1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Los Angeles Lakers 1998 61 21 Pacific 2 3 Del Harris Jerry West Jerry Buss Great Western Forum KCAL-TVFox Sports West KLAC Western Conference finals(lost to Jazz 0–4) LAL The 1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 50th season for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association, and their 38th season in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/ August 7, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Lakers signed free agents Rick Fox, Wise Mike Knicks Lose the Bidding War for Fox, Who Heads to Lakers The New York Times August 27, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/27/sports/knicks-lose-the-bidding-war-for-fox-who-heads-to-lakers.html June 27, 2022 Associated Press Lakers Fill in a Few Foxholes Los Angeles Times August 27, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-27-sp-26386-story.html December 5, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Fox Hunt Finally Over for Lakers Los Angeles Times August 27, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-27-sp-26383-story.html July 18, 2021 and three-point specialist Jon Barry. Howard-Cooper Scott Minute by Minute, Barry Contributes Los Angeles Times November 29, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-29-sp-58915-story.html November 18, 2022 Regular season With the addition of Fox, the Lakers got off to a fast start to the regular season by winning their first eleven games, Associated Press Pro Basketball: Lakers Protect Perfect Record The New York Times November 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/24/sports/pro-basketball-lakers-protect-perfect-record.html May 24, 2022 before losing Shaquille O'Neal to a strained stomach muscle that forced him to sit out 20 games; Associated Press N.B.A.: Lakers' O'Neal Sidelined The New York Times November 22, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/22/sports/nba-lakers-o-neal-sidelined.html May 24, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott O'Neal Feeling the Strain Los Angeles Times November 22, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-22-sp-56401-story.html October 6, 2017 Associated Press N.B.A.: O'Neal Fractures Wrist The New York Times December 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/24/sports/nba-o-neal-fractures-wrist.html February 4, 2023 in his absence, the team posted a 13–7 record. In January, Nick Van Exel suffered a knee injury missing 18 games, Howard-Cooper Scott Van Exel Gives Knee a Rest Los Angeles Times January 15, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-15-sp-8658-story.html October 6, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Surgery Expected to Sideline Van Exel for Three Weeks Los Angeles Times February 27, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-27-sp-23535-story.html January 4, 2023 Lakers Activate Van Exel Associated Press March 15, 1998 https://apnews.com/article/ec22c0cc8aea929010ba64cffb1abfb3 January 1, 2022 and was replaced with second-year guard Derek Fisher as the team's starting point guard for the remainder of the season. Howard-Cooper Scott Fisher Stays Put in Starting Lineup Los Angeles Times April 10, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-10-sp-38080-story.html June 19, 2021 The Lakers held a 34–11 record at the All-Star break, NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 July 20, 2022 and won 22 of their final 25 games to tie the Pacific Division title with the Seattle SuperSonics with a 61–21 record, earning the third seed in the Western Conference. 1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1998_games.html June 21, 2021 It was the team's best record since the 1989–90 season. O'Neal averaged 28.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while Eddie Jones averaged 16.9 points and 2.0 steals per game, led the Lakers with 143 three-point field goals, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and second-year guard Kobe Bryant emerged as a star in his second season, playing an increased role as the team's sixth man off the bench, averaging 15.4 points per game. Ranking All 20 Seasons of Kobe Bryant's Career, from Best to Worst For The Win April 13, 2016 https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/04/ranking-all-20-seasons-of-kobe-bryant-career-from-best-to-worst October 13, 2021 In addition, Van Exel provided the team with 13.8 points and 6.9 assists per game, and contributed 123 three-point field goals, while Fox contributed 12.0 points per game, and Robert Horry averaged 7.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Elden Campbell provided with 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, Fisher contributed 5.8 points and 4.1 assists per game, and Corie Blount averaged 3.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. 1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1998.