The 1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers season marked a significant turning point in the franchise’s history, heralding the start of a new dynasty under head coach Phil Jackson. This season was Jackson’s first with the Lakers, following his successful tenure with the Chicago Bulls. His implementation of the triangle offense transformed the team’s dynamics, effectively maximizing the talents of superstars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
During the regular season, the Lakers dominated the NBA, finishing with a league-best 67-15 record. Shaquille O’Neal had an MVP-worthy season, averaging 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. This performance earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player award, solidifying his status as the league’s most dominant center. Kobe Bryant also emerged as a formidable force, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite guards.
In the playoffs, the Lakers faced initial challenges but showcased resilience and growth. They defeated the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers to reach the NBA Finals. In a memorable Finals matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers triumphed 4-2, securing their first NBA Championship since 1988. O’Neal was named the Finals MVP, further cementing his exceptional season. This championship victory marked the beginning of a three-peat for the Lakers, establishing them as a dominant force in the early 2000s NBA landscape.
- Regular Season Record: 67-15
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-2, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 4-2
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 1999-00 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 79 | 29.7 | 13.6 | 3.8 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 23 | 30.7 | 15.4 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 2.4 | 0.0 |
| Kobe Bryant | 66 | 22.5 | 6.3 | 4.9 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 31.9 | 22 | 21.1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 34.4 |
| Glen Rice | 80 | 15.9 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 36.7 | 23 | 12.4 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 41.8 |
| Ron Harper | 80 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 31.1 | 23 | 8.6 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 23.1 |
| Rick Fox | 82 | 6.5 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 32.6 | 23 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 46.2 |
| Derek Fisher | 78 | 6.3 | 1.8 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 31.3 | 21 | 4.7 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 41.4 |
| Tyronn Lue | 8 | 6.0 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Robert Horry | 76 | 5.7 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 30.9 | 23 | 7.6 | 5.3 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 28.8 |
| A.C. Green | 82 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 25.0 | 23 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Brian Shaw | 74 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 31.0 | 22 | 5.4 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 33.3 |
| Sam Jacobson | 3 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Devean George | 49 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 34.0 | 9 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 20.0 |
| John Celestand | 16 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 22.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Travis Knight | 63 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 14 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| John Salley | 45 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 18 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Sacramento Kings
In the first round of the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Sacramento Kings in a highly competitive series that showcased their resilience and championship aspirations. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, ultimately prevailed in five games, winning the series 3-2. This victory laid the groundwork for their successful run to the NBA Championship that year, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 117-107 | |
| Apr 27, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 113-89 | |
| Apr 30, 2000 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 99-91 | |
| May 02, 2000 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 101-88 | |
| May 05, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 113-86 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Phoenix Suns
In the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Lakers, led by the dominant duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, secured a decisive series victory in five games (4-1). O'Neal's overpowering presence in the paint and Bryant's burgeoning prowess were instrumental in propelling the team towards their eventual championship run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2000 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 105-77 | |
| May 10, 2000 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 97-96 | |
| May 12, 2000 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 105-99 | |
| May 14, 2000 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 117-98 | |
| May 16, 2000 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 87-65 |
2000 Conference Championship vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a thrilling Western Conference Finals. The series went to a decisive Game 7, where the Lakers overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, highlighted by a memorable alley-oop from Bryant to O'Neal, securing an 89-84 victory. This dramatic comeback propelled the Lakers to the NBA Finals, setting the stage for their first championship in the Shaq-Kobe era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 109-94 | |
| May 22, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 106-77 | |
| May 26, 2000 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-91 | |
| May 28, 2000 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-91 | |
| May 30, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 96-88 | |
| Jun 02, 2000 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 103-93 | |
| Jun 04, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 89-84 |
2000 NBA Finals vs. Indiana Pacers
The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed in the 2000 NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers in six games to secure their first championship since 1988. Led by the dominant duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers showcased their prowess with O'Neal earning the Finals MVP after averaging over 38 points and 16 rebounds per game. This victory marked the beginning of a new dynasty under coach Phil Jackson, as the Lakers would go on to win three consecutive titles.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 07, 2000 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-87 | |
