The 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, spearheaded by the acquisition of Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2008. This move transformed the Lakers into a formidable force in the NBA, complementing the already stellar play of Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who averaged 28.3 points per game during the regular season, was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s success.
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. This achievement was a testament to their cohesive team play, strong leadership from head coach Phil Jackson, and the emergence of young players like Andrew Bynum before his mid-season injury. Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher also provided veteran experience and stability, contributing significantly to the team’s impressive performance.
In the playoffs, the Lakers displayed dominance through the Western Conference, defeating the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs to reach the NBA Finals. However, their championship aspirations were thwarted by the Boston Celtics, who defeated them in six games in the Finals. Despite the disappointment, the 2007-08 season set the foundation for the Lakers’ future successes, including back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the NBA.
- Regular Season Record: 57-25
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Western Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 2-4
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 2007-08 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kobe Bryant | 82 | 28.3 | 6.3 | 5.4 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 36.1 | 21 | 30.1 | 5.7 | 5.6 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 30.2 |
| Pau Gasol | 27 | 18.8 | 7.8 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 21 | 16.9 | 9.3 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
| Lamar Odom | 77 | 14.2 | 10.6 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 27.4 | 21 | 14.3 | 10.0 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 27.3 |
| Andrew Bynum | 35 | 13.1 | 10.2 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Derek Fisher | 82 | 11.7 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 40.6 | 21 | 10.2 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 44.0 |
| Jordan Farmar | 82 | 9.1 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 37.1 | 21 | 5.7 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 38.6 |
| Sasha Vujačić | 72 | 8.8 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 43.7 | 21 | 8.1 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 39.2 |
| Vladimir Radmanović | 65 | 8.4 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 40.6 | 21 | 8.0 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 37.2 |
| Luke Walton | 74 | 7.2 | 3.9 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 33.3 | 21 | 6.0 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 42.3 |
| Ronny Turiaf | 78 | 6.6 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 19 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Trevor Ariza | 24 | 6.5 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 33.3 | 8 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 25.0 |
| Kwame Brown | 23 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Maurice Evans | 7 | 4.4 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 14.3 | |||||||
| Chris Mihm | 23 | 3.6 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Javaris Crittenton | 22 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 33.4 | |||||||
| D.J. Mbenga | 26 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 7 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Brian Cook | 6 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 20.0 | |||||||
| Coby Karl | 17 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 30.8 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ira Newble | 6 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 50.0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Denver Nuggets
In the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by MVP Kobe Bryant, dominated the Denver Nuggets with a decisive 4-0 series sweep. The Lakers showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, effectively handling Denver's star duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. This commanding performance set the tone for the Lakers' deep playoff run, eventually culminating in an NBA Finals appearance.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20, 2008 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 128-114 | |
| Apr 23, 2008 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 122-107 | |
| Apr 26, 2008 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 102-84 | |
| Apr 28, 2008 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 107-101 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Utah Jazz
In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Semifinals. Led by a dominant Kobe Bryant, who had just been named the league's MVP, the Lakers showcased their offensive prowess and depth, ultimately defeating the Jazz in six games. This victory highlighted their balanced attack and set the stage for a deep playoff run that would eventually lead them to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 2008 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 109-98 | |
| May 07, 2008 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 120-110 | |
| May 09, 2008 | @ Utah Jazz | L 104-99 | |
| May 11, 2008 | @ Utah Jazz | L 123-115 | |
| May 14, 2008 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 111-104 | |
| May 16, 2008 | @ Utah Jazz | W 108-105 |
2008 Conference Championship vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their dominance in the Western Conference Finals by defeating the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in five games. Led by MVP Kobe Bryant's stellar performances and bolstered by key contributions from Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, the Lakers' dynamic offense and tenacious defense proved too much for the Spurs. This victory propelled them to the NBA Finals, marking the beginning of a new era of success for the storied franchise under head coach Phil Jackson.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 89-85 | |
| May 23, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 101-71 | |
| May 25, 2008 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 103-84 | |
| May 27, 2008 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 93-91 | |
| May 29, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 100-92 |
2008 NBA Finals vs. Boston Celtics
