1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers season

NBA pro basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Los Angeles Lakers 1989 yes yes 57 25 Pacific 1 1 Pat Riley Jerry West Great Western Forum Jerry Buss KHJ-TVPrime Ticket(Chick Hearn, Stu Lantz) KLAC(Chick Hearn, Stu Lantz) NBA Finals(lost to Pistons 0–4) LAL The 1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 43rd season for the Los Angeles Lakers as a franchise, their 41st season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/ August 7, 2026 This was also the final season for All-Star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. McManis Sam A Last Hurrah: For Abdul-Jabbar, a Season of Farewells Will Be Capped Today Los Angeles Times April 23, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-23-sp-1849-story.html April 3, 2023 McManis Sam A Fitting Farewell to Kareem: Lakers Beat Seattle in Center's Goodby Los Angeles Times April 24, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-24-sp-1593-story.html April 3, 2023 Berger Phil Abdul-Jabbar Winds Up 20 Years to Warm Goodbye The New York Times June 14, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/sports/abdul-jabbar-winds-up-20-years-to-warm-goodbye.html April 3, 2023 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Lakers signed free agent Orlando Woolridge. Edes Gordon Lakers to Announce Signing Today of Free Agent Orlando Woolridge Los Angeles Times August 10, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-10-sp-290-story.html November 4, 2023 Sports People: Lakers Sign Woolridge The New York Times August 11, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/11/sports/sports-people-lakers-sign-woolridge.html February 12, 2022 Thomas Pete Lakers Boost Bench by Signing 6-9 Woolridge Los Angeles Times August 11, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-11-sp-368-story.html December 20, 2022 The Lakers entered the regular season as the 2-time defending NBA champions, having defeated the Detroit Pistons in a full seven-game series in the 1988 NBA Finals. Regular season With the addition of Woolridge, the Lakers got off to a fast start by winning 15 of their first 18 games of the regular season, which included a seven-game winning streak between November and December, and later on holding a 32–15 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=9&year=1989 December 6, 2022 The team posted a six-game winning streak in March, and won their final five games of the season. The Lakers finished in first place in the Pacific Division with a 57–25 record, and earned the first seed in the Western Conference; 1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1989_games.html February 10, 2022 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the 13th consecutive year. Magic Johnson averaged 22.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 12.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game, and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year, and was also named to the All-NBA First Team, Sports People: Basketball: Johnson Is M.V.P. for a Second Time The New York Times May 23, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/23/sports/sports-people-basketball-johnson-is-mvp-for-a-second-time.html March 7, 2022 McManis Sam Magic Is the MVP This Time: Jordan Finishes Second in Closest Voting in 8 Seasons Los Angeles Times May 23, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-23-sp-655-story.html December 20, 2022 NBA MVP & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mvp.html December 27, 2022 while James Worthy averaged 20.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and Byron Scott provided the team with 19.6 points and 1.5 steals per game. In addition, A.C. Green provided with 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and Abdul-Jabbar contributed 10.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Off the bench, Woolridge averaged 9.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, while Mychal Thompson provided with 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, defensive guard Michael Cooper contributed 7.3 points and 3.9 assists per game, and led the Lakers with 80 three-point field goals, and Tony Campbell contributed 6.2 points per game. 1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1989.html February 10, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Johnson, Worthy and Abdul-Jabbar were all selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team, while head coach Pat Riley was selected to coach the Western Conference. McManis Sam Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same Los Angeles Times February 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-12-sp-3000-story.html December 20, 2022 NBA.com Staff 1989 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1989 May 21, 2023 1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1989.html February 10, 2022 However, Johnson did not participate due to a hamstring injury, as Abdul-Jabbar was selected as his replacement; it would also be the final All-Star appearance for Abdul-Jabbar. McManis Sam Magic Has Partial Tear of Hamstring: He May Be Sidelined for at Least a Week; Lakers Fall Los Angeles Times February 9, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-09-sp-3194-story.html December 20, 2022 Riley also finished tied in seventh place in Coach of the Year voting. Associated Press Fitzsimmons Coach of Year Los Angeles Times May 25, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-25-sp-1088-story.html May 25, 2025 1988–89 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1989.html May 25, 2025 The Lakers finished sixth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 717,349 at the Great Western Forum during the regular season. 