2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season

Pro basketball team season (won NBA championship) March 2026 August 2023 Los Angeles Lakers 2001 yes yes yes 56 26 Pacific 1 2 Phil Jackson Mitch Kupchak Jerry Buss Staples Center Fox Sports Net West, KCAL AM 570 KLAC NBA champions(Defeated 76ers 4–1) LAL The 2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 53rd season for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association, and their 41st season in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/ August 7, 2026 The Lakers entered the regular season as the defending NBA champions, having defeated the Indiana Pacers in the 2000 NBA Finals in six games, winning their twelfth NBA championship. Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Lakers acquired Horace Grant from the Seattle SuperSonics in a four-team trade; Gardner Kris Ewing to Sonics; Rice to Knicks The Houston Roundball Review September 20, 2000 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/'00-'01/2000_off-season/092000Ewing,Rice,etc.html November 10, 2024 Broussard Chris Knicks Send Ewing to Sonics as 4-Team Deal Ends an Era The New York Times September 21, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/21/sports/knicks-send-ewing-to-sonics-as-4-team-deal-ends-an-era.html May 27, 2022 Heisler Mark Lakers Move Forward Los Angeles Times September 21, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-21-sp-24481-story.html August 1, 2017 Grant won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s. The team also signed free agent Isaiah Rider, who was released by the Atlanta Hawks during the previous season due to off-the-court troubles, Associated Press Plus: Pro Basketball: Rider Signs with Lakers The New York Times August 26, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/26/sports/plus-pro-basketball-rider-signs-with-lakers.html July 23, 2021 Kawakami Tim Lakers Take Flier on Rider Los Angeles Times August 26, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-26-sp-10740-story.html May 29, 2022 Associated Press NBA: Rider Says Avoiding Freeways Is Key ESPN August 30, 2000 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2000/0828/709077.html December 8, 2024 and signed Greg Foster, who had two NBA Finals appearances with the Utah Jazz. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: West Side Story, the Sequel The New York Times October 30, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/30/sports/pro-basketball-west-side-story-the-sequel.html July 16, 2022 Regular season The Lakers started the regular season without Derek Fisher, who was out due to a stress fracture in his right foot, which forced him to miss the first 62 games of the season. Associated Press Surgery to Sideline Fisher Up to Six Months Los Angeles Times September 21, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-21-sp-24506-story.html May 27, 2022 NBA: Fisher Rebounds Strong from Broken Foot ESPN May 30, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2001/2001/0523/1203652.html June 17, 2021 With the addition of Grant and Rider, and without Fisher, the Lakers got off to a 3–3 start to the season, but then won eight of their next nine games, and later on held a 31–16 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 8, 2001 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=8&year=2001 September 12, 2022 Fisher eventually returned as the team won their final eight games of the season, L.A. Lakers 108, Denver 91 United Press International April 18, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/04/18/LA-Lakers-108-Denver-91/7769987566400/ July 2, 2022 and won the Pacific Division title by finishing with a 56–26 record, and earning the second seed in the Western Conference. 2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2001_games.html June 21, 2021 The team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while Kobe Bryant averaged 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. In addition, Fisher provided the team with 11.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game in only just 20 games, while Rick Fox contributed 9.6 points per game, and led the Lakers with 118 three-point field goals, and Grant provided with 8.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Rider contributed 7.6 points per game, Ron Harper averaged 6.5 points per game, but only played just 47 games due to knee injuries, Brown Tim Harper Scheduled for Knee Surgery Los Angeles Times March 21, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-21-sp-40593-story.html October 25, 2022 Brian Shaw contributed 5.3 points per game, and Robert Horry provided with 5.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. 2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2001.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., O'Neal and Bryant were both selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team, Ticker West Expected to Flex Muscle in NBA All-Star Game Sunday ESPN February 10, 2001 https://www.espn.com/gen/newswire/2001/20010210/01074948.html November 7, 2024 NBA.com Staff 2001 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2001 May 14, 2023 2001 NBA All-Star Game: East 111, West 110 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2001.html November 24, 2021 although O'Neal did not participate due to a foot injury. Brown Tim O'Neal's Injury May Be a Real Pain Los Angeles Times January 29, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jan-29-sp-18539-story.html?