Minneapolis Lakers

Minneapolis Lakers. The Minneapolis Lakers were a professional basketball team that played in the National Basketball League, the Basketball Association of America, and ultimately the National Basketball Association from 1947 to 1960. Founded by Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen, the team quickly established itself as a dominant force in the early years of professional basketball, winning multiple championships behind the legendary play of center George Mikan. The franchise's name was derived from Minnesota's nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and its success in the Upper Midwest helped solidify the NBA's early popularity before its eventual relocation to the West Coast.

History

The franchise was established in 1947 when owners Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the disbanded Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League for $15,000, moving the team to Minneapolis. Coached by John Kundla, the Lakers immediately found success, winning the 1948 NBL Championship behind the newly acquired rookie George Mikan and veteran guard Jim Pollard. The following season, the team joined the rival Basketball Association of America, where they continued their dominance, ultimately becoming a charter member of the newly formed National Basketball Association after the 1949 merger between the BAA and the NBL. Throughout the early 1950s, the Lakers, featuring stars like Vern Mikkelsen and Slater Martin, were the league's premier attraction, often embarking on extensive road trips to venues like Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden to showcase Mikan's talents. However, following Mikan's retirement in 1956, the team's fortunes declined sharply, struggling financially and competitively in a league increasingly centered on the East Coast, which precipitated a search for new ownership and a potential move.

Championships and achievements

The Minneapolis Lakers were the NBA's first dynasty, capturing five NBA championships in six years between 1949 and 1954. Their first title came in the 1949 BAA Finals, where they defeated the Washington Capitols, led by coach Red Auerbach. The team repeated as champions in 1950, overcoming the Syracuse Nationals in a dramatic six-game series. After a loss to the Rochester Royals in the 1951 Western Division finals, the Lakers reclaimed the crown for three consecutive years from 1952 to 1954, battling rivals like the New York Knicks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. Key to these victories were triumphs in the 1952 and 1953 NBA Finals against the Knicks and the 1954 finals over the Syracuse Nationals. Individually, George Mikan led the league in scoring three times, was named to the first-ever NBA All-Star Game in 1951, and was later selected to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team. Several players, including Jim Pollard, Vern Mikkelsen, and Slater Martin, were also perennial All-NBA Team selections, contributing to the franchise's six NBA All-Star Game appearances during its Minneapolis tenure.

Notable players

The most iconic figure in franchise history was center George Mikan, the league's first superstar, whose dominance under the basket revolutionized the game and prompted rules changes like the widening of the lane. Forward Jim Pollard, known as the "Kangaroo Kid," was celebrated for his athleticism and was a crucial component of the early championship teams. The frontcourt was further fortified by power forward Vern Mikkelsen, a physical and tenacious rebounder who formed a formidable tandem with Mikan. The backcourt was orchestrated by playmaking guard Slater Martin, a defensive stalwart and five-time champion with the team. Other significant contributors included sharp-shooting guard Bob Harrison, who hit a famous long-distance shot to win the 1950 NBA Finals, and center Clyde Lovellette, who joined the team after Mikan's retirement and was a notable scoring threat. Later, guard Elgin Baylor was drafted in 1958 and provided a spectacular, though brief, glimpse of his Hall of Fame talent in Minneapolis before the team's relocation.

Home arenas

The Lakers played their home games in several venues throughout their tenure in Minneapolis. Their primary and most famous home was the Minneapolis Auditorium, where they enjoyed their greatest successes and drew large crowds to see George Mikan. The team also played select games at the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena, utilizing the larger capacity for high-profile matchups. For their final seasons, as attendance dwindled, the franchise occasionally used the St. Paul Auditorium in neighboring St. Paul in an attempt to broaden their regional appeal. These venues were central to the team's identity but became increasingly difficult to fill financially after the departure of their star players, highlighting the economic challenges that ultimately led to the franchise's move.

Legacy and relocation

The legacy of the Minneapolis Lakers is that of the NBA's first true dynasty, which helped legitimize and popularize the fledgling league through the star power of George Mikan. Their style of play, emphasizing a dominant big man, set a template for future teams. However, plagued by financial losses, declining attendance after Mikan's retirement, and the challenges of a small market, owner Bob Short sought to move the franchise. In 1960, the team was relocated to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Lakers, where it would evolve into one of the most successful and glamorous franchises in all of professional sports. The Minneapolis era is honored with the retirement of several jerseys by the Los Angeles Lakers, and the team's championships are recognized as part of the unified history of the NBA. The move also signaled a broader shift of professional sports franchises to larger, sunbelt cities during the mid-20th century.

Category:National Basketball Association teams Category:Sports in Minneapolis Category:Defunct basketball teams in the United States