1953–54 Minneapolis Lakers season


The 1953–54 Minneapolis Lakers season was the sixth season for the franchise in the National Basketball Association. The Lakers won the Western Division with a 46–26 record. George Mikan was hampered by knee troubles as he averaged only 18.1 points per game. The Lakers signed a promising rookie named Clyde Lovellette, who was able to alleviate the pressure on Mikan.
In the first round, the Lakers won 3 straight to face the Rochester Royals in the Western Finals. The Lakers would beat the Royals to qualify for the NBA Finals. In the finals, the Lakers and Syracuse Nationals alternated wins. In the end, the Lakers emerged with their 3rd straight title, and 5th overall in the franchise's first six seasons in the NBA. They became the first NBA team to win three consecutive NBA championships. In the seventh and final game, the Lakers won by a score of 87–80, for the franchise's final NBA title before their relocation to Los Angeles in 1960. Following the season, Mikan would announce his retirement.
The Lakers would not win another NBA championship until 1972.

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Playoffs

West Division Semifinals

Western Division
TeamWL
Minneapolis Lakers30
Rochester Royals21
Fort Wayne Pistons04

West Division Finals

Minneapolis Lakers vs. Rochester Royals: Lakers win series 2–1
Minneapolis Lakers vs. Syracuse Nationals: Lakers win series 4–3