In the 2008 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against their storied rivals, the Boston Celtics. Led by Kobe Bryant, the Lakers showcased their offensive prowess but ultimately fell short in a hard-fought series, losing 4-2. Despite Bryant's standout performances, the Celtics' formidable defense and depth proved decisive, securing Boston's 17th championship and leaving the Lakers to regroup for future success.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 2008 | @ Boston Celtics | L 98-88 | |
| Jun 08, 2008 | @ Boston Celtics | L 108-102 | |
| Jun 10, 2008 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 87-81 | |
| Jun 12, 2008 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 97-91 | |
| Jun 15, 2008 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 103-98 | |
| Jun 17, 2008 | @ Boston Celtics | L 131-92 |
Los Angeles Lakers 2007-08 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2007-08 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2007 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 95-93 | |
| Nov 02, 2007 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 119-98 | |
| Nov 04, 2007 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 119-109 | |
| Nov 06, 2007 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | L 118-104 | |
| Nov 09, 2007 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 107-93 | |
| Nov 13, 2007 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 107-92 | |
| Nov 14, 2007 | @ Houston Rockets | W 93-90 | |
| Nov 16, 2007 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 103-91 | |
| Nov 18, 2007 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 106-78 | |
| Nov 20, 2007 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 134-114 | |
| Nov 21, 2007 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 110-103 | |
| Nov 23, 2007 | @ Boston Celtics | L 107-94 | |
| Nov 25, 2007 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 102-100 | |
| Nov 27, 2007 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-99 | |
| Nov 29, 2007 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 127-99 | |
| Nov 30, 2007 | @ Utah Jazz | L 120-96 | |
| Dec 02, 2007 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 104-97 | |
| Dec 04, 2007 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 116-95 | |
| Dec 05, 2007 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 111-107 | |
| Dec 09, 2007 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 123-113 | |
| Dec 13, 2007 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 102-97 | |
| Dec 14, 2007 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 108-106 | |
| Dec 16, 2007 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 113-92 | |
| Dec 18, 2007 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 103-91 | |
| Dec 20, 2007 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 94-90 | |
| Dec 21, 2007 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 106-101 | |
| Dec 23, 2007 | @ New York Knicks | W 95-90 | |
| Dec 25, 2007 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 122-115 | |
| Dec 28, 2007 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 123-109 | |
| Dec 30, 2007 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 110-91 | |
| Jan 04, 2008 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 124-93 | |
| Jan 06, 2008 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 112-96 | |
| Jan 08, 2008 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 117-101 | |
| Jan 09, 2008 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 109-80 | |
| Jan 11, 2008 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-105 | |
| Jan 13, 2008 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-99 | |
| Jan 14, 2008 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 123-121 | |
| Jan 17, 2008 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 106-98 | |
| Jan 21, 2008 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 116-99 | |
| Jan 23, 2008 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 103-91 | |
| Jan 25, 2008 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 112-105 | |
| Jan 27, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 98-95 | |
| Jan 29, 2008 | vs. New York Knicks | W 120-109 | |
| Jan 31, 2008 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 90-89 | |
| Feb 01, 2008 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 121-101 | |
| Feb 03, 2008 | @ Washington Wizards | W 103-91 | |
| Feb 05, 2008 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 105-90 | |
| Feb 06, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 98-95 | |
| Feb 08, 2008 | @ Orlando Magic | W 117-113 | |
| Feb 10, 2008 | @ Miami Heat | W 104-94 | |
| Feb 11, 2008 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 106-97 | |
| Feb 13, 2008 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 117-92 | |
| Feb 19, 2008 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 122-93 | |
| Feb 20, 2008 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 130-124 | |
| Feb 23, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 113-95 | |
| Feb 24, 2008 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-91 | |
| Feb 26, 2008 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 96-83 | |
| Feb 28, 2008 | vs. Miami Heat | W 106-88 | |
| Feb 29, 2008 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 119-111 | |
| Mar 02, 2008 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 108-104 | |
| Mar 04, 2008 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 117-105 | |
| Mar 07, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 119-82 | |
| Mar 09, 2008 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 114-113 | |
| Mar 11, 2008 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 117-108 | |
| Mar 14, 2008 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 108-98 | |
| Mar 16, 2008 | @ Houston Rockets | L 104-92 | |
| Mar 18, 2008 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 102-100 | |
| Mar 20, 2008 | @ Utah Jazz | W 106-95 | |
| Mar 21, 2008 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 130-105 | |
| Mar 23, 2008 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 115-111 | |
| Mar 24, 2008 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 123-119 | |
| Mar 26, 2008 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | L 108-95 | |
| Mar 28, 2008 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 114-111 | |
| Mar 30, 2008 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 126-120 | |
| Apr 02, 2008 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 104-91 | |
| Apr 04, 2008 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 112-108 | |
| Apr 06, 2008 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 114-92 | |
| Apr 08, 2008 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 112-103 | |
| Apr 10, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-78 | |
| Apr 11, 2008 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 107-104 | |
| Apr 13, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 106-85 | |
| Apr 15, 2008 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 124-101 |