1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season explained

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Los Angeles Lakers' 49th season in the National Basketball Association, and 37th in the city of Los Angeles.[1] This season was mostly remembered for the Lakers signing free agent All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal to a seven-year, $120 million deal,[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] and acquiring high school basketball star Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets,[7] [8] [9] [10] [11] who selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft during the off-season.[12] [13] [14] [15] [16] The team also signed former Lakers guard Byron Scott from the "Showtime" era,[17] [18] [19] signed free agents Jerome Kersey,[20] [21] and Sean Rooks,[22] and acquired rookie center Travis Knight from the Chicago Bulls.[23] In January, they traded Cedric Ceballos back to his former team, the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for Robert Horry, who won two championships with the Houston Rockets.[24] [25] [26] [27] The Lakers had the eighth best team defensive rating in the NBA.[28]

The Lakers played strong basketball as they had the best record in the Western Conference at the All-Star break with a 35–13 record,[29] but soon slipped out of first place finishing second in the Pacific Division with a 56–26 record.[30] O'Neal averaged 26.2 points per game, 12.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game, but only played 51 games due to a knee injury.[31] [32] [33] [34] He was also named to the All-NBA Third Team. In addition, Eddie Jones averaged 17.2 points and 2.4 steals per game, while Nick Van Exel provided the team with 15.3 points and 8.5 assists per game, Elden Campbell contributed 14.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and Kersey provided with 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.[35] O'Neal and Jones were both selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, but O'Neal did not play due to injury.[36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] Off the bench, Bryant contributed 7.6 points per game, and Knight averaged 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game; Bryant and Knight were both named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, while Bryant won the Slam Dunk Contest during the All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio.[42] [43] [44]

In the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games.[45] [46] [47] [48] However, in the Western Conference Semi-finals, they lost in five games to regular season MVP Karl Malone, John Stockton and the Utah Jazz.[49] [50] [51] [52] The Jazz would reach the NBA Finals for the first time, but would lose to the defending champion Chicago Bulls in six games.[53] [54] [55] [56] [57] Following the season, Scott went overseas and signed with the Greek Basket League giants Panathinaikos for the 1997–98 season,[58] [59] [60] while Kersey signed as a free agent with the Seattle SuperSonics,[61] [62] and Knight signed with the Boston Celtics.[63]

One notable highlight of the season was the Lakers holding the Dallas Mavericks to just two points in the third quarter, in an 87–80 home win on April 6, 1997. It was the fewest points scored in a quarter of a game in NBA history.[64] [65] [66] [67]

Draft picks

See main article: 1996 NBA draft.

Before he was chosen as the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, the 17-year-old Bryant had made a lasting impression on then-Lakers general manager Jerry West, who immediately foresaw potential in Bryant's basketball ability during pre-draft workouts. He went on to state that Bryant's workouts against former Lakers players and then assistant coaches Michael Cooper, and Larry Drew were the best he had ever seen. Immediately after the draft, Bryant expressed that he did not wish to play for the Hornets and wanted to play for the Lakers instead.[68] Fifteen days later, West traded his starting center, Vlade Divac to the Hornets for the young Kobe Bryant.[69]

Regular season

Kobe's rookie season

During his first season, Bryant mostly came off the bench behind guards Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. Initially, he played limited minutes, but as the season continued, he began to see some more playing time. He earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan-favorite by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest during the All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. He averaged 7.6 points and 15.5 minutes per game in 71 games, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.[70]

