If you’re a die-hard Lakers fan or even just a casual NBA viewer, you already know the Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to jaw-dropping moments. From game-winning buzzer beaters to franchise-altering trades, the Lakers have given us countless “Did that just happen?!” memories. In this post, we’ll dive into the Top 10 OMG Moments in Lakers History – and trust us, you won’t believe #1.
10. Kobe Scores 81 Points – January 22, 2006
Opponent: Toronto Raptors
Final Score: Lakers 122 – Raptors 104
Let’s kick off with one of the most iconic performances in NBA history. Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points on the Raptors in a performance that left jaws on the floor. It’s the second-highest point total in a single NBA game, only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100.
“I never imagined I’d see something like this,” said then-Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
“That was something to behold.”
9. Magic Johnson’s Rookie Finals MVP Performance – May 16, 1980
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers – Game 6 of the NBA Finals
Stat Line: 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists
With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out due to injury, rookie Magic Johnson started at center – and dominated. His versatile performance led the Lakers to a championship and earned him Finals MVP honors. At just 20 years old, Magic showed the world why he was truly “magic.”
8. Meta World Peace’s Clutch Three – June 17, 2010
Opponent: Boston Celtics – Game 7 of the NBA Finals
Final Score: Lakers 83 – Celtics 79
In a scrappy, low-scoring affair, Ron Artest (now Meta World Peace) hit a massive three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win. His postgame interview was just as legendary:
“Kobe passed me the ball… can you believe it?”
“I was just so hyped, man!”
7. Shaq Dunks on Chris Dudley and Shoves Him – March 6, 2000
Opponent: New York Knicks
One of the most disrespectful (yet unforgettable) plays in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal dunked all over Chris Dudley, then shoved him to the floor. Dudley immediately got up and threw the ball at Shaq in frustration.
The video is still circulated in meme culture as the ultimate “don’t mess with me” moment.
6. The Lakers Land Pau Gasol – February 1, 2008
Trade Details: Lakers receive Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies
This midseason trade transformed the Lakers into contenders overnight. Critics called it one-sided, but it led to three straight Finals appearances and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. The Gasol-Kobe duo was deadly.
5. Derek Fisher’s 0.4-Second Shot – May 13, 2004
Opponent: San Antonio Spurs – Game 5, Western Conference Semifinals
With just 0.4 seconds on the clock, Derek Fisher caught the inbound pass, turned, and nailed a fadeaway jumper to steal the game.
“I just threw it. I didn’t see it go in, but I heard everyone screaming,” Fisher recalled.
It became known as the “0.4 Shot” – a miracle moment that lives rent-free in Lakers lore.
4. LeBron James Breaks NBA Scoring Record – February 7, 2023
Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
Points Scored That Night: 38
Record Broken: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record
The King did it in a Lakers jersey. In front of a sold-out Crypto.com Arena crowd and basketball royalty, LeBron James officially became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. The game was paused to honor the moment, and Kareem himself passed the torch on the court.
3. Lakers Come Back from 15 Down in 4th to Win 2000 WCF – June 4, 2000
Opponent: Portland Trail Blazers – Game 7, Western Conference Finals
The Lakers were down 75–60 in the fourth quarter. What followed was a 15-point comeback capped by Kobe’s lob to Shaq, resulting in the most iconic alley-oop in franchise history.
“That play defined our dominance,” Shaq later said.
“We knew we were built for a championship.”
2. Kobe’s Farewell Game – April 13, 2016
Opponent: Utah Jazz
Final Score: Lakers 101 – Jazz 96
Kobe’s Points: 60
Kobe Bryant’s final game was nothing short of Hollywood. He dropped 60 points, led the Lakers to a comeback win, and gave fans one final “Mamba Out” moment that felt like something out of a script.
“I can’t believe this happened,” said an emotional Bryant in his farewell speech.
1. Lakers Steal Wilt Chamberlain – July 9, 1968
Trade: Wilt Chamberlain joins the Lakers from the 76ers
This blockbuster move shook the league. The Lakers acquired arguably the most dominant player of all time. The trade made the Lakers instant title contenders and changed the course of franchise history forever.
What’s crazier? He almost went to the San Diego Rockets instead.
A 1968 LA Times headline read: “Lakers Pull Off the Impossible.”
The move paved the way for the 1972 championship, the first for the Lakers in L.A. Wilt was a beast, and his arrival was a seismic shift not just for the Lakers, but the entire NBA.
