The 2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers season marked the culmination of a three-peat for the franchise, as they secured their third consecutive NBA Championship. Under the guidance of head coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers finished the regular season with a 58-24 record, placing them second in the Western Conference. The dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant continued to dominate. O’Neal maintained his status as one of the league’s premier centers, while Bryant further established himself as an elite shooting guard.
In the playoffs, the Lakers showcased their championship pedigree. They swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and overcame the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the Western Conference Semifinals. The Conference Finals saw the Lakers face the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling seven-game series, highlighted by Robert Horry’s game-winning three-pointer in Game 4 and a controversial Game 6 officiating performance. The Lakers ultimately triumphed in Game 7, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.
Facing the New Jersey Nets in the Finals, the Lakers exhibited their championship experience and prowess, sweeping the series 4-0. Shaquille O’Neal was named the NBA Finals MVP for the third consecutive year, underscoring his dominance during this era. The 2001-02 season solidified the Lakers’ early 2000s dynasty and reinforced the legacy of their star players and coach.
- Regular Season Record: 58-24
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 4-0
Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats for 2001-02 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 67 | 27.2 | 10.7 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 19 | 28.5 | 12.6 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 |
| Kobe Bryant | 80 | 25.2 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 25.0 | 19 | 26.6 | 5.8 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 37.9 |
| Derek Fisher | 70 | 11.2 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 41.3 | 19 | 10.2 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 35.8 |
| Rick Fox | 82 | 7.9 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 31.3 | 19 | 9.8 | 5.4 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 34.9 |
| Devean George | 82 | 7.1 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 37.1 | 19 | 5.0 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 22.9 |
| Robert Horry | 81 | 6.8 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 37.4 | 19 | 9.3 | 8.1 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 38.7 |
| Samaki Walker | 69 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 19 | 3.3 | 4.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 100.0 |
| Lindsey Hunter | 82 | 5.8 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 38.0 | 18 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 27.6 |
| Stanislav Medvedenko | 71 | 4.7 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mitch Richmond | 64 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 29.0 | 2 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Brian Shaw | 58 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 33.0 | 19 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 28.1 |
| Mark Madsen | 59 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 7 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Penberthy | 3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Joe Crispin | 6 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jelani McCoy | 21 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Los Angeles Lakers in the 2002 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the first round of the 2002 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers swept the Portland Trail Blazers in a decisive 3-0 series victory. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were in top form, leading the team with dominant performances that set the tone for their pursuit of a third consecutive championship. The Lakers' blend of star power and playoff experience proved too much for Portland, as they efficiently advanced to the next round.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21, 2002 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 95-87 | |
| Apr 25, 2002 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-96 | |
| Apr 28, 2002 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 92-91 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2002 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals and emerged victorious in a tough five-game series. Led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers showcased their championship pedigree, overcoming the Spurs' formidable defense and securing their path toward a three-peat. This series highlighted the Lakers' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for another deep playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 2002 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 86-80 | |
| May 07, 2002 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 88-85 | |
| May 10, 2002 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 99-89 | |
| May 12, 2002 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 87-85 | |
| May 14, 2002 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 93-87 |
2002 Conference Championship vs. Sacramento Kings
In the 2002 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling Western Conference Finals that went down to the wire. The series is famously remembered for its intense competition and controversial officiating, particularly in Game 6, which saw the Lakers survive a potential elimination with key performances from Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. The Lakers ultimately triumphed in a dramatic Game 7 overtime victory, propelling them to their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance and solidifying their early 2000s dynasty.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2002 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 106-99 | |
| May 20, 2002 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 96-90 | |
| May 24, 2002 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 103-90 | |
| May 26, 2002 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 100-99 | |
| May 28, 2002 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 92-91 | |
| May 31, 2002 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 106-102 | |
| Jun 02, 2002 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 112-106 |
2002 NBA Finals vs. New Jersey Nets
