Crypto.com Arena (Previously Staples Center)

Located in the entertainment capital of the world and with superstars such as Kobe Bryant, the Crypto.com Arena is one venue where fans can see NBA basketball on a nightly basis during the season with two teams calling the city and arena home. The Los Angeles Lakers moved from Minneapolis after the 1959-60 season and called the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena their home before moving into the Great Western Forum in 1967. The Clippers have called Los Angeles their home since moving from San Diego after the 1983-84 season. Always being known as LA’s second NBA team, the Clippers played at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for 15 seasons, occasionally playing games in Anaheim at the Arrowhead Pond.

FACTS & FIGURES
-Opened: 11/2/1999
-Capacity: 18,997
-Tenants: Los Angeles Lakers & Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
-Cost: $375 million
-Architect: NBBJ
-Address: 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
-Former Name(s): None
-Directions/Parking
-Seating Chart
-Local Hotels near the Crypto.com Arena

–Directions/Parking

By the 1990s both the Great Western Forum and the LA Memorial Sports Arena had become second rate arenas in the NBA. A new modern state of the art arena with more amenities including luxury boxes and club seats was needed for the Lakers and Clippers. Privately financed, construction of the $375 million Staples Center began in March 1998. Staples Inc. purchased the naming rights for $100 million over 20 years. Built near downtown Los Angeles, the Staples Center became the home of the Lakers and Clippers in 1999. With a seating capacity of just under 19,000, the Staples Center has many amenities that the Lakers and Clippers former home’s did not have. It has 160 luxury suites, 2,500 club seats and 32 party suites. Fans attending games at the Staples Center can check out the Fox Sports SkyBox Restaurant, the City View Grille, the Grand Reserve Club and the Team LA store. Since its opening, the Lakers have won three NBA Championships while the Clippers have had one winning season. Thus, the Clippers are still known as LA’s second team. Other than being the home of two NBA teams, the Crypto.com Arena is home of the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and many other events.

History of the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. The franchise was founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, one of the first professional basketball teams in the United States. The Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and have been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA ever since.

The early years of the Lakers were characterized by success on the court, as the team won five championships in six years during the late 1950s. Led by Hall of Famers such as George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West, the Lakers established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the NBA. During this time, the Lakers played their home games in the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, which served as the team’s home court for over three decades.

The 1970s saw the Lakers continue their winning ways, as the team won its first championship in Los Angeles in 1972. Led by stars such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers won three championships in this decade and reached the NBA Finals several other times. The team’s success on the court helped establish the Lakers as one of the most popular franchises in the league.

In the 1980s, the Lakers continued to be one of the top teams in the NBA, winning five championships in the decade. Led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers were known for their fast-paced, entertaining style of play and their dominance in the Western Conference. The Lakers’ success during this time helped establish Magic Johnson as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and cemented the Lakers’ status as one of the most successful franchises in the league.

The 1990s were a period of transition for the Lakers, as the team struggled to find its footing in the post-Magic Johnson era. Despite a talented roster, the Lakers were unable to win a championship during this time. However, the team’s fortunes changed in the late 1990s with the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal and the drafting of Kobe Bryant.

With Shaq and Kobe leading the way, the Lakers returned to dominance in the early 2000s, winning three championships in a row from 2000-2002. The Lakers’ success during this time was due in large part to the team’s talented roster, which included players such as Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, and Rick Fox. The Lakers’ dominance during this time helped establish Shaq and Kobe as one of the greatest duos in NBA history.

In the 2010s, the Lakers continued to be one of the top teams in the NBA, with stars such as Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol leading the way. The team won two championships in this decade, with Kobe winning his fifth and final championship in 2010. Despite the Lakers’ success on the court, the team struggled to maintain its dominance in the latter half of the decade, as aging stars and a lack of young talent left the team with few options for sustained success.

Today, the Lakers remain one of the most successful franchises in the NBA, with a rich history of championship success and a tradition of excellence on and off the court. Despite the challenges faced by the team in recent years, the Lakers continue to be one of the most popular and respected franchises in the league, and their success on the court has made them one of the most iconic teams in professional sports.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and iconic franchises in the history of professional basketball. With a rich tradition of winning, a roster of legendary players, and a fan base that spans the world, the Lakers are a true basketball dynasty that will continue to be a dominant force in the NBA for years to come.