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, four members of the team, O'Neal, Bryant, Jones and Van Exel, were all selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team; it was Bryant's first ever All-Star appearance, and the first and only All-Star appearance for Van Exel. Howard-Cooper Scott Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored Los Angeles Times January 28, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-28-sp-13049-story.html April 20, 2023 NBA.com Staff 1998 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1998 May 16, 2023 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1998.html October 23, 2021 Despite playing a sixth man role off the bench, Bryant was voted by the fans as the starting shooting guard for the Western Conference at the age of 19; Howard-Cooper Scott Bryant Might Be All-Star Starter Los Angeles Times January 22, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-22-sp-10913-story.html December 5, 2022 Armour Terry Jordan Top All-Star Vote-Getter; Bryant, 19, Youngest Ever Picked Chicago Tribune January 26, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-26-9801260059-story.html December 27, 2022 Heisler Mark The Kid's Got It! Los Angeles Times February 6, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-06-sp-16129-story.html October 22, 2022 he scored 18 points in 22 minutes, despite the Western Conference losing to the Eastern Conference, 135–114. Roberts Selena N.B.A. All-Star Game: Jordan Stars One Last Time (Probably) The New York Times February 9, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/09/sports/nba-all-star-game-jordan-stars-one-last-time-probably.html November 9, 2022 Associated Press No Heir to Air Los Angeles Times February 9, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-09-sp-17230-story.html November 9, 2022 In addition, Bryant also participated in the inaugural NBA 2Ball Competition, along with Lisa Leslie of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. Withers Tom Cooper, Drexler Win 2Ball Contest The Day February 8, 1998 G4 https://books.google.com/books?id=2pVGAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA26&dq=1998+NBA+2Ball+steve+nash&article_id=4047,1580472&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRkISl9-WPAxXtg4kEHb1BMvsQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=1998%20NBA%202Ball%20steve%20nash&f=false September 19, 2025 Bender Patricia 1997–98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt September 19, 2025 O'Neal finished in fourth place in Most Valuable Player voting, Wise Mike The N.B.A. Playoffs: Jordan Is Winner of M.V.P. a 5th Time The New York Times May 19, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/19/sports/the-nba-playoffs-jordan-is-winner-of-mvp-a-5th-time.html September 23, 2022 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html January 1, 2022 while Bryant finished in second place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, behind Danny Manning of the Phoenix Suns, Howard-Cooper Scott Bryant Second to Manning in Voting for Sixth Man Los Angeles Times April 24, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-24-sp-42662-story.html July 18, 2021 and also finished in seventh place in Most Improved Player voting. The Lakers finished 15th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 676,101 at the Great Western Forum during the regular season. 1997–98 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1998.html October 10, 2025 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1998 NBA playoffs, and for the second consecutive year, the Lakers faced off against the 6th–seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a team that featured Isaiah Rider, Arvydas Sabonis and Rasheed Wallace. The Lakers won the first two games over the Trail Blazers at home at the Great Western Forum, before losing Game 3 on the road, 99–94 at the Rose Garden Arena. 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers Box Score, April 28, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804280POR.html June 6, 2026 The Lakers won Game 4 over the Trail Blazers on the road, 110–99 to win the series in four games. Howard-Cooper Scott On in a Blaze of Glory Los Angeles Times May 1, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-01-sp-45216-story.html July 4, 2021 Lakers 110, Trail Blazers 99 United Press International May 1, 1998 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/01/Lakers-110-Trail-Blazers-99/3806893995200/ May 30, 2022 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-lakers.html February 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Pacific Division champion SuperSonics, who were led by the All-Star trio of Gary Payton, Vin Baker and Detlef Schrempf. Despite both teams finishing with the same regular-season record, the SuperSonics had home-court advantage in the series. The Lakers lost Game 1 to the SuperSonics on the road, 106–92 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, Associated Press N.B.A. Playoffs: Payton Scores 25 in Game 1 The New York Times May 5, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/05/sports/nba-playoffs-payton-scores-25-in-game-1.html October 5, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott SuperSonics' Rebounding a New Concern Los Angeles Times May 6, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-06-sp-46966-story.html June 27, 2022 1998 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 4, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805040SEA.html June 6, 2026 but managed to win Game 2 on the road, 92–68. 1998 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 6, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805060SEA.html June 6, 2026 The Lakers won their next two home games at the Great Western Forum, before winning Game 5 over the SuperSonics at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, 110–95 to win the series in five games. Associated Press The N.B.A. Playoffs: The Finals in the West: It's Jazz Vs. Lakers The New York Times May 13, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/13/sports/the-nba-playoffs-the-finals-in-the-west-it-s-jazz-vs-lakers.html May 5, 2022 Adande J.A. In Closing, Karl Keeps His Chin Up Los Angeles Times May 13, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-13-sp-49214-story.html May 30, 2022 1998 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. SuperSonics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-semifinals-lakers-vs-supersonics.html February 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Finals, and also for the second consecutive year, the Lakers faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek. The Lakers lost the first two games to the Jazz on the road, which included a 35-point margin loss in Game 1, 112–77 at the Delta Center; the Lakers struggled only shooting .295 in field-goal percentage in Game 1. 