The Los Angeles Lakers got their start in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball League (NBL). After a one year stint in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the Lakers joined the NBA in 1949 and won the league's first championship behind the play of center George Mikan. The team relocated to Los Angeles prior to the 1960-61 season. With a total of 12 titles to date (second only to the Boston Celtics), the Lakers have been led by players such as Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O'Neal. The Lakers play their home games at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA.