Record vs. opponents

1996-97 NBA Records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta– 3–1 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 3–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–1
Boston1–3 – 0–4 0–4 1–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 1–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 3–1 0–2 0–2 0–4
Charlotte3–1 4–0 – 0–4 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 2–2 2–0 4–0 3–1 1–2 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 3–1
Chicago3–1 4–0 4–0 – 3–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–0 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–1
Cleveland1–3 2–1 1–3 1–3 – 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–3 2–2 3–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–3
Dallas0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 – 3–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 0–2
Denver1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 – 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 2–2 0–4 1–1 0–4 3–1 1–1
Detroit3–1 4–0 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 3–1 2–0 4–0 1–2 2–2 2–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 4–0
Golden State0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 4–0 3–1 0–2 – 0–4 1–1 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 1–3 4–0 0–4 2–0 0–4 3–1 0–2
Houston1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 1–1 4–0 – 1–1 3–1 3–1 0–2 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0
Indiana1–3 2–1 2–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–1 1–1 – 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 1–3 3–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 1–3
L.A. Clippers0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 3–1 1–3 0–2 – 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 4–0 1–3 2–0 1–3 4–0 0–2
L.A. Lakers1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–1 2–2 – 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 4–0 1–3 4–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 1–3 4–0 2–0
Miami2–1 4–0 2–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 – 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 3–1 0–2 2–0 3–1
Milwaukee0–4 3–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 – 0–2 2–1 1–2 2–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–3
Minnesota0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 4–0 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 0–4 4–0 0–4 1–1 1–3 4–0 1–1
New Jersey1–3 4–0 0–4 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–2 0–2 – 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–3 0–2 2–0 1–3
New York3–1 4–0 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–2 – 3–1 3–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 3–0 1–1 2–0 4–0
Orlando1–3 4–0 2–1 0–3 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 1–3 – 2–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 1–1 1–3
Philadelphia0–4 3–1 0–4 0–4 0–3 0–2 1–1 1–2 0–2 0–2 0–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–3 1–1 2–2 2–3 2–2 – 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 2–0 1–3
Phoenix1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 – 1–3 4–0 3–1 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 1–1
Portland0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 – 2–2 4–0 1–3 0–2 2–2 4–0 0–2
Sacramento0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 2–0 4–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 – 3–1 1–3 1–1 0–4 4–0 0–2
San Antonio0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–0 3–1 2–2 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 0–4 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–4 1–3 – 0–4 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2
Seattle1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–1 3–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–1 3–1 4–0 – 2–0 1–3 4–0 2–0
Toronto0–4 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 3–0 0–3 0–4 3–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 – 1–1 1–1 2–2
Utah1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 4–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 – 4–0 2–0
Vancouver0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–4 0–4 3–1 0–4 1–1 0–4 – 1–1
Washington1–2 4–0 1–3 1–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 3–1 0–4 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 —

Game log

Pre-season

|- style="background:#cfc;"| 1| October 10| Denver| W 111-101| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)
10,225| 1-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 2| October 12| Denver| W 105-96| Shaquille O'Neal (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Derek Fisher (4)| Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)
10,225| 2-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| October 16| Dallas| W 90-80| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Corie Blount (9)| 3 players tied (3)| Selland Arena (Fresno, CA)
10,274| 3-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 4| October 18| Philadelphia| W 113-92| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Jones & Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
14,149| 4-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 5| October 19| Phoenix| W 100-87| Nick Van Exel (19)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (10)| Great Western Forum
15,054| 5-0|- style="background:#fcc;"| 6| October 22| Houston| L 114-116| Cedric Ceballos (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (9)| Nick Van Exel (9)| San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA)
13,481| 5-1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 7| October 23| Phoenix| L 100-109| Byron Scott (25)| Cedric Ceballos (9)| Cedric Ceballos (4)| McKale Center (Tucson, AZ)
14,162| 5-2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 8| October 25| Seattle| L 94-99| Byron Scott (16)| | | BSU Pavilion (Boise, ID)| 5-3