1998 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz Box Score, May 16, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805160UTA.html June 6, 2026 The Lakers lost the next two games at home, including a Game 4 loss to the Jazz at the Great Western Forum, 96–92, thus losing the series in a four-game sweep. Wise Mike The N.B.A. Playoffs: Utah Plods Right Back to the Finals The New York Times May 25, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/25/sports/the-nba-playoffs-utah-plods-right-back-to-the-finals.html May 5, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Bittersweep End Los Angeles Times May 25, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-25-sp-53375-story.html May 30, 2022 1998 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-finals-lakers-vs-jazz.html February 4, 2023 The Jazz would go on to lose in six games to the 2-time defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls in the 1998 NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. Araton Harvey Sports of the Times: At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-at-the-end-jordan-lifts-bulls-to-their-sixth-nba-title.html May 5, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott A Rousing Six-cess Los Angeles Times June 15, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-sp-60167-story.html July 25, 2022 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-finals-bulls-vs-jazz.html February 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Van Exel was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft day after five seasons with the Lakers, and after feuding with head coach Del Harris, Wise Mike Pro Basketball: 7 Feet 1 Inch of Potential at No. 1 The New York Times June 25, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/25/sports/pro-basketball-7-feet-1-inch-of-potential-at-no-1.html June 30, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Van Exel Is Exiled to Nuggets Los Angeles Times June 25, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-25-sp-63555-story.html October 6, 2017 Associated Press Van Exel Act Gets Him Exiled to the Nuggets Deseret News June 25, 1998 https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/25/19387762/van-exel-act-gets-him-exiled-to-the-nuggets December 5, 2022 and Barry signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: A Scrum for the Title The New York Times February 4, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/04/sports/pro-basketball-a-scrum-for-the-title.html June 28, 2022 Top 10 Free Agent Signings in Sacramento Kings History A Royal Pain September 9, 2015 https://aroyalpain.com/2015/09/09/top-10-free-agent-signings-sacramento-kings-history/9/ January 1, 2022 Draft picks 1997 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 52 DeJuan Wheat PG United States Louisville 2 54 Paul Rogers C Australia Gonzaga Roster Los Angeles Lakers 1997–98 #5C2F83 #FCB625 #FCB625 #5C2F83 20 Jon Barry G 6 4 195 1969–07–25 Georgia Tech 23 Mario Bennett F 6 6 235 1973–08–01 Arizona State University 43 Corie Blount F 6 9 240 1969–01–04 Cincinnati 8 Kobe Bryant G 6 6 205 1978–08–23 Lower Merion HS 41 Elden Campbell C 6 11 215 1968–07–23 Clemson 2 Derek Fisher G 6 1 210 1974–08–09 Arkansas-Little Rock 17 Rick Fox F 6 7 230 1969–07–24 North Carolina 5 Robert Horry F 6 10 220 1970–08–25 Alabama 6 Eddie Jones basketball G 6 6 190 1971–10–20 Temple 34 Shaquille O'Neal C 7 1 325 1972–03–06 LSU 45 Sean Rooks C 6 10 250 1969–09–09 Arizona 24 Shea Seals G 6 5 210 1975–08–26 University of Tulsa 9 Nick Van Exel G 6 1 170 1971–11–27 Cincinnati Del Harris Bill Bertka Larry Drew Kurt Rambis https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1998.html October 20, 1997 Regular season Season standings LAL LAL Game log Preseason Los Angeles Lakers yes 1998 Total: 6–2 (home: 6–0; road: 0–2) Los Angeles Lakers Preseason yes 6 0 0 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | October 9 | Denver | W 135-102 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Corie Blount (7) | Jon Barry (6) | San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA)10,754 | 1–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | October 10 | @ Phoenix | L 91-93 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Shaquille O'Neal (4) | American West Arena19,023 | 1-1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | October 17 | L.A. Clippers | W 116-85 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Fisher & Van Exel (5) | Kiel Center (St. Louis, MO)17,398 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | October 18 | Cleveland | W 117-107 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Rick Fox (7) | Great Western Forum18,123 | 3–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | October 21 | @ Denver | L 92-101 | Bryant & Campbell (15) | Mario Bennett (11) | Kobe Bryant (4) | McNichols Sports Arena7,121 | 3–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | October 22 | Washington | W 124-113 (OT) | Elden Campbell (33) | Elden Campbell (13) | Barry & Horry (4) | Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)10,771 | 