Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a brief timeline of notable events involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks:

1980s-1990s:

  • 1980: Lakers win NBA Championship led by Magic Johnson.
  • 1987: Lakers win another championship with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
  • 1991-1998: Lakers struggle in the post-Magic era, while Mavericks have mixed success.

2000s:

  • 2000-2002: Lakers win three consecutive championships with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
  • 2004: Mavericks acquire Dirk Nowitzki and begin their rise in the Western Conference.
  • 2006: Mavericks reach the NBA Finals but lose to the Miami Heat.
  • 2009: Lakers defeat the Orlando Magic to win the NBA Championship with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

2010s:

  • 2011: Mavericks win their first NBA Championship by defeating the Miami Heat.
  • 2011-2012: Lakers struggle to find playoff success despite a talented roster.
  • 2012-2013: Mavericks miss playoffs; Lakers make the playoffs but are eliminated in the first round.
  • 2014-2016: Both teams experience ups and downs in terms of playoff appearances and roster changes.
  • 2019: Mavericks begin rebuilding around Luka Dončić.

2020s:

  • 2020: Lakers win NBA Championship in the Orlando bubble.
  • 2021: Mavericks continue to build around Luka Dončić, while Lakers aim to defend their title.
  • 2023: Both teams continue to compete in the Western Conference, with matchups between LeBron James (Lakers) and Luka Dončić (Mavericks) drawing attention.

This timeline captures key moments and championships for both franchises, highlighting their competitive histories in the NBA.