Regular season

|- style="background:#cfc;"| 1| November 1| Phoenix| W 96-82| Shaquille O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 1-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 2| November 3| Minnesota| W 91-85| Shaquille O'Neal (35)| Shaquille O'Neal (19)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Great Western Forum
15,407| 2-0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| November 5| @ New York| W 98-92| Shaquille O'Neal (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 3-0|- style="background:#fcc;"| 4| November 6| @ Charlotte| L 78-88| Shaquille O'Neal (22)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Charlotte Coliseum
24,042| 3-1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 5| November 8| @ Toronto| L 92-93| Jones & O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Campbell & Van Exel (4)| SkyDome
27,357| 3-2|- style="background:#cfc;"| 6| November 10| Atlanta| W 92-85| Jones & O'Neal (19)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Nick Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
16,097| 4-2|- style="background:#cfc;"| 7| November 12| @ Houston| W 126-115 (2OT)| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Nick Van Exel (14)| The Summit
16,285| 5-2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 8| November 13| @ San Antonio| L 83-95| Shaquille O'Neal (30)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Alamodome
26,002| 5-3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 9| November 15| L.A. Clippers| W 107-100| Eddie Jones (32)| Elden Campbell (10)| Nick Van Exel (15)| Great Western Forum
16,207| 6-3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 10| November 17| @ Phoenix| W 102-88| Eddie Jones (18)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (9)| American West Arena
19,023| 7-3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 11| November 19| @ Golden State| W 112-109| Nick Van Exel (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (12)| San Jose Arena
18,742| 8-3|- style="background:#fcc;"| 12| November 20| Utah| L 97-113| Shaquille O'Neal (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Great Western Forum
16,122| 8-4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 13| November 22| San Antonio| W 96-86| Shaquille O'Neal (29)| Shaquille O'Neal (21)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 9-4|- style="background:#fcc;"| 14| November 24| Houston| L 85-90| Shaquille O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Nick Van Exel (12)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 9-5|- style="background:#cfc;"| 15| November 26| @ Philadelphia| W 100-88| Jones & O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (20)| Jones & Van Exel (6)| CoreStates Center
20,652| 10-5|- style="background:#fcc;"| 16| November 27| @ Boston| L 94-110| Shaquille O'Neal (22)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| Fleet Center
18,624| 10-6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 17| November 29| @ Detroit| W 84-76| Shaquille O'Neal (27)| Elden Campbell (12)| Nick Van Exel (10)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454| 11-6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 18| December 1| Denver| W 104-96| O'Neal & Van Exel (24)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Great Western Forum
15,684| 12-6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 19| December 3| Seattle| W 110-106| Shaquille O'Neal (32)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Eddie Jones (9)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 13-6|- style="background:#fcc;"| 20| December 4| @ Utah| L 75-101| Shaquille O'Neal (21)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Derek Fisher (3)| Delta Center
19,911| 13-7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 21| December 6| Orlando| W 92-81| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 14-7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 22| December 8| Minnesota| W 110-86| Nick Van Exel (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Great Western Forum
15,212| 15-7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 23| December 10| @ Sacramento| W 92-90| Shaquille O'Neal (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Derek Fisher (6)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 16-7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 24| December 11| Indiana| W 79-76| Shaquille O'Neal (33)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
16,139| 17-7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 25| December 13| Portland| W 120-119 (OT)| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (15)| Great Western Forum
16,315| 18-7|- style="background:#fcc;"| 26| December 17| @ Chicago| L 123-129 (OT)| Nick Van Exel (36)| Elden Campbell (14)| Nick Van Exel (6)| United Center
23,919| 18-8|- style="background:#cfc;"| 27| December 18| @ Milwaukee| W 111-105| Shaquille O'Neal (41)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Bradley Center