_amp=true January 11, 2022 Associated Press NBA: Foot Injury Sidelines Shaq Again ESPN January 30, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0130/1050858.html November 26, 2022 Brown Tim O'Neal Injury Improves Marginally Los Angeles Times January 31, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jan-31-sp-19275-story.html October 19, 2022 Both O'Neal and Bryant were also selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. O'Neal finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting with 7 first-place votes, while Bryant finished in ninth place. Associated Press NBA Playoffs 2001: Iverson Shortest Player in History to Win MVP ESPN May 30, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2001/2001/0514/1198271.html October 24, 2024 2000–01 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2001.html October 16, 2021 The Lakers finished eighth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 776,336 at the Staples Center during the regular season. 2000–01 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2001.html January 25, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2001 NBA playoffs, and for the second consecutive year, the Lakers faced off against the 7th–seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a team that featured All-Star forward Rasheed Wallace, Steve Smith and Scottie Pippen. The Lakers won the first two games over the Trail Blazers at home at the Staples Center, before winning Game 3 on the road, 99–86 at the Rose Garden Arena to win the series in a three-game sweep. Brown Tim A Sweeping Giant Los Angeles Times April 30, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-30-sp-57549-story.html May 27, 2022 Associated Press Lakers Demonstrate Dominance Deseret News April 30, 2001 https://www.deseret.com/2001/4/30/19583661/lakers-demonstrate-dominance November 26, 2022 2001 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-lakers.html May 14, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, and also for the second consecutive year, the team faced off against the 3rd–seeded Sacramento Kings, who were led by All-Star forward Chris Webber, Peja Stojaković, and All-Star and former Lakers center, Vlade Divac. The Lakers won the first two games over the Kings at the Staples Center, and then won the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 win over the Kings at the ARCO Arena II, 119–113 to win the series in a four-game sweep. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: O'Neal Gives Kings' Fans False Hope The New York Times May 14, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/14/sports/pro-basketball-o-neal-gives-kings-fans-false-hope.html May 27, 2022 Brown Tim Kobe Lowers Broom Los Angeles Times May 14, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-14-sp-63364-story.html May 30, 2022 2001 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Kings vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-western-conference-semifinals-kings-vs-lakers.html May 14, 2023 In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers then faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion San Antonio Spurs, who were led by All-Star forward Tim Duncan, All-Star center David Robinson, and Derek Anderson. Despite the Spurs having home-court advantage in the series, the Lakers won the first two games on the road at the Alamodome, and took a 2–0 series lead. In Game 3, the Lakers defeated the Spurs by a 39-point margin at home, 111–72 at the Staples Center, 2001 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 3: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, May 25, 2001 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200105250LAL.html July 3, 2026 before winning Game 4 at home, 111–82 to win the series in another four-game sweep, and advance to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. Associated Press Lakers Sweep Spurs for Spot in N.B.A. Finals The New York Times May 27, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/27/sports/lakers-sweep-spurs-for-spot-in-nba-finals.html May 27, 2022 Adande J.A. After This Laker Domination, Rest Is History Los Angeles Times May 28, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-28-sp-3603-story.html May 29, 2022 2001 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-western-conference-finals-lakers-vs-spurs.html May 14, 2023 In the 2001 NBA Finals, the Lakers faced off against the top–seeded Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by All-Star guard, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Allen Iverson, All-Star center and Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo, and Sixth Man of the Year, Aaron McKie. The Lakers lost Game 1 to the 76ers at home in overtime, 107–101 at the Staples Center, in which Iverson scored 48 points along with 5 steals. