The 1993–94 NBA season was the Lakers' 46th season in the National Basketball Association, and 34th in the city of Los Angeles. During the offseason, the Lakers acquired Sam Bowie from the New Jersey Nets and re-signed free agent Kurt Rambis. The Lakers continued to struggle as they lost 9 of their first 12 games. Head coach Randy Pfund was fired after a 27–37 start, and was replaced with Bill Bertka for the next two games. With the team out of playoff position and struggling in March, they decided to bring Magic Johnson back as their new coach. Under Magic, the Lakers won five of their next six games. However, they lost their final ten games of the season and finished fifth in the Pacific Division with a 33–49 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1975–76. Second round draft pick Nick Van Exel was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. Following the season, Magic resigned as coach, twelve-year veteran James Worthy retired, and second-year guard Doug Christie was traded to the New York Knicks.

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