16,829| 19-8|- style="background:#fcc;"| 28| December 21| @ Minnesota| L 88-103| Nick Van Exel (22)| Shaquille O'Neal (17)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Target Center
18,127| 19-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 29| December 25| @ Phoenix| W 108-87| Shaquille O'Neal (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Nick Van Exel (12)| American West Arena
19,023| 20-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 30| December 27| Boston| W 109-102| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Campbell & O'Neal (11)| Jones & Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 21-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 31| December 29| Philadelphia| W 115-102| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Travis Knight (10)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 22-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 32| January 2| @ Sacramento| W 90-83| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Nick Van Exel (6)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 23-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 33| January 3| Sacramento| W 100-93| Elden Campbell (22)| Elden Campbell (15)| Derek Fisher (6)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 24-9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 34| January 5| @ Vancouver| W 95-82| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (23)| General Motors Place
19,193| 25-9|- style="background:#fcc;"| 35| January 6| @ Portland| L 84-88| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Rose Garden
21,538| 25-10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 36| January 8| Charlotte| W 101-97| Shaquille O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Nick Van Exel (10)| Great Western Forum
16,980| 26-10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 37| January 10| Miami| W 94-85| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 27-10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 38| January 14| Vancouver| W 91-81| Shaquille O'Neal (24)| Knight & O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (6)| Great Western Forum
15,606| 28-10|- style="background:#fcc;"| 39| January 16| Portland| L 98-102| Shaquille O'Neal (33)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
16,432| 28-11|- style="background:#fcc;"| 40| January 18| Detroit| L 97-100 (2OT)| Kobe Bryant (21)| Shaquille O'Neal (19)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 28-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 41| January 20| Dallas| W 109-99| Nick Van Exel (24)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
16,959| 29-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 42| January 24| Golden State| W 114-97| Shaquille O'Neal (33)| Travis Knight (15)| Nick Van Exel (12)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 30-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 43| January 26| @ Seattle| W 104-103| Nick Van Exel (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Nick Van Exel (6)| KeyArena
17,072| 31-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 44| January 28| @ Dallas| W 102-83| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (6)| Reunion Arena
18,042| 32-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 45| January 29| @ San Antonio| W 99-92| Eddie Jones (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (19)| Nick Van Exel (12)| Alamodome
25,570| 33-12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 46| February 2| Washington| W 129-99| Shaquille O'Neal (24)| Elden Campbell (10)| Nick Van Exel (6)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 34-12|- style="background:#fcc;"| 47| February 4| @ L.A. Clippers| L 86-108| Campbell & Van Exel (20)| Travis Knight (7)| Campbell & Van Exel (4)| Arrowhead Pond
18,462| 34-13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 48| February 5| Chicago| W 106-90| Elden Campbell (34)| Elden Campbell (14)| Nick Van Exel (13)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 35-13|- align="center"|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break|- style="background:#cfc;"|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"|- style="background:#cfc;"| 49| February 12| @ Minnesota| W 100-84| Elden Campbell (21)| Robert Horry (10)| Robert Horry (8)| Target Center
18,243| 36-13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 50| February 13| @ Denver| W 132-117| Nick Van Exel (30)| Kersey & Rooks (6)| Nick Van Exel (9)| McNichols Sports Arena
16,713| 37-13|- style="background:#fcc;"| 51| February 16| Seattle| L 91-102| Eddie Jones (26)| Elden Campbell (17)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 37-14|- style="background:#fcc;"| 52| February 19| Cleveland| L 84-103| Elden Campbell (23)| Travis Knight (9)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Great Western Forum
16,402| 37-15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 53| February 21| Vancouver| W 99-91| Campbell & Jones (23)| Elden Campbell (12)| Jones & Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