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Throw Away the Brooms: Sixers Stun Lakers The New York Times June 7, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/07/sports/pro-basketball-throw-away-the-brooms-sixers-stun-lakers.html December 31, 2021 Brown Tim Lakers Let Very Big One Get Away as 76ers End Streak at 19 Los Angeles Times June 7, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-07-ss-7651-story.html May 29, 2022 2001 NBA Finals Game 1: Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, June 6, 2001 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200106060LAL.html July 3, 2026 However, the Lakers managed to win Game 2 at home, 98–89 to even the series, before winning the next three games on the road, including a Game 5 win over the 76ers at the First Union Center, 108–96 to win the series in five games. The Lakers won their second consecutive NBA championship, earning the franchise its 13th championship overall, as O'Neal was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second straight year. Associated Press Lakers Beat Sixers to Win N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/15/sports/lakers-beat-sixers-to-win-nba-title.html May 27, 2022 Brown Tim Baq to Baq Los Angeles Times June 16, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-16-ss-11272-story.html August 22, 2017 2001 NBA Finals: 76ers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-finals-76ers-vs-lakers.html May 14, 2023 It was the second of the Lakers' three-peat championships to begin the millennium. The Lakers also finished with the then-best postseason record in NBA history, posting a 15–1 record, suffering their only loss in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the 76ers; that record would last for 16 years until the Golden State Warriors went 16–1 during the 2017 NBA playoffs. Ranking the 10 Best NBA Playoff Runs Ever Bleacher Report https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2894314-ranking-the-10-best-nba-playoff-runs-ever July 23, 2021 Aftermath Following the season, Grant re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Orlando Magic, Schmitz Brian Grant Set to Rejoin Magic Orlando Sentinel July 18, 2001 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2001-07-18-0107180278-story.html July 13, 2022 Magic Adds Grant, Size Tampa Bay Times July 20, 2001 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/07/20/magic-adds-grant-size/ July 23, 2021 Business Gettysburg Times July 20, 2001 B2 https://books.google.com/books?id=YukxAAAAIBAJ&dq=2001+Orlando+Magic+horace+grant+contract&pg=PA8&article_id=2154,2164064 December 8, 2024 while Rider signed with the Denver Nuggets. Wire Services Rider Gets Cut Quickly by Nuggets Los Angeles Times November 21, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-21-sp-6774-story.html October 19, 2022 Nuggets Waive Isiah Rider United Press International November 20, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/11/20/Nuggets-waive-Isiah-Rider/7381006232400/ January 11, 2022 Meanwhile, Tyronn Lue signed with the Washington Wizards, Wyche Steve Wizards Get Closer to Lue The Washington Post July 4, 2001 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2001/07/04/wizards-get-closer-to-lue/1fc53002-6abb-469a-97f5-23c4e1bb7957/ October 25, 2022 Free Agent Lue Signs with Wizards United Press International July 18, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/07/18/Free-agent-Lue-signs-with-Wizards/9792995428800/ January 22, 2022 Foster was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Associated Press NBA: Lakers Trade for Hunter with Fisher on Shelf ESPN June 29, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0628/1220071.html November 7, 2024 Brown Tim Trade to L.A. Lifts Hunter Out of Funk Los Angeles Times July 3, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-03-sp-18156-story.html October 25, 2022 and Harper retired. Brown Tim Harper's Not the Retiring Type Yet Los Angeles Times April 25, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-25-sp-56070-story.html July 27, 2021 Draft picks 2000 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 29 Mark Madsen PF United States Stanford Roster Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 8 Kobe Bryant G/F 6 6 205 1978–08–23 Lower Merion HS 2 Derek Fisher G 6 1 210 1974–08–09 Little Rock 40 Greg Foster basketball C 6 11 240 1968–10–03 UTEP 17 Rick Fox F 6 7 230 1969–07–24 North Carolina 3 Devean George F 6 8 235 1977–08–29 Augsburg 54 Horace Grant F/C 6 10 245 1965–07–04 Clemson 4 Ron Harper G 6 6 185 1964–01–20 Miami (OH) 5 Robert Horry F 6 10 240 1970–08–25 Alabama 10 Tyronn Lue G 6 0 175 1977–05–03 Nebraska 35 Mark Madsen basketball F 6 9 240 1976–01–28 Stanford 14 Slava Medvedenko F 6 10 253 1979–04–04 Ukraine 34 Shaquille O'Neal C 7 1 325 1972–03–06 LSU 12 Mike Penberthy G 6 3 180 1974–11–29 The Master's College 7 Isaiah Rider G 6 5 215 1971–03–12 UNLV 20 Brian Shaw basketball G 6 6 190 1966–03–22 UC Santa Barbara Phil Jackson Bill Bertka Jim Cleamons Frank Hamblen Tex Winter https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2001.html October 2, 2000 Regular Season Season standings