4–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | October 24 | Atlanta | W 93-89 | Rick Fox (18) | Elden Campbell (12) | Nick Van Exel (9) | Great Western Forum11,814 | 5–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | October 25 | Seattle | W 85-79 | Nick Van Exel (15) | Corie Blount (9) | Derek Fisher (5) | Great Western Forum13,862 | 6–2 LAL 1998 Regular season Los Angeles Lakers 1998 Total: 61-21 (home: 33-8; road: 28–13) Los Angeles Lakers October yes 1 0 0 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | October 31 | Utah | W 104-87 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Robert Horry (13) | Horry & Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum16,234 | 1–0 Los Angeles Lakers November 6 0 6 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | November 4 | @ Sacramento | W 101-98 | Eddie Jones (35) | Corie Blount (7) | Nick Van Exel (6) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 7 | New York | W 99-94 | Horry & O'Neal (17) | Robert Horry (10) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 3–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 9 | Golden State | W 132-97 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Derek Fisher (10) | Great Western Forum14,623 | 4–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | November 11 | @ Dallas | W 118-96 | Shaquille O'Neal (37) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Robert Horry (9) | Reunion Arena13,722 | 5–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 13 | @ San Antonio | W 109-100 (OT) | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Eddie Jones (7) | Alamodome20,557 | 6–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 14 | @ Houston | W 113-103 (2OT) | Nick Van Exel (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Compaq Center16,285 | 7–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | November 16 | Vancouver | W 121-95 | Eddie Jones (28) | Robert Horry (12) | Nick Van Exel (8) | Great Western Forum17,139 | 8–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 18 | @ Utah | W 97-92 | Bryant & Van Exel (19) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Nick Van Exel (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 9–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 19 | Minnesota | W 118-93 | Eddie Jones (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Derek Fisher (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 10–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 | November 23 | L.A. Clippers | W 119-102 | Eddie Jones (28) | Corie Blount (9) | Nick Van Exel (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 11–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 12 | November 25 | @ Miami | L 86-103 | Nick Van Exel (21) | 3 players tied (7) | Eddie Jones (6) | Miami Arena15,200 | 11–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 26 | @ Boston | W 118-103 | Elden Campbell (22) | Robert Horry (9) | Nick Van Exel (9) | Fleet Center18,624 | 12–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 14 | November 28 | @ Philadelphia | L 95-105 | Bryant & Campbell (19) | Robert Horry (9) | Nick Van Exel (6) | CoreStates Center20,714 | 12–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 15 | November 30 | Toronto | W 105-99 | Eddie Jones (32) | Blount & Horry (8) | Nick Van Exel (10) | Great Western Forum14,940 | 13–2 Los Angeles Lakers December 5 2 5 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | December 3 | @ Denver | W 107-89 | Elden Campbell (25) | Elden Campbell (12) | Kobe Bryant (5) | McNichols Sports Arena14,503 | 14–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 5 | San Antonio | W 98-88 | Nick Van Exel (25) | Corie Blount (10) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 15–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 18 | December 7 | Cleveland | L 84-94 | Kobe Bryant (21) | Robert Horry (10) | Nick Van Exel (4) | Great Western Forum16,945 | 15–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 19 | December 8 | @ Portland | L 99-105 | Nick Van Exel (24) | Elden Campbell (12) | Nick Van Exel (12) | Rose Garden20,721 | 15–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 20 | December 10 | @ Golden State | L 92-93 | Kobe Bryant (20) | Elden Campbell (9) | Nick Van Exel (8) | The Arena in Oakland13,414 | 15–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 21 | December 12 | Houston | W 119-102 | Rick Fox (30) | Robert Horry (8) | Nick Van Exel (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 16–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 22 | December 14 | Dallas | W 119-89 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Elden Campbell (8) | Fisher & Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum15,893 | 17–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 23 | December 16 | @ Minnesota | W 109-96 | Eddie Jones (32) | 4 players tied (6) | Nick Van Exel (14) | Target Center16,874 | 18–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 24 | December 17 | @ Chicago | L 83-104 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Robert Horry (6) | Nick Van Exel (5) | United Center24,119 | 18–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 19 | @ Atlanta | W 98-96 | Kobe Bryant (19) | Robert Horry (8) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Georgia Dome25,288 | 19–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 26 | December 20 | @ Charlotte | W 109-100 | Nick Van Exel (24) | Corie Blount (11) | Nick Van Exel (8) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 20–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 22 | @ Houston | W 94-83 | Kobe Bryant (19) | Elden Campbell (14) | Nick