17,031| 38-15|- style="background:#fcc;"| 54| February 23| New York| L 121-127 (2OT)| Elden Campbell (40)| Travis Knight (13)| Nick Van Exel (16)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 38-16|- style="background:#fcc;"| 55| February 25| @ Houston| L 96-100| Elden Campbell (19)| Elden Campbell (9)| Nick Van Exel (11)| The Summit
16,285| 38-17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 56| February 27| @ Washington| W 122-107| Elden Campbell (38)| Eddie Jones (8)| Nick Van Exel (12)| US Airways Arena
18,756| 39-17|- style="background:#fcc;"| 57| February 28| @ Atlanta| L 75-86| Eddie Jones (17)| Elden Campbell (7)| Eddie Jones (5)| Omni Coliseum
16,378| 39-18|- style="background:#fcc;"| 58| March 2| @ Indiana| L 85-101| Eddie Jones (28)| Corie Blount (10)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Market Square Arena
16,711| 39-19|- style="background:#cfc;"| 59| March 4| @ Dallas| W 102-92| Nick Van Exel (37)| Elden Campbell (10)| 4 players tied (2)| Reunion Arena
15,809| 40-19|- style="background:#fcc;"| 60| March 7| Houston| L 90-111| Campbell & Jones (17)| Elden Campbell (7)| Nick Van Exel (6)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 40-20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 61| March 9| New Jersey| W 115-105| Eddie Jones (34)| Eddie Jones (13)| Fisher & Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
17,103| 41-20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 62| March 12| Golden State| W 109-101| Elden Campbell (26)| Corie Blount (15)| Nick Van Exel (14)| Great Western Forum
17,009| 42-20|- style="background:#fcc;"| 63| March 14| L.A. Clippers| L 95-97| Eddie Jones (22)| Corie Blount (15)| Nick Van Exel (13)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 42-21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 64| March 16| Toronto| W 98-90 (OT)| Eddie Jones (27)| Jerome Kersey (11)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
16,839| 43-21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 65| March 17| @ Denver| W 113-94| Nick Van Exel (30)| Blount & Campbell (10)| Nick Van Exel (9)| McNichols Sports Arena
13,817| 44-21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 66| March 20| @ Cleveland| W 89-76| Eddie Jones (25)| Corie Blount (12)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Gund Arena
18,818| 45-21|- style="background:#fcc;"| 67| March 21| @ Miami| L 97-98| Elden Campbell (24)| Elden Campbell (12)| Nick Van Exel (11)| Miami Arena
15,200| 45-22|- style="background:#fcc;"| 68| March 23| @ Orlando| L 84-110| Elden Campbell (16)| Blount & Kersey (8)| Nick Van Exel (6)| Orlando Arena
17,248| 45-23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 69| March 24| @ New Jersey| W 109-84| Nick Van Exel (23)| Travis Knight (14)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Continental Airlines Arena
20,049| 46-23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 70| March 26| Milwaukee| W 106-84| Elden Campbell (31)| Corie Blount (14)| 3 players tied (4)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 47-23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 71| March 27| @ Vancouver| W 102-98 (OT)| Elden Campbell (25)| Elden Campbell (9)| Nick Van Exel (8)| General Motors Place
18,722| 48-23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 72| April 1| @ Seattle| W 99-97| Nick Van Exel (30)| Blount & Kersey (11)| Nick Van Exel (6)| KeyArena
17,072| 49-23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 73| April 2| Denver| W 110-85| Eddie Jones (27)| Corie Blount (13)| Nick Van Exel (12)| Great Western Forum
17,141| 50-23|- style="background:#fcc;"| 74| April 4| San Antonio| L 83-94| Sean Rooks (20)| Corie Blount (13)| Nick Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 50-24|- style="background:#cfc;"| 75| April 6| Dallas| W 87-80| Derek Fisher (21)| Sean Rooks (11)| 3 players tied (5)| Great Western Forum
17,364| 51-24|- style="background:#cfc;"| 76| April 8| @ Golden State| W 109-85| Kobe Bryant (24)| Knight & Rooks (7)| Derek Fisher (6)| San Jose Arena
17,973| 52-24|- style="background:#fcc;"| 77| April 9| @ Utah| L 89-101| Eddie Jones (16)| Elden Campbell (11)| Derek Fisher (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 52-25|- style="background:#cfc;"| 78| April 11| Phoenix| W 114-98| O'Neal & Van Exel (24)| Horry & O'Neal (11)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 53-25|- style="background:#cfc;"| 79| April 13| Utah| W 100-98| Shaquille O'Neal (39)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 54-25|- style="background:#cfc;"| 80| April 17| Sacramento| W 108-99| Shaquille O'Neal (42)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 55-25|- style="background:#cfc;"| 81| April 18| @ L.A. Clippers| W 123-95| Elden Campbell (21)| Travis Knight (9)| Nick Van Exel (10)| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
16,094| 56-25|- style="background:#fcc;"| 82| April 20| @ Portland| L 96-100| Elden Campbell (29)| Elden Campbell (11)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Rose Garden
21,538| 56-26

