This Day In Lakers History: L.A. Becomes First Team To Sweep Back-To-Back Seven-Game Series

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
MPS-USA TODAY Sports

The 1982 Los Angeles Lakers are probably the most forgotten about of the five championship teams of that decade.

The roster was extremely stacked as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the focal point, Magic Johnson was really coming into his own, and a plethora of excellent role players including Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, and Bob McAdoo filled in all of the gaps.

Due to the circumstances surrounding all of the other Lakers’ rings, this team has fallen under the radar a bit, but they made some history themselves. On May 15, 1982 the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 128-123, to end their Western Conference Finals with a four-game sweep.

The Lakers had also swept the Phoenix Suns in the previous round, making them the first team in NBA history to sweep back-to-back seven-game playoff series.

It was truly a team effort on that night as there were six players in double-figures and it was those role players leading the way. Nixon paced the Lakers with 30 points and 10 assists while McAdoo had 26 points and eight assists.

Kareem and Magic were their normal stellar selves as Abdul-Jabbar had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Johnson finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals.

The Lakers definitely needed everything they got to hold off the high-octane Spurs. George Gervin, one of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history, finished with 38 points and Mike Mitchell added 30, but it just wasn’t enough.

Lakers swept their way to NBA Finals

L.A. was determined to reclaim their spot as the top team in the league after a disappointing playoff finish the year before. They wanted to establish their dominance and sweeping their way to the NBA Finals before dispatching of the Philadelphia 76ers was the perfect way to do just that.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Exit mobile version