Van Exel (10) | Compaq Center16,285 | 21–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 26 | L.A. Clippers | W 118-114 (OT) | Nick Van Exel (30) | Elden Campbell (11) | Nick Van Exel (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 22–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 29 | December 28 | Boston | L 102-108 | Rick Fox (27) | 3 players tied (9) | Nick Van Exel (10) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 22–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 30 | December 30 | Sacramento | W 93-80 | Elden Campbell (23) | Elden Campbell (9) | Nick Van Exel (11) | Great Western Forum16,283 | 23–7 Los Angeles Lakers January 6 3 3 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | January 2 | Atlanta | W 116-106 | Eddie Jones (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Nick Van Exel (13) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 24–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 32 | January 4 | Philadelphia | L 107-113 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Nick Van Exel (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 24–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 6 | @ Vancouver | W 100-87 | Shaquille O'Neal (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Nick Van Exel (7) | General Motors Place15,837 | 25–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 34 | January 7 | Milwaukee | W 114-102 | Shaquille O'Neal (38) | Horry & O'Neal (9) | Nick Van Exel (18) | Great Western Forum15,483 | 26–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 9 | @ L.A. Clippers | W 125-115 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Elden Campbell (10) | Nick Van Exel (5) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena16,067 | 27–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 36 | January 11 | Charlotte | L 93-98 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Eddie Jones (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 27–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 14 | Denver | W 132-114 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Derek Fisher (13) | Great Western Forum15,067 | 28–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 | January 17 | Miami | W 108-99 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Nick Van Exel (4) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 29–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 39 | January 19 | Orlando | W 92-89 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Robert Horry (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 30–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 40 | January 21 | @ Phoenix | W 119-109 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Nick Van Exel (6) | American West Arena19,023 | 31–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 41 | January 24 | @ Seattle | L 95-101 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Nick Van Exel (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 31–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 42 | January 28 | New Jersey | L 95-106 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Nick Van Exel (8) | Great Western Forum15,643 | 31–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 30 | Minnesota | W 121-114 | Rick Fox (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Derek Fisher (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 32–11 Los Angeles Lakers February 4 2 3 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | February 1 | Chicago | W 112-87 | Rick Fox (25) | Corie Blount (13) | Blount & Fisher (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 33–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | February 4 | Portland | W 122-115 | Eddie Jones (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Nick Van Exel (11) | Great Western Forum15,389 | 34–11 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#fcc;" | 46 | February 10 | @ Portland | L 105-117 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Barry & Fox (6) | Rose Garden21,538 | 34–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 11 | Golden State | W 105-99 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Nick Van Exel (14) | Great Western Forum14,674 | 35–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 48 | February 13 | Seattle | L 108-113 (OT) | Shaquille O'Neal (44) | Robert Horry (14) | Eddie Jones (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 35–13 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 49 | February 15 | Houston | L 88-90 | 3 players tied (18) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Nick Van Exel (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 35–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 50 | February 18 | @ Phoenix | L 103-110 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Derek Fisher (5) | American West Arena19,023 | 35–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 19 | Denver | W 131-92 | Rick Fox (22) | Mario Bennett (13) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Great Western Forum15,159 | 36–15 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 52 | February 22 | @ Orlando | L 94-96 | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Fisher & Fox (5) | Orlando Arena17,238 | 36–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 24 | @ Milwaukee | W 98-81 | Shaquille O'Neal (21) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Derek Fisher (6) | Bradley Center18,717 | 37–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 25 | @ Indiana | W 96-89 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Horry & O'Neal (9) | Derek Fisher (6) | Market