The 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers season was marked by high expectations and significant drama. The team acquired future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join established stars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, forming a formidable lineup. This “superteam” aimed for an NBA championship after falling short in the 2002-03 season.
Under head coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 56-26, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Despite injuries and off-court issues, notably Bryant’s legal troubles, the team showcased its depth and talent throughout the season. O’Neal and Bryant continued to perform at an elite level, while Malone and Payton contributed veteran leadership and experience.
In the playoffs, the Lakers navigated past the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals. However, they faced a disciplined Detroit Pistons team that exploited the Lakers’ lack of cohesion. The Pistons’ strong defense and team-oriented play led to a decisive 4-1 series victory over the Lakers, denying them the championship.
The season’s outcome led to significant changes for the Lakers. Phil Jackson departed, and the team traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat, signaling the end of an era. Despite the talent on the roster, the 2003-04 season ultimately highlighted the importance of chemistry and unity in achieving success at the highest level.
- Regular Season Record: 56-26
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-1, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 1-4
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 2003-04 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kobe Bryant | 65 | 24.0 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 32.7 | 22 | 24.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 24.7 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 67 | 21.5 | 11.5 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 22 | 21.5 | 13.2 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 0.0 |
| Gary Payton | 82 | 14.6 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 33.3 | 22 | 7.8 | 3.3 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 25.0 |
| Karl Malone | 42 | 13.2 | 8.7 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 21 | 11.5 | 8.8 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Stanislav Medvedenko | 68 | 8.3 | 5.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 21 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Devean George | 82 | 7.4 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 34.9 | 22 | 5.5 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 37.3 |
| Derek Fisher | 82 | 7.1 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 29.0 | 22 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 41.8 |
| Kareem Rush | 72 | 6.4 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 34.8 | 22 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 40.0 |
| Maurice Carter | 4 | 5.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 33.3 | |||||||
| Rick Fox | 38 | 4.8 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 24.6 | 16 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 14.3 |
| Brian Cook | 35 | 4.4 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 13 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Horace Grant | 55 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Bryon Russell | 72 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 38.4 | 6 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jamal Sampson | 10 | 2.9 | 5.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Luke Walton | 72 | 2.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 17 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 38.5 |
| Ime Udoka | 4 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Jannero Pargo | 13 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 50.0 | |||||||
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Houston Rockets
In the first round of the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Houston Rockets, securing a 4-1 series victory. Led by their star-studded lineup featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton, the Lakers showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience to advance. This series set the stage for their deep playoff run, ultimately reaching the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2004 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 72-71 | |
| Apr 19, 2004 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 98-84 | |
| Apr 23, 2004 | @ Houston Rockets | L 102-91 | |
| Apr 25, 2004 | @ Houston Rockets | W 92-88 | |
| Apr 28, 2004 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 97-78 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their championship pedigree in the second round by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling six-game series. Despite facing the defending champions, the Lakers, led by their star-studded lineup of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton, overcame a 2-0 series deficit to clinch four straight victories. This series was particularly highlighted by Derek Fisher's unforgettable buzzer-beater with 0.4 seconds left in Game 5, a moment that swung the momentum decisively in favor of the Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 02, 2004 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 88-78 | |
| May 05, 2004 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 95-85 | |
| May 09, 2004 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 105-81 | |
| May 11, 2004 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 98-90 | |
| May 13, 2004 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 74-73 | |
| May 15, 2004 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 88-76 |
2004 Conference Championship vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
In the 2004 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their star-studded lineup by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. With the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant leading the charge, the Lakers clinched the series in six games, leveraging their experience and depth to outmaneuver the Timberwolves, who were powered by MVP Kevin Garnett. This victory secured the Lakers' fourth NBA Finals appearance in five years, setting up a much-anticipated showdown against the Detroit Pistons.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 97-88 | |
| May 23, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 89-71 | |
| May 25, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 100-89 | |
| May 27, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 92-85 | |
| May 29, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 98-96 | |
| May 31, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-90 |