LAL LAL z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Pre-season Los Angeles Lakers yes 2001 Total: 3–5 Los Angeles Lakers Preseason yes 3 5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | October 11 | Charlotte | L 90-103 | Kobe Bryant (19) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Tyronn Lue (5) | Lakefront Arena (New Orleans, LA)16,994 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | October 12 | Washington | L 87-90 | Kobe Bryant (19) | Shaquille O'Neal (6) | Shawn Respert (4) | Pyramid Arena (Memphis, TN)16,529 | 0–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 3 | October 17 | Phoenix | L 78-86 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Isaiah Rider (4) | Arrowhead Pond (Anaheim, CA)16,512 | 0–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | October 19 | Cleveland | L 84-91 | Kobe Bryant (18) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Shaquille O'Neal (4) | Staples Center15,717 | 0–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | October 20 | Seattle | W 103-98 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Fox & Rider (4) | Staples Center15,570 | 1–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | October 22 | Golden State | W 94-87 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Kobe Bryant (5) | San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA)13,252 | 2–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 7 | October 23 | Sacramento | L 111-118 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Ron Harper (4) | Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)17,561 | 2–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | October 26 | @ Phoenix | W 98-84 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Horace Grant (11) | Rick Fox (7) | American West Arena17,308 | 3–5 lal 2001 Regular season Los Angeles Lakers 2001 Total: 56–26 (Home: 31–10; Road: 25–16) Los Angeles Lakers October yes 0 0 1 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | October 31 | @ Portland | 20001031 POR 96 86 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Ron Harper (6) | Rose Garden20,270 | 1–0 Los Angeles Lakers November 7 1 3 4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | November 1 | Utah | 20001101 LAL 92 97 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Isaiah Rider (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 4 | @ Vancouver | 20001104 VAN 98 89 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | 3 players tied (5) | General Motors Place18,183 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 5 | L.A. Clippers | 20001105 LAL 108 103 | Shaquille O'Neal (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | November 7 | @ Houston | 20001107 HOU 74 84 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Shaquille O'Neal (7) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Compaq Center14,473 | 3–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 6 | November 8 | @ San Antonio | 20001108 SAS 81 91 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Alamodome26,065 | 3–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 12 | Houston | 20001112 LAL 105 99 | Kobe Bryant (37) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Brian Shaw (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 4–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | November 14 | Denver | 20001114 LAL 119 103 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 5–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 16 | @ Sacramento | 20001116 SAC 112 110 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Brian Shaw (9) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 6–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 10 | November 18 | @ Denver | 20001118 DEN 86 87 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Horace Grant (12) | 4 players tied (4) | Pepsi Center19,513 | 6–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 | November 19 | Chicago | 20001119 LAL 104 96 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Kobe Bryant (12) | Brian Shaw (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 7–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 22 | Golden State | 20001122 LAL 111 91 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,208 | 8–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 24 | Minnesota | 20001124 LAL 115 108 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Bryant & O'Neal (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 9–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | November 27 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20001127 LAC 98 83 | Kobe Bryant (29) | 3 players tied (7) | Rick Fox (5) | Staples Center20,039 | 10–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 15 | November 28 | Indiana | 20001128 LAL 124 107 | Kobe Bryant (37) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Fox & O'Neal (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 11–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 16 | November 30 | @ Seattle | 20001130 SEA 88 121 | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Horace Grant (9) | Rick Fox (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 