The 1982-83 Los Angeles Lakers season was marked by high expectations and strong performances as they sought to defend their NBA championship title. Under head coach Pat Riley, the Lakers showcased their trademark fast-paced, high-scoring style of play, finishing the regular season with an impressive 58-24 record. This success was largely driven by the dynamic duo of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, who played pivotal roles in both offense and defense.
During the regular season, the Lakers topped the Pacific Division and secured the number one seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Magic Johnson led the league in assists, emphasizing his role as the team’s playmaker, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continued to be a dominant force in the paint. The roster also featured key contributions from players like Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, and Bob McAdoo, each adding depth and versatility to the squad.
In the playoffs, the Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. However, the finals proved challenging as they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, led by MVP Moses Malone. The Lakers were ultimately swept in the series, losing 4-0 to a determined 76ers team. Despite the disappointing end, the 1982-83 season showcased the Lakers’ resilience and skill, maintaining their status as one of the premier teams in the NBA during that era.
- Regular Season Record: 58-24
- Playoff Result: Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 0-4
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 1982-83 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 79 | 21.8 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 15 | 27.1 | 7.7 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 3.7 | 0.0 |
| Jamaal Wilkes | 80 | 19.6 | 4.3 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 15 | 19.9 | 6.0 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Magic Johnson | 79 | 16.8 | 8.6 | 10.5 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 15 | 17.9 | 8.5 | 12.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Norm Nixon | 79 | 15.1 | 2.6 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 14 | 19.0 | 3.4 | 6.4 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 50.0 |
| Bob McAdoo | 47 | 15.0 | 5.3 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 8 | 10.9 | 5.8 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 33.3 |
| James Worthy | 77 | 13.3 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 25.0 | |||||||
| Steve Mix | 1 | 9.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Michael Cooper | 82 | 7.9 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 25.0 | 15 | 9.4 | 3.9 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 14.3 |
| Kurt Rambis | 78 | 7.5 | 6.8 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 15 | 7.5 | 6.0 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.0 |
| Dwight Jones | 32 | 4.9 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike McGee | 39 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 14.3 | 6 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Clay Johnson | 48 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 7 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Eddie Jordan | 35 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 18.7 | |||||||
| Mark Landsberger | 39 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 11 | 2.4 | 4.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Billy Ray Bates | 4 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Joe Cooper | 2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | |||||||
