The 1988-89 Los Angeles Lakers season marked another successful campaign for the franchise, continuing their dominance in the NBA’s Western Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Pat Riley, the Lakers finished the regular season with an impressive 57-25 record. The team was anchored by the legendary Magic Johnson, who had another stellar season, averaging 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award for the second time in his career.
In addition to Johnson, the Lakers benefited from strong performances by James Worthy and Byron Scott, who both provided crucial scoring and defensive support. Worthy averaged 20.5 points per game, while Scott contributed 19.6 points per game. The Lakers’ roster also featured veteran center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was in his final NBA season and contributed his experience and leadership to the team’s success.
The Lakers cruised through the Western Conference playoffs, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Phoenix Suns to reach the NBA Finals. However, their quest for a third consecutive championship was thwarted by the Detroit Pistons, who swept the Lakers in four games. Injuries played a significant role, with Johnson and Scott both sidelined during the finals, impacting the team’s overall performance. Despite falling short in the finals, the 1988-89 Lakers season remains a testament to their resilience and skill during the Showtime era.
- Regular Season Record: 57-25
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Western Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 0-4
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 1988-89 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Magic Johnson | 77 | 22.5 | 7.9 | 12.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 31.4 | 14 | 18.4 | 5.9 | 11.8 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 28.6 |
| James Worthy | 81 | 20.5 | 6.0 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 8.7 | 15 | 24.8 | 6.7 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 37.5 |
| Byron Scott | 74 | 19.6 | 4.1 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 39.9 | 11 | 19.9 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 38.5 |
| A.C. Green | 82 | 13.3 | 9.0 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 23.5 | 15 | 10.1 | 9.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 74 | 10.1 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 15 | 11.1 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Orlando Woolridge | 74 | 9.7 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 15 | 8.1 | 4.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Mychal Thompson | 80 | 9.2 | 5.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 15 | 11.4 | 5.1 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Michael Cooper | 80 | 7.3 | 2.4 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 38.1 | 15 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 4.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 38.2 |
| Tony Campbell | 63 | 6.2 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.2 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Mark McNamara | 39 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| David Rivers | 47 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 16.7 | 6 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Lamp | 37 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 50.0 | 5 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the first round of the 1989 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Portland Trail Blazers, sweeping the series 3-0. Led by Magic Johnson's exceptional playmaking and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's veteran presence, the Lakers showcased their championship pedigree, setting the tone for their eventual run to the NBA Finals. Their cohesive performance highlighted their depth and experience, underscoring their status as a powerhouse in the league.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 128-108 | |
| Apr 30, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 113-105 | |
| May 03, 1989 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 116-108 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1989 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers showed their dominance in the second round by sweeping the Seattle SuperSonics in four straight games. The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, exhibited their trademark Showtime style, combining fast-paced offense and solid defense. This performance set the stage for their eventual journey to the NBA Finals that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 1989 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 113-102 | |
| May 10, 1989 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 130-108 | |
| May 12, 1989 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 91-86 | |
| May 14, 1989 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 97-95 |
1989 Conference Championship vs. Phoenix Suns
In the 1989 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, swept the Suns in four games, showcasing their dominant form. However, their championship hopes were dashed in the NBA Finals by the Detroit Pistons, who swept them in turn.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1989 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 127-119 | |
| May 23, 1989 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 101-95 | |
| May 26, 1989 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 110-107 | |
| May 28, 1989 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 122-117 |
1989 NBA Finals vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 1989 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons in a much-anticipated rematch. Despite entering the series with high hopes and a strong roster led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers suffered a devastating blow when both Johnson and Byron Scott were sidelined with injuries. This left the team vulnerable, allowing the Pistons to sweep the series 4-0, marking a disappointing end to the Lakers' season.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 06, 1989 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 109-97 | |
| Jun 08, 1989 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 108-105 | |
| Jun 11, 1989 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 114-110 | |
