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Los Angeles Lakers: Worst seasons in franchise history

By Jahlynn Hancock

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 06: Russell Westbrook #0 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up on the court before the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 06: Russell Westbrook #0 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up on the court before the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers boast a legacy of legendary players and championships, but there have also been less than perfect seasons. 

The Los Angeles Lakers are famous for having legends such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson. While the LA Lakers have been characterized as a dominant franchise, there have been notable pockets of failure in the team’s history.

When were the worst seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers?

3. The 1957-58 Season (19-53, .264 win percentage)

The 1957 Minneapolis Lakers saw a sluggish season with 19 wins and 53 losses. Head Coach George Mikan coached only one season with the Minneapolis Lakers and left following the season. The 1957 season was the first time in franchise history the Lakers missed the playoffs. Their best player, Vern Mikkelson, had averaged 17.3 points that game, but it wasn’t enough to push the Lakers to a spot in the playoffs.

2. The 2014-15 Season (21-61, .256 win percentage)

The Lakers had yet another dismal campaign this year, closing the season with 21 wins and 61 losses. This was the first season under head coach Byron Scott for the Lakers, and the road to turmoil began. Scott coached the Lakers for two seasons and things went steadily downhill the entire time.

1. The 2015-16 Season (17-65, .207 win percentage)

The worst season to be played by the Lakers is the 2015-16 season. The Lakers only saw 17 wins and 65 losses. The 2015-16 season was the second year of Byron Scott’s tenure. You may wonder how a team with legend Kobe Bryant could trudge to such a finish. The 2015-16 season was Bryant’s final season with the Lakers, had a 10-game losing streak, and players such as Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin, Jordan Hill lost to injury. With disruptions in the roster, a rotating list of injuries and coaching inconsistencies, no wonder this was the worst season in franchise history.

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