| Jun 09, 2000 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 111-104 | |
| Jun 11, 2000 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 100-91 | |
| Jun 14, 2000 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 120-118 | |
| Jun 16, 2000 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 120-87 | |
| Jun 19, 2000 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 116-111 |
Los Angeles Lakers 1999-00 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1999-00 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 02, 1999 | @ Utah Jazz | W 91-84 | |
| Nov 03, 1999 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 103-88 | |
| Nov 06, 1999 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 97-82 | |
| Nov 07, 1999 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 105-97 | |
| Nov 09, 1999 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 123-101 | |
| Nov 10, 1999 | @ Houston Rockets | W 89-88 | |
| Nov 12, 1999 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 97-81 | |
| Nov 14, 1999 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 93-88 | |
| Nov 15, 1999 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 91-82 | |
| Nov 18, 1999 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 93-82 | |
| Nov 19, 1999 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 103-95 | |
| Nov 21, 1999 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 111-102 | |
| Nov 24, 1999 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 90-82 | |
| Nov 26, 1999 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 103-80 | |
| Nov 30, 1999 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 101-77 | |
| Dec 01, 1999 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 93-75 | |
| Dec 03, 1999 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-80 | |
| Dec 05, 1999 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 117-100 | |
| Dec 07, 1999 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 91-80 | |
| Dec 08, 1999 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 103-91 | |
| Dec 11, 1999 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 106-94 | |
| Dec 12, 1999 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 101-93 | |
| Dec 14, 1999 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 95-68 | |
| Dec 16, 1999 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 95-88 | |
| Dec 17, 1999 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 97-88 | |
| Dec 19, 1999 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 94-88 | |
| Dec 20, 1999 | @ Boston Celtics | W 99-90 | |
| Dec 25, 1999 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 99-93 | |
| Dec 27, 1999 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 108-106 | |
| Dec 29, 1999 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 103-87 | |
| Jan 04, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 122-98 | |
| Jan 05, 2000 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 118-101 | |
| Jan 07, 2000 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 87-83 | |
| Jan 08, 2000 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 110-100 | |
| Jan 10, 2000 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 130-95 | |
| Jan 12, 2000 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 103-94 | |
| Jan 14, 2000 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 111-102 | |
| Jan 15, 2000 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 104-91 | |
| Jan 17, 2000 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 82-81 | |
| Jan 19, 2000 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 95-86 | |
| Jan 22, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 95-91 | |
| Jan 24, 2000 | @ Utah Jazz | L 105-101 | |
| Jan 28, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 117-89 | |
| Jan 30, 2000 | @ Houston Rockets | L 89-83 | |
| Feb 01, 2000 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 105-81 | |
| Feb 04, 2000 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 113-67 | |
| Feb 07, 2000 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 106-98 | |
| Feb 09, 2000 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 114-81 | |
| Feb 15, 2000 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 88-76 | |
| Feb 16, 2000 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 92-85 | |
| Feb 18, 2000 | @ Orlando Magic | W 107-99 | |
| Feb 20, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 87-84 | |
| Feb 22, 2000 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 97-89 | |
| Feb 23, 2000 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 116-98 | |
| Feb 25, 2000 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 109-96 | |
| Feb 27, 2000 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 101-85 | |
| Feb 29, 2000 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 90-87 | |
| Mar 01, 2000 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 103-91 | |
| Mar 03, 2000 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 107-92 | |
| Mar 05, 2000 | vs. Miami Heat | W 93-80 | |
| Mar 06, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 123-103 | |
| Mar 09, 2000 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 109-92 | |
| Mar 12, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 109-106 | |
| Mar 13, 2000 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 118-108 | |
| Mar 16, 2000 | @ Washington Wizards | L 109-102 | |
| Mar 17, 2000 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 110-82 | |
| Mar 19, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | W 92-85 | |
| Mar 20, 2000 | @ Miami Heat | W 100-89 | |
| Mar 22, 2000 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 119-96 | |
| Mar 24, 2000 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 109-101 | |
| Mar 26, 2000 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 90-89 | |
| Mar 29, 2000 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 108-99 | |
| Mar 31, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 100-88 | |
| Apr 02, 2000 | vs. New York Knicks | W 106-82 | |
| Apr 04, 2000 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 84-83 | |
| Apr 05, 2000 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 111-104 | |
| Apr 08, 2000 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 98-80 | |
| Apr 10, 2000 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-103 | |
| Apr 14, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 121-114 | |
| Apr 16, 2000 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 101-95 | |
| Apr 18, 2000 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 112-102 | |
| Apr 19, 2000 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 103-98 |