| Jun 13, 1989 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 105-97 |
Los Angeles Lakers 1988-89 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1988-89 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 04, 1988 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 116-113 | |
| Nov 05, 1988 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 122-107 | |
| Nov 08, 1988 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 114-102 | |
| Nov 09, 1988 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 128-110 | |
| Nov 11, 1988 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 114-103 | |
| Nov 15, 1988 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 148-146 | |
| Nov 17, 1988 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 101-98 | |
| Nov 18, 1988 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 106-105 | |
| Nov 22, 1988 | @ New York Knicks | W 110-98 | |
| Nov 23, 1988 | @ Miami Heat | W 138-91 | |
| Nov 26, 1988 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 102-99 | |
| Nov 28, 1988 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-104 | |
| Nov 30, 1988 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 110-106 | |
| Dec 02, 1988 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 113-92 | |
| Dec 04, 1988 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 119-112 | |
| Dec 06, 1988 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 111-102 | |
| Dec 07, 1988 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 125-111 | |
| Dec 10, 1988 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 112-105 | |
| Dec 11, 1988 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 95-94 | |
| Dec 13, 1988 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 111-102 | |
| Dec 14, 1988 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 118-113 | |
| Dec 16, 1988 | @ Boston Celtics | L 110-96 | |
| Dec 18, 1988 | @ Washington Bullets | L 115-110 | |
| Dec 20, 1988 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 116-103 | |
| Dec 23, 1988 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 120-102 | |
| Dec 25, 1988 | @ Utah Jazz | L 101-87 | |
| Dec 26, 1988 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-96 | |
| Dec 28, 1988 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 128-123 | |
| Dec 30, 1988 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 124-109 | |
| Jan 03, 1989 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 116-106 | |
| Jan 04, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 133-120 | |
| Jan 06, 1989 | vs. Miami Heat | W 118-86 | |
| Jan 08, 1989 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 126-96 | |
| Jan 10, 1989 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 106-97 | |
| Jan 13, 1989 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 116-95 | |
| Jan 15, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 116-95 | |
| Jan 16, 1989 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 124-113 | |
| Jan 18, 1989 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 111-90 | |
| Jan 20, 1989 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 115-99 | |
| Jan 24, 1989 | vs. New York Knicks | L 122-117 | |
| Jan 27, 1989 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 114-97 | |
| Jan 29, 1989 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 118-93 | |
| Jan 31, 1989 | @ Houston Rockets | W 125-114 | |
| Feb 01, 1989 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 114-97 | |
| Feb 03, 1989 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 140-129 | |
| Feb 05, 1989 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 134-116 | |
| Feb 08, 1989 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 121-118 | |
| Feb 14, 1989 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 111-103 | |
| Feb 16, 1989 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 110-101 | |
| Feb 19, 1989 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 119-110 | |
| Feb 20, 1989 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 100-97 | |
| Feb 22, 1989 | @ Utah Jazz | L 105-79 | |
| Feb 24, 1989 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 115-103 | |
| Feb 26, 1989 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 134-122 | |
| Mar 01, 1989 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 142-121 | |
| Mar 03, 1989 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 139-117 | |
| Mar 05, 1989 | @ Houston Rockets | L 88-83 | |
| Mar 07, 1989 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 106-97 | |
| Mar 08, 1989 | @ Miami Heat | W 127-87 | |
| Mar 10, 1989 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 123-90 | |
| Mar 12, 1989 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 126-115 | |
| Mar 13, 1989 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 97-96 | |
| Mar 17, 1989 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 106-103 | |
| Mar 19, 1989 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 113-111 | |
| Mar 21, 1989 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 104-103 | |
| Mar 23, 1989 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 115-92 | |
| Mar 26, 1989 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 118-116 | |
| Mar 28, 1989 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 127-104 | |
| Mar 30, 1989 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 138-98 | |
| Apr 01, 1989 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 114-108 | |
| Apr 02, 1989 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 118-117 | |
| Apr 04, 1989 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 115-97 | |
| Apr 07, 1989 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 99-97 | |
| Apr 08, 1989 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 122-116 | |
| Apr 10, 1989 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 133-116 | |
| Apr 12, 1989 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 107-100 | |
| Apr 15, 1989 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 119-107 | |
| Apr 16, 1989 | vs. Miami Heat | W 121-108 | |
| Apr 18, 1989 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 142-118 | |
| Apr 20, 1989 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-115 | |
| Apr 21, 1989 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 121-114 | |
| Apr 23, 1989 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 121-117 |
