Los Angeles Lakers History: 5 biggest regular-season losses ever
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most talked-about teams this season. Their expectations were high going in and so far, they haven't disappointed. The Lakers have a record of 10-2 as they beat the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
LeBron James and Co. are on top of the Western Conference and look like the contending team fans anticipated them to be. If they keep this up, the Lakers will be a force come playoff time.
The 2019-20 Lakers have put the team on the league's radar. After six seasons of missing the playoffs, this year's team looks like a side that will help the Lakers return to prominence. It all depends on the performances of players such as Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
Los Angeles has a rich history with numerous championships and several legendary players. The Lakers organization has achieved great success and deserve the acclaim they receive. However, they've had ups and downs. Like any team, they've experienced losing seasons, rebuilds, and in some cases, significant losses. In the team's history, they have had big losses and several of them at that. Here are five of the Lakers' biggest regular season losses.
#5 Boston Celtics beat the Minneapolis Lakers 119-75 (11 November, 1955): 44-point loss
One of the Lakers' biggest losses happened before they moved to L.A. In 1955, the Minneapolis Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics 119-75.
This loss came towards the beginning of the season, as this marked the Celtics' second win of the season and one of four losses for the Lakers. The Celtics finished the game with a record of 2-0, and the Lakers were 1-4. This game was an away game, and the Lakers could not get the win.
The Lakers had two players in double figures, as small forward Dick Schnittker led the team with 12 points. Their point guard Slater Martin was close behind with 10 points.
On the other hand, the Celtics had eight players in double figures. Power forward Ed Macauley led the Celtics with 23 points. Then, players such as Red Morrison and Bill Sharman had 16 and 15 points, respectively. The only player who did not score double figures was Celtics legend, Bob Cousy.
The Celtics went on to finish the season with a record of 39-33, and the Lakers finished with a record of 33-39. Boston made the playoffs but was knocked out by the Syracuse Nationals. The Lakers also made the playoffs but lost to the St. Louis Hawks.
The Lakers weren't in L.A just yet (the moved to L.A in 1960), but this was one of the biggest loses in Lakers' history.