5 prominent NBA teams which were renamed as franchises featuring Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and more
Several NBA teams have been renamed throughout history. This happened for a couple of reasons, but mostly because of the team's relocation to another city.
It's interesting that some popular NBA teams have also been renamed, including the LA Lakers, who are tied for the most championships of all time.
This article will reveal the five prominent NBA teams that were renamed.
Los Angeles Lakers are among the most popular NBA teams that were renamed
The Lakers were founded in 1948 as the Minneapolis Lakers. However, due to poor attendance in Minnesota and poor results, the ownership of the team decided to move it to Los Angeles, California.
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The move turned out to be fantastic as the Lakers are now one of the most popular NBA teams. Since moving to California, the team has achieved a lot of success and won numerous championships.
Brooklyn Nets were in New Jersey
The New Jersey Nets achieved a lot of success in the ABA, winning two championships. Unfortunately, they haven't been very successful in the NBA as their greatest success was reaching the NBA Finals.
The team moved to Brooklyn in 2012, which was a good move. While the Nets haven't won a championship in Brooklyn or even made it to the NBA Finals, they have a great team in the 2022-23 season and could have a deep playoff run.
OKC Thunder moved from Seattle in 2008
The Seattle SuperSonics had several amazing players throughout their history, including Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, the team dealt with financial problems and had to move to another city.
A few years after moving to Oklahoma City, the team reached the 2012 NBA Finals, which was considered a huge success. While the Thunder are not performing well in the 2022-23 season, they could qualify for the playoffs and surprise their fans.
Charlotte Hornets and their long history
The Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans in 2002, but they also had to play in Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina. The team was eventually renamed the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013, which is the team's current name.
Charlotte, on the other hand, had another NBA team named the Bobcats. Shortly after New Orleans was renamed the Pelicans, Charlotte's NBA team started using its original name, the Hornets.
LA Clippers were originally in San Diego
The Clippers are another team that was moved to Los Angeles. Before the City of Angels, the team was located in San Diego. However, when the team was sold to Donald Sterling, he successfully moved it to his hometown.
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The Clippers also haven't achieved a lot of success lately, although they have had several great teams.