In the 2002 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their third consecutive championship by sweeping the New Jersey Nets in four games. Dominated by the formidable duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers showcased their superior skill and teamwork, with O'Neal earning the Finals MVP honors for the third straight year. The series underscored the Lakers' dynasty under coach Phil Jackson, as they combined relentless defense and explosive offense to cement their legacy in NBA history.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 2002 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 99-94 | |
| Jun 07, 2002 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 106-83 | |
| Jun 09, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 106-103 | |
| Jun 12, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 113-107 |
Los Angeles Lakers 2001-02 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2001-02 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2001 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 98-87 | |
| Nov 01, 2001 | @ Utah Jazz | W 105-101 | |
| Nov 02, 2001 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 117-94 | |
| Nov 04, 2001 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 100-96 | |
| Nov 09, 2001 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 110-86 | |
| Nov 11, 2001 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 108-95 | |
| Nov 15, 2001 | @ Houston Rockets | W 98-97 | |
| Nov 16, 2001 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 95-83 | |
| Nov 18, 2001 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 93-85 | |
| Nov 20, 2001 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 98-93 | |
| Nov 21, 2001 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 89-68 | |
| Nov 23, 2001 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 106-90 | |
| Nov 25, 2001 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 105-98 | |
| Nov 27, 2001 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-85 | |
| Nov 30, 2001 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 107-92 | |
| Dec 01, 2001 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 102-76 | |
| Dec 05, 2001 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 98-94 | |
| Dec 07, 2001 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 97-91 | |
| Dec 11, 2001 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-93 | |
| Dec 14, 2001 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 110-80 | |
| Dec 16, 2001 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 101-85 | |
| Dec 20, 2001 | @ Houston Rockets | W 107-101 | |
| Dec 21, 2001 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 114-108 | |
| Dec 25, 2001 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 88-82 | |
| Dec 26, 2001 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 101-90 | |
| Dec 28, 2001 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 89-86 | |
| Dec 30, 2001 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 114-90 | |
| Jan 02, 2002 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 87-86 | |
| Jan 04, 2002 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 118-86 | |
| Jan 06, 2002 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 109-89 | |
| Jan 08, 2002 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 121-92 | |
| Jan 09, 2002 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 109-90 | |
| Jan 11, 2002 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 120-102 | |
| Jan 12, 2002 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 106-104 | |
| Jan 14, 2002 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 120-81 | |
| Jan 16, 2002 | vs. Miami Heat | L 102-96 | |
| Jan 19, 2002 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 98-81 | |
| Jan 22, 2002 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 107-91 | |
| Jan 23, 2002 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 95-90 | |
| Jan 25, 2002 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 94-91 | |
| Jan 27, 2002 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 93-87 | |
| Jan 29, 2002 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 127-93 | |
| Jan 30, 2002 | @ Orlando Magic | W 111-93 | |
| Feb 01, 2002 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-85 | |
| Feb 03, 2002 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 101-94 | |
| Feb 06, 2002 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 97-89 | |
| Feb 12, 2002 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-94 | |
| Feb 14, 2002 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 92-87 | |
| Feb 15, 2002 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 93-90 | |
| Feb 17, 2002 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 111-105 | |
| Feb 19, 2002 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 109-108 | |
| Feb 21, 2002 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 104-97 | |
| Feb 22, 2002 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 96-94 | |
| Feb 24, 2002 | @ New York Knicks | W 107-91 | |
| Feb 26, 2002 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 99-89 | |
| Feb 27, 2002 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 112-101 | |
| Mar 01, 2002 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 96-84 | |
| Mar 03, 2002 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 95-79 | |
| Mar 05, 2002 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 101-92 | |
| Mar 06, 2002 | @ Utah Jazz | L 92-84 | |
| Mar 10, 2002 | vs. New York Knicks | W 117-103 | |
| Mar 12, 2002 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 107-66 | |
| Mar 14, 2002 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 110-102 | |
| Mar 15, 2002 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 98-92 | |
| Mar 17, 2002 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 105-103 | |
| Mar 19, 2002 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 114-98 | |
| Mar 20, 2002 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 108-90 | |
| Mar 22, 2002 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 94-82 | |
| Mar 24, 2002 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 97-96 | |
| Mar 26, 2002 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 121-116 | |
| Mar 27, 2002 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 118-106 | |
| Mar 29, 2002 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 91-79 | |
| Mar 31, 2002 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 96-95 | |
| Apr 02, 2002 | @ Washington Wizards | W 113-93 | |
| Apr 03, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 94-92 | |
| Apr 05, 2002 | @ Boston Celtics | L 99-81 | |
| Apr 07, 2002 | @ Miami Heat | W 96-88 | |
| Apr 09, 2002 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 112-82 | |
| Apr 11, 2002 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-83 | |
| Apr 14, 2002 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 128-120 | |
| Apr 15, 2002 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-104 | |
| Apr 17, 2002 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 109-95 |