11–5 Los Angeles Lakers December 5 3 6 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 1 | San Antonio | 20001201 LAL 109 100 | Kobe Bryant (43) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Bryant & Shaw (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 12–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 18 | December 3 | Dallas | 20001203 LAL 99 97 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 13–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 19 | December 5 | Philadelphia | 20001205 LAL 96 85 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Shaquille O'Neal (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 14–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 20 | December 6 | @ Golden State | 20001206 GSW 122 125 1 | Kobe Bryant (51) | Harper & O'Neal (10) | Ron Harper (10) | The Arena in Oakland19,273 | 14–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 21 | December 8 | Seattle | 20001208 LAL 95 103 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Grant & O'Neal (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 14–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 22 | December 10 | Detroit | 20001210 LAL 112 88 | Bryant & O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Bryant & Fox (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 23 | December 12 | Milwaukee | 20001212 LAL 105 109 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Bryant & O'Neal (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 24 | December 13 | @ Portland | 20001213 POR 86 96 | Kobe Bryant (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Rose Garden20,491 | 15–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 15 | Vancouver | 20001215 LAL 98 76 | Horace Grant (19) | Horace Grant (13) | Grant & Harper (5) | Staples Center18,211 | 16–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 26 | December 17 | @ Toronto | 20001217 TOR 104 101 1 | Kobe Bryant (40) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Rick Fox (5) | Air Canada Centre19,800 | 17–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 19 | @ Miami | 20001219 MIA 81 79 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (6) | American Airlines Arena19,600 | 18–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 21 | @ Houston | 20001221 HOU 99 94 | Kobe Bryant (45) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Brian Shaw (7) | Compaq Center16,285 | 19–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 29 | December 22 | @ Dallas | 20001222 DAL 108 103 | Kobe Bryant (35) | Rick Fox (12) | Isaiah Rider (5) | Reunion Arena18,201 | 20–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 30 | December 25 | Portland | 20001225 LAL 104 109 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 20–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | December 28 | @ Phoenix | 20001228 PHO 115 78 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Shaquille O'Neal (4) | America West Arena19,023 | 21–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | December 30 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20001230 LAC 116 114 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Rick Fox (9) | Staples Center20,327 | 22–10 Los Angeles Lakers January 5 2 1 4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 3 | Utah | 20010103 LAL 82 71 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Bryant & Fox (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 23–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 34 | January 7 | L.A. Clippers | 20010107 LAL 95 118 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Horace Grant (10) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 23–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 12 | Cleveland | 20010112 LAL 101 98 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Bryant & Shaw (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 24–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 36 | January 13 | @ Utah | 20010113 UTA 103 111 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Harper & O'Neal (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 24–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 15 | Vancouver | 20010115 LAL 113 112 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,318 | 25–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 | January 19 | Houston | 20010119 LAL 114 101 | Shaquille O'Neal (41) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Brian Shaw (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 26–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 39 | January 21 | Miami | 20010121 LAL 92 103 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Bryant & O'Neal (8) | Shaquille O'Neal (3) | Staples Center18,997 | 26–13 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 40 | January 23 | @ Seattle | 20010123 SEA 80 91 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Kobe Bryant (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 26–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 41 | January 26 | New Jersey | 20010126 LAL 113 101 | Bryant & O'Neal (26) | Bryant & O'Neal (9) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 27–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 42 | January 28 | @ New York | 20010128 NYK 81 91 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Bryant & Horry (11) | Tyronn Lue (4) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 27–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 30 | @ Cleveland | 20010130 CLE 102 96 | Kobe Bryant (47) | Horace Grant (14) | Bryant & Harper (3) | Gund Arena20,253 | 28–15 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 44 | January 31 | @ Minnesota | 20010131 MIN 83 96 | Kobe Bryant (24) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Bryant & Horry (5) | Target Center19,006 | 28–16 Los Angeles Lakers February 5 0 4 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | February 2 | Charlotte | 20010202 LAL 93 87 | Kobe Bryant (44) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Brian Shaw (4) | Staples Center18,710 | 29–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 46 | February 4 | Sacramento | 20010204 LAL 100 94 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Fox & Grant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 30–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 7 | Phoenix | 20010207 LAL 85 83 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 31–16 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#cfc;" | 48 | February 13 | @ New Jersey | 20010213 NJN 113 110 1 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Fox & O'Neal (6) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 32–16 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 49 | February 14 | @ Philadelphia | 20010214 PHI 97 112 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Kobe Bryant (7) | First Union Center21,005 | 32–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 50 | February 16 | @ Charlotte | 20010216 CHH 99 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Charlotte Coliseum19,925 | 33–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 51 | February 18 | @ Indiana | 20010218 IND 109 110 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 33–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 52 | February 20 | @ Dallas | 20010220 DAL 119 109 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Horace Grant (12) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Reunion Arena18,287 | 34–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 21 | @ San Antonio | 20010221 SAS 101 99 | Shaquille O'Neal (22) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Shaquille O'Neal (7) | Alamodome29,849 | 35–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 23 | Atlanta | 20010223 LAL 113 106 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Horry & O'Neal (8) | Fox & O'Neal (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 36–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 25 | Orlando | 20010225 LAL 106 100 | Shaquille O'Neal (37) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Shaquille O'Neal (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 37–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 56 | February 28 | @ Denver | 20010228 DEN 101 107 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Rick Fox (8) | Pepsi Center19,566 | 37–19 Los Angeles Lakers March 5 3 6 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 57 | March 3 | @ Vancouver | 20010303 VAN 98 88 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Horace Grant (15) | Brian Shaw (9) | General Motors Place19,193 | 38–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 | March 4 | Golden State | 20010304 LAL 110 95 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 39–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 6 | @ Golden State | 20010306 GSW 97 85 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Brian Shaw (9) | The Arena in Oakland20,181 | 40–19 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 7 | Toronto | 20010307 LAL 97 85 | Kobe Bryant (29) | 3 players tied (10) | Bryant & Shaw (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 41–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 61 | March 9 | San Antonio | 20010309 LAL 89 93 1 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | 4 players tied (2) | Staples Center18,997 | 41–20 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 62 | March 11 | Seattle | 20010311 LAL 97 109 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Brian Shaw (10) | Brian Shaw (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 41–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 13 | Boston | 20010313 LAL 112 107 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Brian Shaw (12) | Derek Fisher (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 42–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 64 | March 15 | @ Detroit | 20010315 DET 125 119 1 | Kobe Bryant (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Kobe Bryant (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 43–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 16 | @ Washington | 20010316 WAS 101 89 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Robert Horry (9) | Derek Fisher (6) | MCI Center20,674 | 44–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 18 | @ Orlando | 20010318 ORL 95 90 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Kobe Bryant (7) | TD Waterhouse Centre17,248 | 45–21 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 67 | March 19 | @ Atlanta | 20010319 ATL 106 108 | Bryant & O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Derek Fisher (6) | Philips Arena17,248 | 45–22 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 68 | March 21 | @ Milwaukee | 20010321 MIL 100 107 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Bradley Center18,717 | 45–23 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 23 | Washington | 20010323 LAL 104 91 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 46–23 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 70 | March 25 | @ Sacramento | 20010325 SAC 84 72 | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Fox & Shaw (4) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 47–23 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 71 | March 26 | @ Phoenix | 20010326 PHO 83 104 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | O'Neal & Shaw (3) | America West Arena19,023 | 47–24 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 72 | March 28 | Sacramento | 20010328 LAL 84 108 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Rick Fox (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 47–25 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 73 | March 30 | Dallas | 20010330 LAL 98 89 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Rick Fox (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 48–25 Los Angeles Lakers April 4 1 4 0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 74 | April 1 | New York | 20010401 LAL 78 79 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Horace Grant (12) | Rick Fox (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 48–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 3 | @ Utah | 20010403 UTA 96 88 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | 3 players tied (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 49–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 5 | @ Chicago | 20010405 CHI 100 88 | Shaquille O'Neal (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Derek Fisher (7) | United Center23,217 | 50–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 77 | April 6 | @ Boston | 20010406 BOS 100 96 | Shaquille O'Neal (39) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Brian Shaw (9) | FleetCenter18,624 | 51–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 8 | @ Minnesota | 20010408 MIN 104 99 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Brian Shaw (7) | Target Center20,099 | 52–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 | April 10 | Phoenix | 20010410 LAL 106 80 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Brian Shaw (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 53–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 12 | Minnesota | 20010412 LAL 119 102 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 54–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 15 | Portland | 20010415 LAL 105 100 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 55–26 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 17 | Denver | 20010417 LAL 108 91 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 56–26 lal 2001 Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers yes 2001 Total: 15–1 (Home: 7–1; Road: 8–0) Los Angeles Lakers First round yes yes no 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 22 | Portland | 20010422 LAL 106 93 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 26 | Portland | 20010426 LAL 106 88 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 29 | @ Portland | 20010429 POR 99 86 | Shaquille O'Neal (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Rose Garden20,580 | 3–0 Los Angeles Lakers Conference Semi-finals yes no 2 0 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 6 | Sacramento | 20010506 LAL 108 105 | Shaquille O'Neal (44) | Shaquille O'Neal (21) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 8 | Sacramento | 20010508 LAL 96 90 | Shaquille O'Neal (43) | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Rick Fox (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 11 | @ Sacramento | 20010511 SAC 103 81 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Brian Shaw (6) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 13 | @ Sacramento | 20010513 SAC 119 113 | Kobe Bryant (48) | Kobe Bryant (16) | Brian Shaw (5) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 4–0 Los Angeles Lakers Conference Finals yes no 2 0 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 19 | @ San Antonio | 20010519 SAS 104 90 | Kobe Bryant (45) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Horace Grant (6) | Alamodome36,068 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 21 | @ San Antonio | 20010521 SAS 88 81 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Alamodome35,574 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 25 | San Antonio | 20010525 LAL 111 72 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 27 | San Antonio | 20010527 LAL 111 82 | Derek Fisher (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 4–0 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals yes no 1 1 3 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | June 6 | Philadelphia | 20010606 LAL 101 107 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (44) | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | 3 players tied (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | June 8 | Philadelphia | 20010608 LAL 98 89 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | June 10 | @ Philadelphia | 20010610 PHI 96 91 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | 4 players tied (3) | First Union Center20,900 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | June 13 | @ Philadelphia | 20010613 PHI 100 86 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (9) | First Union Center20,896 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | June 15 | @ Philadelphia | 20010615 PHI 108 96 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Bryant & Fox (6) | First Union Center20,890 | 4–1 LAL yes 2001 NBA Finals By winning the Finals MVP award, Shaquille O'Neal joined the list of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players to win the award at least twice. Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard have since joined the list. Jordan, Olajuwon, O'Neal, Bryant, James, and Durant are the only six to win the award in back-to-back years. The Lakers at the time had achieved the best ever NBA postseason record of 15–1, sweeping the Western Conference and then sweeping the 76ers after their Game 1 loss in the Finals. On June 12, 2017, the Golden State Warriors had surpassed this feat, as they would go 16–1, after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals. The Lakers' postseason record was made before the first round of playoffs was extended to be the best-of-7 format which was implemented in the 2003 NBA Playoffs. This Laker team still holds the title of best road record in a single postseason, at 8–0. Summary The following scoring summary is written in a line score format, except that the quarter numbers are replaced by game numbers. TeamGame 1*Game 2Game 3Game 4Game 5WinsLos Angeles (West)10198961001084Philadelphia (East)107899186961 ∗ denotes a game that required overtime. Player statistics Regular season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 68 68 40.9 .464 .305 .853 5.9 5.0 1.68 .63 28.5 Fisher, Derek Derek Fisher 20 20 35.5 .412 .397 .806 3.0 4.4 1.95 .10 11.5 Foster, Greg Greg Foster 62 8 7.3 .421 .333 .714 1.8 .5 .15 .19 2.0 Fox, Rick Rick Fox 82 77 27.9 .444 .393 .779 4.0 3.2 .85 .35 9.6 George, Devean Devean George 59 1 10.1 .309 .221 .709 1.9 .3 .25 .25 3.1 Grant, Horace Horace Grant 77 77 31.0 .462 .000 .775 7.1 1.6 .66 .79 8.5 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 47 46 24.2 .469 .264 .708 3.5 2.4 .83 .53 6.5 Horry, Robert Robert Horry 79 1 20.1 .387 .346 .711 3.7 1.6 .68 .68 5.2 Lue, Tyronn Tyronn Lue 38 1 12.3 .427 .324 .792 .8 1.2 .50 .00 3.4 Madsen, Mark Mark Madsen 70 3 9.2 .487 1.000 .703 2.2 .3 .11 .11 2.0 Medvedenko, Slava Slava Medvedenko 7 0 5.6 .480 1.000 .583 1.3 .3 .14 .14 4.6 O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal 74 74 39.5 .572 .000 .513 12.7 3.7 .64 2.76 28.7 Penberthy, Mike Mike Penberthy 53 0 16.1 .414 .396 .903 1.2 1.3 .42 .04 5.0 Rider, Isaiah Isaiah Rider 67 6 18.0 .426 .370 .855 2.3 1.7 .40 .10 7.6 Shaw, Brian Brian Shaw 80 28 22.9 .399 .311 .797 3.8 3.2 .61 .34 5.3 Playoffs Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 16 16 43.4 .469 .324 .821 7.3 6.1 1.56 .75 29.4 Fisher, Derek Derek Fisher 16 16 36.0 .484 .515 .765 3.8 3.0 1.31 .06 13.4 Foster, Greg Greg Foster 1 0 3.0 .000 .000 .000 1.0 .0 .00 .00 .0 Fox, Rick Rick Fox 16 16 35.8 .450 .316 .867 4.9 3.6 1.94 .44 10.0 George, Devean Devean George 7 0 3.9 .500 .500 .500 .7 .1 .00 .00 2.0 Grant, Horace Horace Grant 16 16 26.4 .385 .000 .733 6.0 1.2 .94 .81 6.0 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 6 0 7.0 .500 .250 .667 1.3 .7 .67 .17 2.2 Horry, Robert Robert Horry 16 0 23.9 .368 .362 .591 5.2 1.9 1.38 1.00 5.9 Lue, Tyronn Tyronn Lue 15 0 8.7 .345 .385 .800 .7 .7 .80 .07 1.9 Madsen, Mark Mark Madsen 13 0 3.7 .077 .000 .600 .8 .3 .00 .15 .4 O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal 16 16 42.3 .555 .000 .525 15.4 3.2 .44 2.38 30.4 Shaw, Brian Brian Shaw 16 0 18.1 .375 .345 .667 3.4 2.7 .63 .06 4.4 Player statistics citation: Award winners Kobe Bryant, All-NBA Second Team Kobe Bryant, All-NBA Defensive Second Team Shaquille O'Neal, Center, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Shaquille O'Neal, League Leader, FG%, 57.2 Shaquille O'Neal, All-NBA First Team Shaquille O'Neal, All-NBA Defensive Second Team References Lakers on Database Basketball Lakers on Basketball Reference nvJkXyGJarY Documentary on the 2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Category:Los Angeles Lakers seasons Category:NBA championship seasons Category:Western Conference (NBA) championship seasons Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers