The 2008-09 Los Angeles Lakers season was a landmark campaign that culminated in their 15th NBA Championship. Coached by Phil Jackson, the Lakers finished the regular season with an impressive 65-17 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. The team was led by Kobe Bryant, who averaged 26.8 points per game and was instrumental in their success, earning All-NBA First Team honors.
In the playoffs, the Lakers faced little resistance in the early rounds. They defeated the Utah Jazz 4-1 in the first round and advanced past the Houston Rockets in a challenging seven-game series. In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers overcame the Denver Nuggets 4-2, with Bryant and Pau Gasol playing pivotal roles in securing their place in the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals saw the Lakers compete against the Orlando Magic. Los Angeles dominated the series, winning in five games (4-1) to capture the championship. Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP, averaging 32.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. This victory marked Phil Jackson’s 10th NBA Championship as a head coach, further cementing his legacy. The 2008-09 season was a testament to the Lakers’ strategic prowess and the exceptional talent of their roster, setting the stage for continued success in subsequent years.
- Regular Season Record: 65-17
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-1, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 4-1
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 2008-09 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kobe Bryant | 82 | 26.8 | 5.2 | 4.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 35.1 | 23 | 30.2 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 34.9 |
| Pau Gasol | 81 | 18.9 | 9.6 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 49.8 | 23 | 18.3 | 10.8 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 0.0 |
| Andrew Bynum | 50 | 14.3 | 8.0 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 23 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Lamar Odom | 78 | 11.3 | 8.2 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 32.0 | 23 | 12.3 | 9.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 51.4 |
| Derek Fisher | 82 | 9.9 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 39.7 | 22 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 28.4 |
| Trevor Ariza | 82 | 8.9 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 31.9 | 23 | 11.3 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 47.6 |
| Jordan Farmar | 65 | 6.4 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 33.6 | 20 | 4.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 30.8 |
| Vladimir Radmanović | 46 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 44.1 | |||||||
| Sasha Vujačić | 80 | 5.8 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 36.3 | 23 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 31.4 |
| Luke Walton | 65 | 5.0 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 29.8 | 21 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 31.3 |
| Josh Powell | 60 | 4.2 | 2.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 14 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 100.0 |
| Shannon Brown | 18 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 66.7 | 21 | 4.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 48.0 |
| D.J. Mbenga | 23 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Chris Mihm | 18 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Adam Morrison | 8 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 25.0 | |||||||
| Sun Yue | 10 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | |||||||
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Utah Jazz
In the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their championship potential by defeating the Utah Jazz in a commanding 4-1 series victory. Kobe Bryant led the charge with his scoring prowess, while Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom provided critical support to maintain the Lakers' dominance. This series set the tone for the Lakers' eventual march to the NBA Championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 113-100 | |
| Apr 21, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 119-109 | |
| Apr 23, 2009 | @ Utah Jazz | L 88-86 | |
| Apr 25, 2009 | @ Utah Jazz | W 108-94 | |
| Apr 27, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 107-96 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Houston Rockets
In the 2009 NBA Playoffs' second round, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Houston Rockets in a fiercely competitive series that went to seven games. Led by Kobe Bryant's scoring prowess and Pau Gasol's inside presence, the Lakers ultimately prevailed, showcasing their resilience and championship-caliber depth. The series highlighted the Lakers' ability to adapt and respond under pressure, setting the stage for their eventual NBA Finals victory that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 100-92 | |
| May 06, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 111-98 | |
| May 08, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | W 108-94 | |
| May 10, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | L 99-87 | |
| May 12, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 118-78 | |
| May 14, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | L 95-80 | |
| May 17, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 89-70 |
2009 Conference Championship vs. Denver Nuggets
In the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, ultimately prevailing in six games. Kobe Bryant was instrumental in the series, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership to guide the Lakers to a 4-2 victory. This triumph set the stage for the Lakers' successful quest for an NBA Championship, as they later defeated the Orlando Magic in the Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2009 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 105-103 | |
| May 21, 2009 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 106-103 | |
| May 23, 2009 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 103-97 | |
| May 25, 2009 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 120-101 | |
| May 27, 2009 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 103-94 | |
| May 29, 2009 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 119-92 |
2009 NBA Finals vs. Orlando Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed in the 2009 NBA Finals, defeating the Orlando Magic 4-1 to secure their 15th championship title. Led by Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, who averaged 32.4 points per game, the Lakers showcased a potent combination of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Pau Gasol's inside presence and versatile contributions were instrumental, helping the Lakers reclaim their status as elite contenders after a disappointing loss in the previous year's Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 04, 2009 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 100-75 | |
| Jun 07, 2009 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 101-96 | |
| Jun 09, 2009 | @ Orlando Magic | L 108-104 | |
| Jun 11, 2009 | @ Orlando Magic | W 99-91 | |
| Jun 14, 2009 | @ Orlando Magic | W 99-86 |
Los Angeles Lakers 2008-09 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2008-09 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2008 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 96-76 | |
| Oct 29, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 117-79 | |
| Nov 01, 2008 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 104-97 | |
| Nov 05, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-88 | |
| Nov 09, 2008 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 111-82 | |
| Nov 11, 2008 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 106-99 | |
| Nov 12, 2008 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 93-86 | |
| Nov 14, 2008 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 106-95 | |
| Nov 18, 2008 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 116-109 | |
| Nov 20, 2008 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 105-92 | |
| Nov 21, 2008 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 104-90 | |
| Nov 23, 2008 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-108 | |
| Nov 25, 2008 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 120-93 | |
| Nov 28, 2008 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 114-107 | |
| Nov 30, 2008 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 112-99 | |
| Dec 02, 2008 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 118-117 | |
| Dec 03, 2008 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 114-102 | |
| Dec 05, 2008 | @ Washington Wizards | W 106-104 | |
| Dec 07, 2008 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 105-92 | |
| Dec 09, 2008 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 113-101 | |
| Dec 10, 2008 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 115-110 | |
| Dec 12, 2008 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 112-103 | |
| Dec 14, 2008 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 98-86 | |
| Dec 16, 2008 | vs. New York Knicks | W 116-114 | |
| Dec 19, 2008 | @ Miami Heat | L 89-87 | |
| Dec 20, 2008 | @ Orlando Magic | L 106-103 | |
| Dec 22, 2008 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 105-96 | |
| Dec 23, 2008 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 100-87 | |
| Dec 25, 2008 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 92-83 | |
| Dec 28, 2008 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 130-113 | |
| Jan 02, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 113-100 | |
| Jan 04, 2009 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 100-86 | |
| Jan 06, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | L 116-105 | |
| Jan 07, 2009 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 114-106 | |
| Jan 09, 2009 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 121-119 | |
| Jan 11, 2009 | vs. Miami Heat | W 108-105 | |
| Jan 13, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | W 105-100 | |
| Jan 14, 2009 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 112-111 | |
| Jan 16, 2009 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 109-103 | |
| Jan 19, 2009 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 105-88 | |
| Jan 21, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 108-97 | |
| Jan 22, 2009 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 117-97 | |
| Jan 25, 2009 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 99-85 | |
| Jan 27, 2009 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | L 117-110 | |
| Jan 30, 2009 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 132-119 | |
| Jan 31, 2009 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 115-98 | |
| Feb 02, 2009 | @ New York Knicks | W 126-117 | |
| Feb 04, 2009 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 115-107 | |
| Feb 05, 2009 | @ Boston Celtics | W 110-109 | |
| Feb 08, 2009 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 101-91 | |
| Feb 10, 2009 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 105-98 | |
| Feb 11, 2009 | @ Utah Jazz | L 113-109 | |
| Feb 17, 2009 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 96-83 | |
| Feb 18, 2009 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 129-121 | |
| Feb 20, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 115-111 | |
| Feb 22, 2009 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 111-108 | |
| Feb 24, 2009 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 107-93 | |
| Feb 26, 2009 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 132-106 | |
| Feb 27, 2009 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 90-79 | |
| Mar 01, 2009 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 118-111 | |
| Mar 03, 2009 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 99-89 | |
| Mar 06, 2009 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 110-90 | |
| Mar 09, 2009 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 111-94 | |
| Mar 11, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | W 102-96 | |
| Mar 12, 2009 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 102-95 | |
| Mar 15, 2009 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 107-100 | |
| Mar 17, 2009 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 94-93 | |
| Mar 19, 2009 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 114-106 | |
| Mar 21, 2009 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 117-109 | |
| Mar 24, 2009 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 107-89 | |
| Mar 26, 2009 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 92-77 | |
| Mar 27, 2009 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 103-95 | |
| Mar 29, 2009 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 86-76 | |
| Mar 31, 2009 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | L 94-84 | |
| Apr 01, 2009 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-98 | |
| Apr 03, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 93-81 | |
| Apr 05, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 88-85 | |
| Apr 07, 2009 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 122-104 | |
| Apr 09, 2009 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 116-102 | |
| Apr 10, 2009 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 106-98 | |
| Apr 12, 2009 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 92-75 | |
| Apr 14, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 125-112 |