2004 NBA Finals vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 2004 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring a star-studded lineup including Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton, faced off against the Detroit Pistons. Despite their powerhouse roster, the Lakers struggled with team chemistry and injuries, ultimately falling to the Pistons in five games. Detroit's cohesive defense and balanced offense outmatched the Lakers, leading to a surprising and decisive underdog victory.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 06, 2004 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 87-75 | |
| Jun 08, 2004 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 99-91 | |
| Jun 10, 2004 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 88-68 | |
| Jun 13, 2004 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 88-80 | |
| Jun 15, 2004 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 100-87 |
Los Angeles Lakers 2003-04 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2003-04 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2003 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 109-93 | |
| Nov 01, 2003 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 103-99 | |
| Nov 02, 2003 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 87-72 | |
| Nov 04, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-107 | |
| Nov 06, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 120-117 | |
| Nov 07, 2003 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 114-95 | |
| Nov 10, 2003 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 105-95 | |
| Nov 12, 2003 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 94-79 | |
| Nov 14, 2003 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 94-89 | |
| Nov 16, 2003 | vs. Miami Heat | W 99-77 | |
| Nov 18, 2003 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 106-96 | |
| Nov 19, 2003 | @ New York Knicks | W 104-83 | |
| Nov 21, 2003 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 101-94 | |
| Nov 23, 2003 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 121-89 | |
| Nov 26, 2003 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 120-99 | |
| Nov 28, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 103-87 | |
| Nov 30, 2003 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 99-77 | |
| Dec 03, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 90-86 | |
| Dec 04, 2003 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 114-103 | |
| Dec 07, 2003 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 94-92 | |
| Dec 09, 2003 | vs. New York Knicks | W 98-90 | |
| Dec 12, 2003 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 110-93 | |
| Dec 13, 2003 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 112-108 | |
| Dec 19, 2003 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 101-99 | |
| Dec 21, 2003 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 107-101 | |
| Dec 23, 2003 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 107-98 | |
| Dec 25, 2003 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 99-87 | |
| Dec 28, 2003 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 105-82 | |
| Jan 02, 2004 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 111-109 | |
| Jan 04, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 101-98 | |
| Jan 06, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 106-90 | |
| Jan 07, 2004 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 113-91 | |
| Jan 09, 2004 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 113-67 | |
| Jan 12, 2004 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 89-79 | |
| Jan 14, 2004 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 97-71 | |
| Jan 16, 2004 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 103-83 | |
| Jan 17, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 91-89 | |
| Jan 19, 2004 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 88-85 | |
| Jan 21, 2004 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 88-82 | |
| Jan 22, 2004 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 106-87 | |
| Jan 24, 2004 | @ Utah Jazz | W 93-86 | |
| Jan 28, 2004 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 96-82 | |
| Jan 30, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | L 97-84 | |
| Feb 01, 2004 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 84-83 | |
| Feb 02, 2004 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 85-72 | |
| Feb 04, 2004 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 111-106 | |
| Feb 05, 2004 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 96-73 | |
| Feb 08, 2004 | @ Orlando Magic | W 98-96 | |
| Feb 10, 2004 | @ Miami Heat | W 98-83 | |
| Feb 11, 2004 | @ Houston Rockets | L 102-87 | |
| Feb 17, 2004 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 89-86 | |
| Feb 18, 2004 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 100-99 | |
| Feb 20, 2004 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-88 | |
| Feb 22, 2004 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 104-92 | |
| Feb 25, 2004 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 112-111 | |
| Feb 26, 2004 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 103-101 | |
| Feb 28, 2004 | @ Washington Wizards | W 122-110 | |
| Feb 29, 2004 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 100-83 | |
| Mar 02, 2004 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 94-93 | |
| Mar 03, 2004 | @ Houston Rockets | W 96-93 | |
| Mar 05, 2004 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 99-91 | |
| Mar 07, 2004 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 94-88 | |
| Mar 08, 2004 | @ Utah Jazz | L 88-83 | |
| Mar 10, 2004 | @ Boston Celtics | W 117-109 | |
| Mar 12, 2004 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 96-86 | |
| Mar 13, 2004 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 88-81 | |
| Mar 15, 2004 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 113-110 | |
| Mar 17, 2004 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-103 | |
| Mar 19, 2004 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-100 | |
| Mar 21, 2004 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-103 | |
| Mar 24, 2004 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 115-91 | |
| Mar 26, 2004 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 90-73 | |
| Mar 28, 2004 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 91-84 | |
| Mar 30, 2004 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 107-88 | |
| Apr 01, 2004 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 93-85 | |
| Apr 02, 2004 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 97-86 | |
| Apr 04, 2004 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 95-89 | |
| Apr 06, 2004 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 91-80 | |
| Apr 09, 2004 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 103-95 | |
| Apr 11, 2004 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 102-85 | |
| Apr 13, 2004 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 109-104 | |
| Apr 14, 2004 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 105-104 |