Square Arena16,726 | 38–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 27 | @ Minnesota | W 104-91 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Robert Horry (8) | Derek Fisher (8) | Target Center20,197 | 39–16 Los Angeles Lakers March 8 0 5 4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 56 | March 1 | @ New York | L 89-101 | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Robert Horry (12) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 39–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 57 | March 2 | @ Washington | L 86-96 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Derek Fisher (10) | MCI Center20,674 | 39–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 | March 4 | Indiana | W 104-95 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Derek Fisher (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 40–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 6 | San Antonio | W 91-84 | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Elden Campbell (7) | Fisher & Fox (5) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 41–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 8 | Detroit | W 96-89 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Derek Fisher (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 42–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 61 | March 11 | Portland | W 121-107 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Elden Campbell (11) | Derek Fisher (10) | Great Western Forum16,758 | 43–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 12 | @ L.A. Clippers | W 108-85 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Robert Horry (14) | Rick Fox (5) | Arrowhead Pond18,521 | 44–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 15 | @ Vancouver | W 119-110 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Robert Horry (13) | 3 players tied (6) | General Motors Place18,983 | 45–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 64 | March 16 | @ Seattle | L 89-101 | Shaquille O'Neal (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Fox & Jones (4) | KeyArena17,072 | 45–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 18 | Phoenix | W 99-93 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (22) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 46–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 20 | Seattle | W 93-80 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Rick Fox (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 47–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 22 | @ Sacramento | W 96-93 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Robert Horry (14) | Nick Van Exel (5) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 48–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 68 | March 23 | @ Denver | W 107-86 | Eddie Jones (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Nick Van Exel (6) | McNichols Sports Arena17,171 | 49–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 25 | Sacramento | W 114-91 | Shaquille O'Neal (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Great Western Forum16,634 | 50–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 70 | March 28 | @ Utah | L 91-106 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Robert Horry (7) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Delta Center19,911 | 50–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 71 | March 29 | Washington | W 116-89 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Derek Fisher (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 51–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | March 31 | @ Toronto | W 114-105 | Rick Fox (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Derek Fisher (7) | Maple Leaf Gardens16,086 | 52–20 Los Angeles Lakers April 3 1 6 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 73 | April 2 | @ New Jersey | W 117-106 | Shaquille O'Neal (50) | Robert Horry (10) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 53–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | April 3 | @ Cleveland | W 105-93 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Gund Arena20,562 | 54–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 5 | @ Detroit | W 105-103 (OT) | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Nick Van Exel (4) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 55–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 8 | Vancouver | W 113-102 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Corie Blount (15) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 56–20 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 10 | Phoenix | L 105-114 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Mario Bennett (14) | Fox & Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 56–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 11 | @ Golden State | W 96-84 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Rick Fox (6) | The Arena in Oakland19,821 | 57–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 | April 13 | @ San Antonio | W 99-75 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Derek Fisher (6) | Alamodome26,783 | 58–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 14 | @ Dallas | W 111-95 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Robert Horry (13) | Derek Fisher (9) | Reunion Arena18,107 | 59–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 17 | Dallas | W 124-95 | Shaquille O'Neal (43) | Robert Horry (10) | Derek Fisher (10) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 60–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 19 | Utah | W 102-98 