1988–89 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1989.html February 15, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1989 NBA playoffs, the Lakers faced off against the 8th–seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a team that featured All-Star guard Clyde Drexler, All-Star center Kevin Duckworth, and Terry Porter. The Lakers won the first two games over the Trail Blazers at home at the Great Western Forum, before winning Game 3 on the road, 116–108 at the Memorial Coliseum to win the series in a three-game sweep. McManis Sam Lakers Shake Their Lethargy, Finish Sweep: Win Over Portland Extends First-Round Streak to 18-0 Los Angeles Times May 4, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-04-sp-2543-story.html December 6, 2022 Abdul-Jabbar Leads Lakers to Sweep The Washington Post May 4, 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/05/04/abdul-jabbar-leads-lakers-to-sweep/2c6b07eb-7a81-4ba7-a9b4-f6bdb23af34a/ December 6, 2022 1989 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-lakers.html March 20, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 4th–seeded Seattle SuperSonics, who were led by All-Star guard Dale Ellis, All-Star forward Xavier McDaniel, and second-year forward Derrick McKey. After winning their first two games over the SuperSonics at the Great Western Forum, the Lakers won the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 win over the SuperSonics at the Seattle Center Coliseum, 97–95 to win the series in a four-game sweep. McManis Sam NBA Playoffs: Deep Down, Lakers Knew They Could: L.A., Losing by 29, Runs to 97-95 Win Los Angeles Times May 15, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-15-vw-238-story.html December 5, 2022 Goldaper Sam Jordan Digs a Deeper Hole for Knicks The New York Times May 15, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/15/sports/jordan-digs-a-deeper-hole-for-knicks.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: SuperSonics vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-semifinals-supersonics-vs-lakers.html March 20, 2023 In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers then faced off against the 3rd–seeded Phoenix Suns, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Tom Chambers, Sixth Man of the Year, Eddie Johnson, and second-year star, and Most Improved Player of the Year, Kevin Johnson. The Lakers won the first two games over the Suns at the Great Western Forum, and then won the next two games on the road, including a Game 4 win over the Suns at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 122–117 to complete another four-game series sweep, and advance to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year. Brown Clifton Lakers Make a Full Sweep Into Final The New York Times May 29, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/29/sports/lakers-make-a-full-sweep-into-final.html December 5, 2022 McManis Sam NBA Playoffs: Sundown Comes Early in Phoenix; Lakers Sweep Into NBA Finals Again, 122-117 Los Angeles Times May 29, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-29-sp-712-story.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Western Conference Finals: Suns vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-finals-suns-vs-lakers.html March 20, 2023 In the 1989 NBA Finals, The Lakers once again faced off against the top–seeded Detroit Pistons, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Bill Laimbeer, and who they defeated in last year's NBA Finals in a hard-fought seven-game series.Can Lakers sweep Pistons in Finals? June 6, 1989 Vidette-Messenger of Porter County Valparaiso, Indiana 11 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20041133/can_lakers_sweep_pistons_in_finals/ Newspapers.com However, after injuries to their starting backcourt of Magic Johnson and Scott, McManis Sam NBA Championship Series: Lakers Caught with Guards Down; Magic Joins Scott on Sideline After Straining Hamstring in 108-105 Game 2 Loss to Pistons Los Angeles Times June 9, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-09-sp-1714-story.html December 20, 2022 Brown Clifton Basketball: Johnson's Leg Injury Hurts Lakers The New York Times June 10, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/10/sports/basketball-johnson-s-leg-injury-hurts-lakers.html March 9, 2022 McManis Sam NBA Championship Series: Magic Says Pain Won't Stop Him; Laker Star Would Play Despite Injury, But Not at Risk of Career Los Angeles Times June 10, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-10-sp-1330-story.html December 28, 2022 the Lakers lost the first two games to the Pistons on the road at The Palace of Auburn Hills, and then lost their next two home games, including a Game 4 loss to the Pistons at the Great Western Forum, 105–97, despite a 40-point performance from Worthy. The Lakers lost the series in a four-game sweep, as the Pistons won their first ever NBA championship in franchise history. After the Finals concluded, Abdul-Jabbar announced his retirement at the age of 42, and after twenty seasons in the NBA. Goldaper Sam Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers The New York Times June 14, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/sports/pistons-earn-first-title-by-sweeping-lakers.html December 5, 2022 McManis Sam Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97 Los Angeles Times June 14, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-14-sp-2097-story.