The 2008–09 Los Angeles Lakers season was the franchise's 61st season, 60th in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and 49th in Los Angeles. Coming from a crushing defeat to the Boston Celtics from last year's NBA Finals in six games, the Lakers won their division for the 31st time and appeared in the Western Conference Finals for the 39th time. With 65 wins they recorded the third most wins in franchise history, the most since 1999–2000, and improved on their 2007–08 record by eight wins. The Lakers sold out all 41 home games for the season, led the NBA in money earned from overall ticket sales, and had the 5th highest increase in gate receipts from the previous season.

On May 29, the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets to advance to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year and 30th time in franchise history, extending their NBA record for most Finals appearances. On June 14, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 4–1 in the best of seven series to become the 2009 NBA Champions, the 15th Championship for the franchise. Kobe Bryant was awarded the 2009 NBA Finals MVP. Following the season, Trevor Ariza signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets.

On July 15, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2009 ESPY Awards for Best Team and Best Coach/Manager for Phil Jackson.

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