Playoffs

|- style="background:#cfc;"| 1| April 25| Portland| W 95–77| Shaquille O'Neal (46)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Nick Van Exel (8)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 1–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 2| April 27| Portland| W 107–93| Shaquille O'Neal (30)| Eddie Jones (7)| Nick Van Exel (9)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 2–0|- style="background:#fcc;"| 3| April 30| @ Portland| L 90–98| Shaquille O'Neal (29)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| O'Neal & Van Exel (4)| Rose Garden
21,538| 2–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 4| May 2| @ Portland| W 95–91| Campbell & O'Neal (27)| 4 players tied (8)| Jones & Van Exel (5)| Rose Garden
21,538| 3–1|-|- style="background:#fcc;"| 1| May 4| @ Utah| L 77–93| Nick Van Exel (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 0–1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 2| May 6| @ Utah| L 101–103| Shaquille O'Neal (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Nick Van Exel (12)| Delta Center
19,911| 0–2|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| May 8| Utah| W 104–84| Kobe Bryant (19)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Nick Van Exel (5)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 1–2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 4| May 10| Utah| L 95–110| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Nick Van Exel (7)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 1–3|- style="background:#fcc;"| 5| May 12| @ Utah| L 93–98 (OT)| Nick Van Exel (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| Delta Center
19,911| 1–4|-

Player statistics

Regular season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
Shaquille O'Neal515138.1.557.000.48412.53.10.92.926.2
Eddie Jones808037.5.438.391.8194.13.42.40.617.2
Nick Van Exel797937.2.402.378.8252.98.50.90.115.3
Cedric Ceballos8834.9.410.238.8676.61.90.60.810.8
Elden Campbell777732.7.469.250.7118.01.60.61.514.9
Robert Horry221430.7.455.329.7005.42.51.71.39.2
Jerome Kersey704425.2.432.262.6025.21.31.70.76.8
Byron Scott79818.2.430.388.8411.51.30.60.26.7
Corie Blount581817.4.514.333.6754.80.60.40.44.2
Travis Knight711416.3.509-.6204.50.50.40.84.8
Kobe Bryant71615.5.417.375.8191.91.30.70.37.6
George McCloud23212.4.354.429.6671.60.70.40.04.1
Derek Fisher80311.5.397.301.6581.21.50.50.13.9
Sean Rooks69310.7.470.000.7002.40.60.20.63.8

Playoffs

NOTE: Please write the players statistics in alphabetical order by last name.

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
3 0 2.7 1.000 .500 .7 .3 .0 .0 1.0
9 0 14.8 .382 .261 .867 1.2 1.2 .3 .2 8.2
9 9 30.9 .398 1.000 .816 4.3 1.0 .8 1.4 11.8
6 0 5.7 .273 .000 .667 .5 1.0 .2 .0 1.3
9 9 31.0 .447 .429 .778 5.3 1.4 1.1 .8 6.7
9 9 31.4 .458 .375 .743 3.4 3.2 1.0 .4 11.2
9 0 23.3 .486 .000 .789 5.3 1.6 1.0 .7 5.4
9 0 10.3 .800 .750 2.0 .3 .3 .3 2.1
9 9 36.2 .514 .610 10.6 3.2 .6 1.9 26.9
8 0 6.8 .444 .750 1.5 .1 .4 .4 1.8
8 0 16.8 .455 .364 .895 1.5 1.4 .1 .0 6.4
9 9 39.2 .378 .273 .824 3.4 6.4 1.1 .0 14.4

