1980–81 Los Angeles Lakers season | |
---|---|
Head coach | Paul Westhead |
Owner(s) | Jerry Buss |
Arena | The Forum |
Results | |
Record | 54–28 (.659) |
Place |
Division: 2nd (Pacific) Conference: 3rd (Western) |
Playoff finish |
First Round (Eliminated 2-1) |
Stats @ Basketball-Reference.com |
|
Local media | |
Television | KHJ |
Radio | AM 570 KLAC |
The Lakers were attempting to become the first team since 1969 to repeat as NBA Champions. Despite missing Magic Johnson for 45 games due to a knee injury, the Lakers still managed an impressive 54-28 record during the regular season, and they were the #3 seed heading into the Western Conference playoffs. However, the underdog Houston Rockets eliminated the Lakers in a best-of-three first round series two games to one.
The Lakers did not have a first round pick in the 1980 Draft. Their first selection was Wayne Robinson, the 31st pick overall, but he never played a game for the Lakers. Future NBA Coach Butch Carter was their second selection at #37 overall.
Notes
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Houston Rockets: Rockets win series 2-1
Note: GP= Games played; MPG= Minutes per Game; REB = Rebounds; AST = Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points; PPG = Points per Game