beat Chicago and Milwaukee in the West, and then faced the Knicks in a rematch of the 1970 Finals. This time the Lakers won in five.
The title was the first since the Minneapolis years and the only one of West's playing career. The roster also held a reserve guard named Pat Riley, who would coach the Lakers to four titles a decade later.
Championship roster
Featured in Ring Holders Club
| Player | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry West | PG | 94 |
| Gail Goodrich | SG | 86 |
| Jim McMillian | SF | 80 |
| Happy Hairston | PF | 78 |
| Wilt Chamberlain | C | 88 |
| Flynn Robinson | 6th man | 77 |
| Bill Sharman | Coach | 88 |
Ratings are year-specific curated estimates for Ring Holders Club, not official NBA stats.
Rest of the roster
| Player | Pos | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Riley | G | reserve guard, later coached the Showtime Lakers |
| Keith Erickson | F/G | swingman |
| Leroy Ellis | C | backup big man |
| Jim Cleamons | G | rookie guard |
| John Q. Trapp | F |