Awards and records

References

Notes and References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1997.html 1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers
  2. News: Moran . Malcolm . PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Get O'Neal in 7-Year Contract . The New York Times . July 19, 1996 . September 24, 2022.
  3. News: Heisler . Mark . Lakers Hit the Shaqpot . Los Angeles Times . July 19, 1996 . June 27, 2022.
  4. News: Springer . Steve . Shaq-Zamm! He's a $120-Million Laker . Los Angeles Times . July 19, 1996 . June 20, 2023.
  5. News: Schmitz . Brian . Shaq's Message to Fans: He Loves L.A. More Than Winning a Title . Orlando Sentinel . July 19, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  6. News: Adande . J.A. . Big Man in La-La Land . The Washington Post . November 29, 1996 . June 29, 2022.
  7. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Kiss Vlade Goodbye? . Los Angeles Times . June 27, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  8. News: Brown . Clifton . PRO BASKETBALL; With the Draft Over, Trading Season Begins . The New York Times . June 28, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  9. News: SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Divac Agrees to a Trade with Charlotte . The New York Times . July 2, 1996 . June 20, 2023.
  10. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Divac-for-Bryant Deal Done, Freeing Money for O'Neal . Los Angeles Times . July 12, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  11. News: Lakers Trade Divac for Bryant . The Washington Post . July 12, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  12. News: Brown . Clifton . PRO BASKETBALL; Big Trade and Some Twists in N.B.A. Youth Parade . The New York Times . June 27, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  13. News: Heisler . Mark . The Surprises Are Few . Los Angeles Times . June 27, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  14. News: Cotton . Anthony . For 76ers, Iverson Is No. 1 Choice . The Washington Post . June 27, 1996 . December 1, 2022.
  15. News: Bembry . Jerry . 76ers Make Iverson the 1, Philadelphia Takes Georgetown Guard; Camby Goes Second . The Baltimore Sun . June 27, 1996 . June 2, 2023.
  16. Web site: 1996 NBA Draft . Basketball-Reference . December 1, 2022.
  17. News: Lakers Are Near Deal with Scott . Los Angeles Times . September 30, 1996 . January 18, 2022.
  18. News: Steele . David . WEDNESDAY SPECIAL -- NBA PREVIEW: 1996-97 NBA Team-by-Team . SFGate . October 30, 1996 . October 22, 2022.
  19. News: Heisler . Mark . NBA Preview . Los Angeles Times . October 31, 1996 . January 30, 2023.
  20. News: Staff and Wire Reports . Lakers Pick Up Kersey for Their Bench . Los Angeles Times . August 13, 1996 . June 28, 2022.
  21. News: Shapiro . Mark . NCAA Rules Maine Can Keep '93 Hockey Championship . Chicago Tribune . August 13, 1996 . February 5, 2023.
  22. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Rooks Fills the Bill in the Big Man's Role . Los Angeles Times . October 25, 1996 . November 10, 2022.
  23. News: Downey . Chris . No Bull, Knight a Pivotal Laker . Los Angeles Times . December 22, 1996 . November 7, 2022.
  24. News: Brown . Clifton . Suns Send Unhappy Horry to Lakers . The New York Times . January 11, 1997 . July 18, 2021.
  25. News: Associated Press . Ceballos Returned to Sender . Los Angeles Times . January 11, 1997 . September 17, 2022.
  26. News: Suns Send Horry to Lakers in 4-Player Deal . The Washington Post . January 11, 1997 . December 12, 2022.
  27. News: Harris . Beth . Suns Trade Horry to Lakers for Cedric Ceballos in Four-Player Deal . Associated Press . January 11, 1997 . June 21, 2023.
  28. Web site: Teams Defense. NBA.com. April 17, 2021.
  29. News: NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 . Basketball-Reference . July 19, 2022.
  30. Web site: 1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  31. News: Associated Press . O'Neal Gets 12, Then Leaves with Injury . The New York Times . February 13, 1997 . January 1, 2022.
  32. News: Brown . Clifton . Injury to O'Neal Is a Blow to Lakers . The New York Times . February 14, 1997 . February 4, 2023.
  33. News: Associated Press . Lakers Cut Off at the Knee: O'Neal's Injury Knocks Him Out 8-10 Weeks . Los Angeles Times . February 14, 1997 . October 4, 2022.
  34. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers Cut Off at the Knee: O'Neal's Injury Means Layoff Until the Playoffs . Los Angeles Times . February 14, 1997 . December 3, 2022.
  35. Web site: 1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  36. News: Brown . Clifton . Ewing, Still Injured, Quits All-Star Roster . The New York Times . February 6, 1997 . October 3, 2022.
  37. News: Tribune News Services . Mourning Latest All-Star Casualty; Dumars on Team . Chicago Tribune . February 7, 1997 . January 28, 2023.
  38. News: Jorgensen . Loren . No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home . Deseret News . February 8, 1997 . April 19, 2023.
  39. News: Fry . Darrell . On to the Next Stage . Tampa Bay Times . February 8, 1997 . December 28, 2022.
  40. News: NBA.com Staff . 1997 NBA All-Star Recap . NBA.com . September 13, 2021 . May 16, 2023.
  41. Web site: 1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120 . Basketball-Reference . November 27, 2021.
  42. News: Sheridan . Chris . Bryant, Kerr & Iverson Highlight All-Star Saturday . Associated Press . February 8, 1997 . July 18, 2021.
  43. News: Heisler . Mark . King Kobe: At 18, Lakers' Bryant Steals the Show by Becoming Youngest to Win Slam-Dunk Contest, and Scoring 31 Points in Rookie All-Star Game . Los Angeles Times . February 9, 1997 . September 18, 2022.
  44. News: Roberts . Selena . Iverson Takes Rookie Honor, But He's No M.V.P. to Fans . The New York Times . February 9, 1997 . March 5, 2023.
  45. News: Associated Press . Lakers Bury Blazers with Free Throws . The New York Times . May 3, 1997 . June 3, 2022.
  46. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers Go Fourth . Los Angeles Times . May 3, 1997 . May 13, 2022.
  47. News: Lakers 95, Trail Blazers 91 . The Washington Post . May 3, 1997 . November 25, 2022.
  48. News: 1997 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  49. News: Friend . Tom . Malone and Stockton Star in Same Old Story . The New York Times . May 13, 1997 . May 13, 2022.
  50. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers Get Aired Out . Los Angeles Times . May 13, 1997 . May 30, 2022.
  51. News: Mims . Bob . Jazz 98, Lakers 93 . The Washington Post . May 13, 1997 . November 25, 2022.
  52. News: 1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Jazz . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  53. News: Wise . Mike . A Fistful of Rings: Bulls Grab Fifth Title of 90's . The New York Times . June 14, 1997 . June 4, 2022.
  54. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . June 14, 1997 . Bulls Get Fifth Element . Los Angeles Times . July 25, 2022.
  55. News: Johnson . K.C. . Bulls Got There, Because They'd Been There . Chicago Tribune . June 16, 1997 . June 4, 2022.
  56. News: Benson . Lee . Chicago Heartbreaker . Deseret News . June 14, 1997 . December 12, 2022.
  57. News: 1997 NBA Finals: Jazz vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  58. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers' Scott Close to $2-Million Move to Greece . Los Angeles Times . July 2, 1997 . March 5, 2023.
  59. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . All's Quiet on the Laker Front, So Scott to Play on Greek Team . Los Angeles Times . July 3, 1997 . March 5, 2023.
  60. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . It's Not All Greek to Byron Scott, Who Still Has Unfinished Business . Los Angeles Times . July 6, 1997 . June 24, 2021 .
  61. News: Associated Press . PLUS: BASKETBALL; Sonics Sign Kersey . The New York Times . September 25, 1997 . February 2, 2023.
  62. News: Wire Services . Sonics Sign Kersey . The Spokesman-Review . September 25, 1997 . July 11, 2022.
  63. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Knight Agrees to $22-Million Celtic Contract . Los Angeles Times . July 5, 1997 . November 7, 2022.
  64. News: Associated Press . Mavs Score Just 2 Points in a Quarter . The New York Times . April 7, 1997 . February 28, 2017.
  65. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers Exploit the Bad and Ugly . Los Angeles Times . April 7, 1997 . January 4, 2023.
  66. News: Lakers 87, Mavericks 80 . United Press International . April 7, 1997 . October 10, 2022.
  67. News: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, April 6, 1997 . Basketball-Reference . January 4, 2023.
  68. News: With the Draft Over, Trading Season Begins . The New York Times . June 28, 1996 .
  69. News: Wertz Jr. . Langston . Once Again, the Hornets Didn’t Kick Kobe Bryant Out the Door in ’96 . The Charlotte Observer . April 3, 2018 . January 18, 2022.
  70. News: Ranking All 20 Seasons of Kobe Bryant's Career, from Best to Worst . For The Win . April 13, 2016 . December 30, 2021.

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