Head coach Phil Jackson Owner(s) Jerry Buss Record 50–32 (.610) | General manager Mitch Kupchak Arena Staples Center | |
Place Division: 2nd (Pacific)
Conference: 5th (Western) | ||
The 2002–03 NBA season was the Lakers' 55th season in the NBA and 43rd in the city of Los Angeles. During the offseason, the Lakers acquired Tracy Murray from the Toronto Raptors. With center Shaquille O'Neal sidelined after an off-season foot-surgery, the Lakers started 3–9. After he returned, the team only improved slowly, having an 11–19 record thirty games into the season, their worst start in ten years. The Lakers ended the season with a 50–32 record, finishing fifth in the Western Conference.
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Facing an uphill battle without home-court advantage, the Lakers managed to beat the 4th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the playoffs, but fell to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals. Following the season, Robert Horry signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs, Mark Madsen signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Samaki Walker signed with the Miami Heat, Murray re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers and Brian Shaw retired.
The season saw co-captain Kobe Bryant play all 82 games for the first time in his career.
The season was overshadowed by the death of longtime Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, who died after a fall in the summer of 2002, and to pay tribute, the Lakers donned an alternate white uniform, which can be only worn on Christmas and Sunday home games. The uniforms made its debut in a home loss against the Sacramento Kings on Christmas Day. They were designed by late owner Jerry Buss' daughter Jeanie.
West First Round
(4) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (5) Los Angeles Lakers Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Timberwolves and Lakers.
West Conference Semifinals
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Los Angeles Lakers Last Playoff Meeting: 2002 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won 4-1)