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 61–21 LAL 1998 Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers yes 1998 Total: 7–6 (home: 4–2; road: 3–4) Los Angeles Lakers First round yes yes no 2 0 1 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | April 24 | Portland | W 104–102 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Jones & O'Neal (7) | Robert Horry (5) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 1–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | April 26 | Portland | W 108–99 | Rick Fox (24) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Derek Fisher (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 2–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | April 28 | @ Portland | L 94–99 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Robert Horry (7) | Rose Garden21,558 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | April 30 | @ Portland | W 110–99 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Rose Garden21,558 | 3–1 |- Los Angeles Lakers Conference Semi-finals yes no 2 0 2 1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | May 4 | @ Seattle | L 92–106 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Rick Fox (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 0–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | May 6 | @ Seattle | W 92–68 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Horry & O'Neal (10) | Derek Fisher (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | May 8 | Seattle | W 119–103 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Derek Fisher (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | May 10 | Seattle | W 112–100 | Shaquille O'Neal (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | O'Neal & Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 3–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | May 12 | @ Seattle | W 110–95 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Robert Horry (11) | Derek Fisher (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 4–1 |- Los Angeles Lakers Conference finals yes no 0 2 0 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | May 16 | @ Utah | L 77–112 | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Corie Blount (9) | Nick Van Exel (3) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | May 18 | @ Utah | L 95–99 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Corie Blount (10) | Rick Fox (7) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | May 22 | Utah | L 98–109 | Shaquille O'Neal (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | May 24 | Utah | L 92–96 | Shaquille O'Neal (38) | Robert Horry (8) | Eddie Jones (6) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–4 |- LAL 1998 yes Player statistics Regular season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Barry, Jon Jon Barry 49 1 7.6 .365 .295 .931 0.8 1.0 0.5 0.1 2.5 Bennent, Mario Mario Bennett 45 4 7.9 .593 .500 .364 2.8 0.4 0.4 0.2 3.9 Blount, Corie Corie Blount 70 3 14.7 .572 .000 .500 4.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 3.6 Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 79 1 26.0 .428 .341 .794 3.1 2.5 0.9 0.5 15.4 Campbell, Elden Elden Campbell 81 28 22.0 .463 .500 .693 5.6 1.0 0.4 1.3 10.1 Fisher, Derek Derek Fisher 82 36 21.5 .434 .383 .757 2.4 4.1 0.9 0.1 5.8 Fox, Rick Rick Fox 82 82 33.0 .471 .325 .743 4.4 3.4 1.2 0.6 12.0 Horry, Robert Robert Horry 72 71 30.4 .476 .204 .692 7.5 2.3 1.6 1.3 7.4 Jones, Eddie Eddie Jones 80 80 36.4 .484 .389 .765 3.8 3.1 2.0 0.7 16.9 O'Neal Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal 60 57 36.3 .584 . .527 11.4 2.4 0.7 2.4 28.3 Rooks, Sean Sean Rooks 41 1 10.4 .455 . .595 2.9 0.6 0.0 0.6 3.4 Seals, Shea Shea Seals 4 0 2.3 .125 .000 .500 1.0 . 0.3 . 1.0 Van Exel, Nick Nick Van Exel 64 46 32.1 .419 .389 .791 2.5 6.9 1.0 0.1 13.8 Playoffs Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPGJon Barry 7 0 2.6 .000 .000 .3 .0 .1 .0 .0Mario Bennett 4 0 2.5 .500 1.000 1.5 .0 .0 .3 1.0Corie Blount 12 0 17.4 .500 .636 5.3 .6 .5 .3 2.6Kobe Bryant 11 0 20.0 .408 .214 .689 1.9 1.5 .3 .7 8.7Elden Campbell 13 0 13.8 .451 .647 3.5 .6 .2 .9 5.2Derek Fisher 13 13 21.4 .397 .300 .621 1.9 3.8 1.3 .0 6.0Rick Fox 13 13 32.9 .447 .396 .826 4.5 3.9 .8 .2 10.9Robert Horry 13 13 32.5 .557 .353 .683 6.5 3.1 1.1 1.1 8.6Eddie Jones basketball 13 13 36.6 .466 .417 .829 3.9 2.5 2.0 1.6 17.0Shaquille O'Neal 13 13 38.5 .612 .503 10.2 2.9 .5 2.6 30.5Sean Rooks 4 0 2.8 .333 .3 .0 .0 .8 1.0Nick Van Exel 13 0 28.2 .331 .314 .725 2.5 4.2 .6 .1 11.6 Awards and records Awards Shaquille O'Neal was named to the All-NBA First Team Eddie Jones was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team All-Star Kobe Bryant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. Eddie Jones was selected to his second NBA All-Star Game. Nick Van Exel was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. Shaquille O'Neal was selected to his sixth NBA All-Star Game. Weekly and monthly Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Player of the Week for games played from November 9 through November 15. Eddie Jones was named NBA Player of the Month for November. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Player of the Month for January. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Player of the Week for games played from March 15 to March 21. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Player of the Month for April. Del Harris was named NBA Coach of the Month for April. References External links Lakers on Database Basketball Lakers on Basketball Reference Category:Los Angeles Lakers seasons Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers