The Minneapolis Lakers were one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history and one of the NBA’s first powerhouse franchises. From 1947 to 1960, the Lakers won six league championships, including five with legendary center George Mikan, helping establish professional basketball as a major American sport. The franchise began as the Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League (NBL) before relocating to Minneapolis in 1947. In 1960, the team moved to California and became the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing one of the most successful traditions in professional sports.
From the Detroit Gems to Minneapolis
The franchise’s origins trace back to the Detroit Gems, who posted a disappointing 4–40 record during the 1946–47 National Basketball League season.
Following that season, Minnesota businessmen Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the struggling franchise and relocated it to Minneapolis.
The team adopted the nickname “Lakers” in honor of Minnesota’s reputation as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
The move immediately transformed the organization’s fortunes.
George Mikan Becomes Basketball’s First Superstar
The key to the Lakers’ success was acquiring George Mikan, widely regarded as professional basketball’s first true superstar.
Standing 6-foot-10, Mikan dominated opponents with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities at a time when players of his size were rare.
His dominance forced basketball’s rule makers to introduce several major rule changes, including:
- Widening the foul lane (“The Mikan Rule”)
- Strengthening goaltending regulations
- Helping inspire the adoption of the 24-second shot clock
Mikan became the face of professional basketball during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
NBL Champions
The Lakers wasted little time becoming champions.
During the 1947–48 season, Minneapolis captured the National Basketball League Championship in its first season after relocating from Detroit.
The title immediately established the Lakers as one of professional basketball’s elite organizations.
Joining the Basketball Association of America
Following the 1948 championship, the Lakers left the NBL and joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA) for the 1948–49 season.
Led by George Mikan, Minneapolis won the 1949 BAA Championship, defeating the Washington Capitols.
Later that year, the BAA merged with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Lakers entered the NBA as the defending champions.
The NBA’s First Dynasty
The Lakers dominated the NBA during its earliest years.
Led by George Mikan and Hall of Fame head coach John Kundla, Minneapolis won NBA championships in:
- 1950
- 1952
- 1953
- 1954
Combined with their NBL and BAA championships, the Lakers captured six championships in seven seasons, becoming professional basketball’s first dynasty.
The roster featured several future Hall of Famers, including:
- George Mikan
- Jim Pollard
- Vern Mikkelsen
- Slater Martin
- Clyde Lovellette
Rule Changes Inspired by the Lakers
The Lakers’ dominance permanently changed the game of basketball.
Opposing teams often stalled the ball in an effort to limit George Mikan’s scoring opportunities, resulting in low-scoring contests.
To improve the game, basketball introduced several significant innovations:
- The 24-second shot clock (1954)
- A wider foul lane
- Expanded goaltending rules
These changes helped create the faster-paced, more exciting game enjoyed today.
Life After George Mikan
George Mikan retired following the 1953–54 championship, although he briefly returned during the 1955–56 season.
Without Mikan, Minneapolis remained competitive thanks to talented players including:
- Clyde Lovellette
- Vern Mikkelsen
- Slater Martin
- Elgin Baylor
The Lakers selected Elgin Baylor with the first overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft.
Baylor immediately transformed the franchise by winning the 1959 NBA Rookie of the Year Award while leading Minneapolis to the 1959 NBA Finals.
Although the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics, Baylor established himself as one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
Move to Los Angeles
Despite the franchise’s success, attendance began declining during the late 1950s.
Owner Bob Short believed the Lakers needed a larger market to remain financially competitive.
Following the 1959–60 season, Short relocated the franchise to Los Angeles, making the Lakers the NBA’s first West Coast franchise.
The move ended basketball’s first dynasty in Minneapolis but began another legendary chapter in franchise history.
Hall of Fame Players
- George Mikan
- Jim Pollard
- Vern Mikkelsen
- Slater Martin
- Clyde Lovellette
- Elgin Baylor
Hall of Fame head coach:
- John Kundla
Championships
| Season | League | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–48 | National Basketball League (NBL) | Champions |
| 1948–49 | Basketball Association of America (BAA) | Champions |
| 1949–50 | National Basketball Association (NBA) | Champions |
| 1951–52 | National Basketball Association (NBA) | Champions |
| 1952–53 | National Basketball Association (NBA) | Champions |
| 1953–54 | National Basketball Association (NBA) | Champions |
Major Individual Awards
| Award | Winner | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Most Valuable Player | George Mikan | 1953 |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | Elgin Baylor | 1959 |
| NBA Scoring Champion | George Mikan | 1949, 1950, 1951 |
| NBA Rebounding Leader | George Mikan | Multiple Seasons |
Legacy
The Minneapolis Lakers laid the foundation for one of the most successful franchises in sports history. Their six championships, revolutionary style of play, and dominance under George Mikan helped establish professional basketball’s popularity during its formative years.
Many of basketball’s early rules were changed because of the Lakers’ overwhelming success, making the franchise one of the most influential teams in the history of the sport.
Although the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, Minneapolis remains forever linked to the franchise’s championship heritage. The Minneapolis Lakers were basketball’s first true dynasty, and their legacy lives on through today’s Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most iconic organizations. It took another 30 years before Minneapolis would get another NBA team in the form of the Minnesota Timberwolves