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-finals-lakers-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Campbell signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Timberwolves expansion team. Associated Press Lakers Free Agent Campbell Signs Deal with Timberwolves Los Angeles Times September 13, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-13-sp-2218-story.html December 25, 2022 McManis Sam The NBA: Campbell Gets Shot(s) With Timberwolves Los Angeles Times November 21, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-21-sp-69-story.html February 18, 2024 The 1988–89 season marked an end to a run of eight consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances for the Lakers, the most since the 1968–69 Boston Celtics, as in the following season, the Lakers would lose in the Conference Semi-finals to the Phoenix Suns in five games. Brady Frank Suns Rally to Beat Lakers, Earning Trip to West Final The New York Times May 16, 1990 https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/16/sports/suns-rally-to-beat-lakers-earning-trip-to-west-final.html January 24, 2023 McManis Sam Lakers Let Season Trickle Away: Game 5: Magic Johnson Scores 43, But the Suns Come Back from 15-Point Deficit to Clinch Series, 106-103 Los Angeles Times May 16, 1990 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-16-sp-174-story.html January 24, 2023 1990 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Suns vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1990-nba-western-conference-semifinals-suns-vs-lakers.html March 21, 2023 Draft picks 1988 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 25 David Rivers PG United States Notre Dame Roster Los Angeles Lakers 1988–89 #5C2F83 #FCB625 #FCB625 #5C2F83 33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar C 7 2 225 1947–04–16 UCLA 19 Tony Campbell F 6 7 215 1962–05–07 Ohio State 21 Michael Cooper G 6 5 170 1956–04–15 University of New Mexico 45 A.C. Green F 6 9 220 1963–10–04 Oregon State University 32 Magic Johnson G 6 9 215 1959–08–14 Michigan State University 3 Jeff Lamp F 6 6 195 1959–03–09 University of Virginia 31 Mark McNamara C 6 11 235 1959–06–08 California 14 David Rivers G 6 0 180 1965–01–20 Notre Dame 00, 4 Byron Scott basketball G 6 3 195 1961–03–28 Arizona State University 43 Mychal Thompson C 6 10 226 1955–01–30 University of Minnesota 0 Orlando Woolridge F 6 9 215 1959–12–16 Notre Dame 42 James Worthy F 6 9 225 1961–02–27 University of North Carolina Pat Riley Bill Bertka Randy Pfund Regular season Season standings LAL LAL Game log Regular season Los Angeles Lakers #800080 #FFD700 1989 Total: 57–25 (home: 35–6; road: 22–19) Los Angeles Lakers November yes #FFD700 #800080 4 0 6 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | November 4 | @ Dallas | W 116-113 | James Worthy (25) | Johnson & Worthy (6) | Magic Johnson (14) | Reunion Arena17,007 | 1–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | November 5 | @ San Antonio | L 107-122 | Magic Johnson (21) | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12) | Magic Johnson (14) | HemisFair Arena15,861 | 1-1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 8, 1988 | @ Golden State | W 114–102 | Scott (23) | Green,Johnson,Thompson (7) | Johnson (18) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 9 | Denver | W 128-110 | Byron Scott (33) | A.C. Green (9) | Magic Johnson (19) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 3–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | November 11, 1988 | Seattle | W 114–103 | Scott (29) | Johnson (9) | Johnson (16) | The Forum17,505 | 4–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 15 | @ Denver | W 148-146 (2OT) | James Worthy (33) | Mychal Thompson (10) | Magic Johnson (13) | McNichols Sports Arena15,198 | 5–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 7 | November 17, 1988 | @ Seattle | L 98–101 | Johnson (28) | Johnson,Thompson (10) | Jhnson (6) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,576 | 5–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | November 18 | Portland | W 106-105 | Magic Johnson (26) | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (8) | Magic Johnson (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 6–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 22, 1988 | @ New York | W 110–98 | Worthy (29) | Johnson (12) | Johnson (13) | Madison Square Garden19,591 | 7–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 23 | @ Miami | W 138-91 | Orlando Woolridge (22) | Tony Campbell (9) | Magic Johnson (17) | Miami Arena15,008 | 8–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 11 | November 26, 1988 | @ Detroit | L 99–102 | Scott (20) | Green (14) | Johnson (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 8–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 28 | @ Philadelphia | W 109-104 | Magic Johnson (32) | Magic Johnson (11) | Magic Johnson (20) | The Spectrum18,168 | 9–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 30, 1988 | Seattle | W 110–106 | Johnson (40) | Thompson (11) | Johnson (10) | The Forum17,505 | 10–3 Los Angeles Lakers December #FFD700 #800080 6 0 3 7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | December 2 | Utah | W 113-92 | Byron Scott (32) | Magic Johnson (12) | Magic Johnson (15) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 11–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 15 | December 4 | Washington | W 119-112 (OT) | Magic Johnson (29) | Mychal Thompson (9) | Magic Johnson (17) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 