1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season explained

Team:Minneapolis Lakers
League:NBL
Championshipwin:yes
End Year:1948
Wins:43
Losses:17
Division:Western
Division Place:1
Playoffs:NBL Champions
(Defeated Royals 3–1)
Bbr Team:MNN
No Prevseason:1

The 1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season was the inaugural season for the Lakers. The Lakers won the National Basketball League championship against the Rochester Royals. George Mikan led the team with 21.3 points per game and was the league's MVP. After the season, both the Lakers and Royals would leave the NBL to join the Basketball Association of America (BAA) along with two other NBL clubs, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and the Indianapolis Kautskys.[1] The Lakers would also participate in the final World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning the final championship over the independent New York Renaissance that year,[2] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.[3]

National Basketball League

Regular season

Western Division standings

Playoffs

Awards and records

World Professional Basketball Tournament

Shortly prior to the NBL finals, during the days of April 8-11, the Lakers played in the annual World Professional Basketball Tournament in Chicago. Considered the favorites, they did not disappoint in the first round, defeating Wilkes-Barre Barons 98–48.[5]

In the semi-finals, the Lakers came out on top against Anderson Duffey Packers, 59–56, behind Mikan's 21 points.[6]

In the title game the Lakers defeated the New York Renaissance 75–71,[7] [2] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.[3] Mikan led all scorers and was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Along with Mikan, Jim Pollard was named to the All-Tournament first team.[8] [9]

Games

Awards and records

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sachare . Alex . The Dynasties: Minneapolis Lakers . nba.com . 5 July 2019.
  2. News: Bill Carlson . Lakers 'World Champions' now . 15 March 2022 . . 12 April 1948 . 23 . Newspapers.com.
  3. News: Edward Prell . Lakers defeat Rens, 75 to 71, for pro title . 5 April 2022 . . 12 April 1948 . 57 . Mikan's 40 points, on 14 field goals and 12 of 15 free throws, broke the tournament individual scoring record. . Newspapers.com.
  4. https://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/seasons/1948.html 1947-48 NBL Season Summary
  5. News: Minneapolis Five is top-seeded . 8 June 2024 . . . 7 April 1948 . 9 . Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Rens to meet Lakers in pro cage playoffs . 8 June 2024 . . INS . 10 April 1948 . 5 . Newspapers.com.
  7. News: Jim Peterson . Mikan's Foe highly rated . 8 June 2024 . . 6 April 1948 . 15 . Newspapers.com.
  8. News: Lakers beat Rens 75-71 and cop title . 5 April 2022 . . 12 April 1948 . 8 . Newspapers.com.
  9. News: Sid Hartman . Lakers dominated pro meet in all phases . 5 April 2022 . Times, the Picture Paper . 26–30 . Newspapers.com.