Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
Here’s a brief timeline of notable events involving the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks:
1940s-1950s: Early Years
- Both teams were established in the NBA in the late 1940s (Lakers in 1947 as Minneapolis Lakers, and Knicks in 1946).
1960s: Lakers’ Dominance
- Lakers were a dominant force in the NBA during the 1960s, led by players like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.
1970s: Knicks’ Championship Era
- Knicks won their only two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Earl Monroe.
1980s: Showtime Lakers
- Lakers entered the “Showtime” era with Magic Johnson, winning multiple championships during the 1980s.
1990s: Knicks Contenders
- Knicks were contenders in the Eastern Conference during the 1990s, with fierce rivalries against teams like the Chicago Bulls.
2000s: Lakers’ Return to Dominance
- Lakers returned to dominance with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, winning multiple championships in the 2000s.
2010s: Lakers Rebuilding
- Lakers struggled to regain dominance in the NBA during most of the 2010s, despite having star players like Kobe Bryant and later LeBron James.
Recent Years: Lakers and Knicks
- Both teams have seen ups and downs in recent years, with the Lakers rebuilding around LeBron James and the Knicks striving for playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
Key Matches and Rivalries:
- Both teams have had memorable regular-season games and playoff series, with matchups often drawing significant attention due to the historic franchises and passionate fan bases.
This timeline outlines the major developments and periods of success for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks throughout their histories in the NBA.