12–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | December 6 | @ L.A. Clippers | W 111-102 | Magic Johnson (25) | Mychal Thompson (11) | Magic Johnson (21) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena15,352 | 13–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 7, 1988 | Phoenix | W 125–111 | Scott (27) | Johnson (12) | Johnson (18) | Great Western Forum17,353 | 14–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 18 | December 10 | @ Indiana | W 112-105 | Magic Johnson (32) | Green & Johnson (11) | Magic Johnson (13) | Market Square Arena16,912 | 15–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 19 | December 11, 1988 | @ Milwaukee | L 94–95 | Worthy (21) | Green (6) | Johnson (12) | Bradley Center18,633 | 15–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 20 | December 13 | @ Cleveland | W 111-102 | Magic Johnson (31) | Magic Johnson (12) | Magic Johnson (13) | Richfield Coliseum20,041 | 16–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 21 | December 14 | @ New Jersey | L 113-118 (OT) | Magic Johnson (35) | A.C. Green (10) | Magic Johnson (9) | Brendan Byrne Arena20,049 | 16–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 22 | December 16 | @ Boston | L 96-110 | Magic Johnson (31) | A.C. Green (16) | Magic Johnson (7) | Boston Garden14,890 | 16–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 23 | December 18 | @ Washington | L 110-115 | James Worthy (31) | James Worthy (7) | Magic Johnson (8) | Capital Centre18,643 | 16–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 24 | December 20, 1988 | @ Chicago | L 103–116 | Johnson (31) | Thompson (9) | Johnson (12) | Chicago Stadium18,676 | 16–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 23 | Sacramento | W 120-102 | Magic Johnson (27) | A.C. Green (11) | Magic Johnson (15) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 17–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 26 | December 25 | @ Utah | L 87-101 | Johnson & Worthy (18) | Mychal Thompson (9) | Magic Johnson (10) | Salt Palace12,444 | 17–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 27 | December 26, 1988 | @ Phoenix | L 96–111 | Scott (24) | Green (11) | Johnson (8) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 17–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 28 | Philadelphia | W 128-123 | Johnson & Worthy (26) | Magic Johnson (10) | Magic Johnson (18) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 18–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 29 | December 30 | L.A. Clippers | W 124-109 | Magic Johnson (34) | James Worthy (11) | Magic Johnson (14) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 19–10 Los Angeles Lakers January #FFD700 #800080 8 1 3 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 30 | January 3, 1989 | @ Seattle | L 106–116 | Green (27) | Green (11) | Johnson (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,645 | 19–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | January 4 | Portland | W 133-120 | Mychal Thompson (27) | Green & Thompson (11) | Magic Johnson (15) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 20–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | January 6 | Miami | W 118-86 | Orlando Woolridge (29) | A.C. Green (9) | Magic Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 21–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 8 | San Antonio | W 126-96 | 3 players tied (17) | 3 players tied (8) | Magic Johnson (17) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 22–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 34 | January 10 | @ Sacramento | L 97-106 | Johnson & Worthy (22) | A.C. Green (12) | Magic Johnson (12) | ARCO Arena16,517 | 22–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 13 | Cleveland | W 116-95 | Magic Johnson (26) | A.C. Green (15) | Magic Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 23–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 36 | January 15 | @ L.A. Clippers | W 116-95 | Byron Scott (28) | Green & Johnson (9) | Magic Johnson (12) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena15,352 | 24–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 16 | Houston | W 124-113 | James Worthy (26) | Magic Johnson (13) | Magic Johnson (18) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 25–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 | January 18 | L.A. Clippers | W 111-90 | Magic Johnson (19) | James Worthy (15) | Magic Johnson (13) | Great Western Forum17,301 | 26–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 39 | January 20 | Dallas | W 115-99 | Magic Johnson (30) | James Worthy (10) | Magic Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 27–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 40 | January 24, 1989 | New York | L 117–122 | Johnson,Worthy (26) | Worthy (14) | Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 27–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 41 | January 27 | Charlotte | W 114-97 | A.C. Green (24) | A.C. Green (11) | Cooper & Johnson (10) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 28–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 42 | January 29 | @ Dallas | W 118-93 | A.C. Green (25) | James Worthy (12) | Magic Johnson (9) | Reunion Arena17,007 | 29–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 31 | @ Houston | W 125-114 | A.C. Green (24) | Magic Johnson (11) | Magic Johnson (10) | The Summit16,611 | 30–13 Los Angeles Lakers February #FFD700 #800080 5 2 2 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 44 | February 1, 1989 | @ Phoenix | L 97–114 | Johnson (17) | Johnson (12) | Johnson (9) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 30–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | February 3 | Portland | W 140-129 | Magic Johnson (29) | A.C. Green (11) | Magic Johnson (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 31–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 46 | February 5 | New Jersey | W 134-116 | Magic Johnson (27) | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (9) | Magic Johnson (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 32–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 47 | February 8, 1989 | Golden State | L 118–121 | Worthy (30) | Johnson,Woolridge (8) | Johnson (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 32–15 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#fcc;" | 48 | February 14, 1989 | Detroit | L 103–111 | Worthy (33) | Green (11) | Cooper (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 32–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 49 | February 16 | @ Portland | W 110-101 | James Worthy (28) | Mychal Thompson (12) | Michael Cooper (7) | Memorial Coliseum12,848 | 33–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 50 | February 19 | Boston | W 119-110 | Byron Scott (35) | A.C. Green (11) | Michael Cooper (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 34–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 20 | @ Sacramento | W 100-97 | Byron Scott (33) | A.C. Green (10) | Cooper & Worthy (7) | ARCO Arena16,517 | 35–16 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 52 | February 22 | @ Utah | L 79-105 | Byron Scott (14) | A.C. Green (9) | Michael Cooper (7) | Salt Palace12,444 | 35–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 24 | Sacramento | W 115-103 | Byron Scott (31) | A.C. Green (15) | Magic Johnson (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 36–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 26, 1989 | Phoenix | W 134–122 | Scott (29) | Green (11) | Johnson (19) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 37–17 Los Angeles Lakers March #FFD700 #800080 6 2 5 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | March 1, 1989 | Golden State | W 142–121 | Johnson (35) | Johnspn (14) | Johnson (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 38–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 56 | March 3 | Indiana | W 139-117 | A.C. Green (24) | A.C. Green (11) | Magic Johnson (16) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 39–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 57 | March 5 | @ Houston | L 83-88 | James Worthy (19) | A.C. Green (9) | Magic Johnson (15) | The Summit16,611 | 39–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 | March 7 | @ Atlanta | W 106-97 | James Worthy (24) | A.C. Green (13) | Magic Johnson (15) | Omni Coliseum16,371 | 40–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 8 | @ Miami | W 127-87 | Tony Campbell (19) | Mark McNamara (13) | Magic Johnson (10) | Miami Arena15,008 | 41–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 10 | @ Charlotte | W 123-90 | Byron Scott (25) | A.C. Green (15) | Magic Johnson (14) | Charlotte Coliseum23,388 | 42–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 61 | March 12, 1989 | @ Golden State | W 126–115 | Scott (32) | Abdul-Jabbar (11) | Johnson (10) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 43–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 13 | Houston | W 97-96 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (21) | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (13) | Magic Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 44–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 17 | Dallas | W 106-103 | Magic Johnson (31) | A.C. Green (15) | Magic Johnson (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 45–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 64 | March 19 | Atlanta | L 111-113 | Magic Johnson (29) | A.C. Green (14) | Magic Johnson (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 45–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 65 | March 21, 1989 | Chicago | L 103–104 | Johnson (20) | Johnson (8) | Johnson (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 45–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 23 | @ Sacramento | W 115-92 | Magic Johnson (25) | A.C. Green (15) | Magic Johnson (14) | ARCO Arena16,517 | 46–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 26, 1989 | Phoenix | W 118–116 | Johnson (34) | Green (12) | Johnson (18) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 47–20 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 68 | March 28, 1989 | @ Phoenix | L 104–127 | Worthy (24) | Worthy (11) | Johnson (14) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 47–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 30 | San Antonio | W 138-98 | Byron Scott (35) | Magic Johnson (9) | Magic Johnson (10) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 48–21 Los Angeles Lakers April #FFD700 #800080 6 1 3 3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 70 | April 1 | @ Denver | L 108-114 (OT) | James Worthy (25) | Magic Johnson (17) | Magic Johnson (15) | McNichols Sports Arena17,022 | 48–22 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 71 | April 2, 1989 | Milwaukee | W 118–117 | Scott (32) | Green (10) | Johnson (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 49–22 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | April 4, 1989 | @ Seattle | W 115–97 | Green (33) | Green (10) | Johnson (18) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,810 | 50–22 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 73 | April 7 | Utah | L 97-99 | Johnson & Worthy (24) | James Worthy (9) | Magic Johnson (10) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 50–23 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 74 | April 8, 1989 | @ Golden State | L 116-122 | Johnson (24) | Johnson (9) | Johnson (12) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 50–24 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 10 | L.A. Clippers | W 133-116 | Magic Johnson (24) | A.C. Green (9) | Magic Johnson (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 51–24 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 12 | @ San Antonio | W 107-100 | Magic Johnson (24) | A.C. Green (12) | Magic Johnson (7) | HemisFair Arena15,861 | 52–24 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 15 | @ L.A. Clippers | L 107-119 | Magic Johnson (26) | A.C. Green (8) | Magic Johnson (13) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena15,352 | 52–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 16 | Miami | W 121-108 | Magic Johnson (24) | Mychal Thompson (9) | Magic Johnson (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 53–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 | April 18 | Denver | W 142-118 | James Worthy (26) | Magic Johnson (17) | Magic Johnson (17) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 54–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 20 | Sacramento | W 118-115 | James Worthy (38) | A.C. Green (9) | Magic Johnson (16) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 55–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 21 | @ Portland | W 121-114 | Magic Johnson (23) | A.C. Green (12) | Magic Johnson (10) | Memorial Coliseum12,880 | 56–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 23, 1989 | Seattle | W 121–117 | Johnson (29) | Green (10) | Johnson (21) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 57–25 LAL 1989 Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers 1989 yes #800080 #FFD700 Total: 11–4 (home: 6–2; road: 5–2) Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference First Round yes yes #FFD700 #800080 2 0 1 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | April 27 | Portland | W 128–108 | Magic Johnson (30) | Abdul-Jabbar & Scott (8) | Magic Johnson (16) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 1–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | April 30 | Portland | W 113–105 | Magic Johnson (35) | A.C. Green (13) | Magic Johnson (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | May 3 | @ Portland | W 116–108 | Byron Scott (25) | A.C. Green (13) | Magic Johnson (7) | Memorial Coliseum12,880 | 3–0 |- Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference Semifinals yes #FFD700 #800080 2 0 2 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | May 7, 1989 | Seattle | W 113–102 | Worthy (28) | Worthy (12) | Johnson (14) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 1–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | May 10, 1989 | Seattle | W 130–108 | Worthy (30) | Green (8) | Johnson (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | May 12, 1989 | @ Seattle | W 91–86 | Worthy (20) | Johnson (9) | Johnson (14) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,541 | 3–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | May 14, 1989 | @ Seattle | W 97–95 | Worthy (33) | Green (10) | Johnson (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,006 | 4–0 |- Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference Finals yes #FFD700 #800080 2 0 2 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | May 20, 1989 | Phoenix | W 127–119 | Worthy (32) | Green (10) | Johnson (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 1–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | May 23, 1989 | Phoenix | W 101–95 | Scott (30) | Johnson (9) | Johnson (14) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | May 26, 1989 | @ Phoenix | W 110–107 | Worthy (29) | Worthy (12) | Johnson (11) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 3–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | May 28, 1989 | @ Phoenix | W 122–117 | Scott (35) | Green (11) | Johnson (20) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 4–0 |- Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals yes #FFD700 #800080 0 2 0 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | June 6, 1989 | @ Detroit | L 97–109 | Johnson,Worthy (17) | Green (8) | Johnson (14) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | June 8, 1989 | @ Detroit | L 105–108 | Cooper,Worthy (19) | Green (9) | Johnson (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 0–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | June 11, 1989 | Detroit | L 110–114 | Worthy (26) | Abdul-Jabbar (13) | Cooper (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | June 13, 1989 | Detroit | L 97–105 | Worthy (40) | Green (12) | Cooper (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–4 |- LAL 1989 yes On June 28, 1989, after twenty professional seasons, Abdul-Jabbar announced his retirement. On his "retirement tour" he received standing ovations at all the games, home and away. Awards and honors A.C. Green, NBA All-Defensive Second Team Magic Johnson, NBA Most Valuable Player Magic Johnson, NBA All-First Team References Lakers on Database Basketball Lakers on Basketball Reference Category:Los Angeles Lakers seasons Los Angeles Lakers Category:Western Conference (NBA) championship seasons Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers