1992–93 Los Angeles Lakers season
| 1992–93 Los Angeles Lakers season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Randy Pfund |
| General manager | Jerry West |
| Owner | Jerry Buss |
| Arena | Great Western Forum |
| Results | |
| Record | 39–43 (.476) |
| Place | Division: 5th (Pacific) Conference: 8th (Western) |
| Playoff finish | First round (lost to the Phoenix Suns 2–3) |
Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Local media | |
| Television | KCAL-TV Prime Sports West |
| Radio | KLAC |
The 1992–93 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 45th season for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association, and their 33rd season in Los Angeles, California.[1] The Lakers had the 15th overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, and selected shooting guard Anthony Peeler from the University of Missouri.[2][3][4] During the off-season, the team signed free agent James Edwards, who won two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons between 1989 and 1990.[5][6]
After playing in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, All-Star guard Magic Johnson made a brief comeback and played with the Lakers during the preseason.[7][8][9] However, shortly before the regular season began, he was forced to retire again after other NBA players expressed fear of playing against him due to his HIV infection, most notably All-Star forward Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz.[10][11][12]
Under new head coach Randy Pfund,[13][14][15] the Lakers played around .500 in winning percentage for the first half of the season, holding a 26–23 at the All-Star break.[16] At mid-season, the team traded Sam Perkins to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Benoit Benjamin, and top draft pick Doug Christie out of Pepperdine University.[17][18][19] However, the Lakers struggled playing below .500 for the remainder of the season, losing 11 of 12 games between March 17 and April 9, 1993, finishing in fifth place in the Pacific Division with a 39–43 record, their worst record since 1974–75, but still qualified for the NBA playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference.[20]
Sedale Threatt averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while James Worthy finished second on the team in scoring averaging 14.9 points per game, and Byron Scott contributed 13.7 points per game. In addition, Vlade Divac provided the team with 12.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, while A.C. Green provided with 12.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Off the bench, Peeler contributed 10.4 points per game, while Elden Campbell averaged 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, Edwards provided with 6.3 points per game, Christie averaged 6.2 points per game in 23 games after the trade, and Tony Smith contributed 6.0 points per game.[21]
In the Western Conference First Round of the 1993 NBA playoffs, the Lakers faced off against the top–seeded, and Pacific Division champion Phoenix Suns, who were led by the All-Star trio of Most Valuable Player of the Year, Charles Barkley, three-point specialist Dan Majerle, and Kevin Johnson. Prior to the playoffs, the Lakers replaced Worthy in the starting lineup with Campbell, as Worthy played a sixth man role off the bench for the final 13 games of the regular season, and for the team's first-round series against the Suns; the Lakers were also without Peeler, who was out due to a season-ending right ankle injury.[22][23] The Lakers won the first two games over the Suns on the road at the America West Arena,[24][25][26] but then lost the next two games at home at the Great Western Forum; the Lakers lost Game 5 to the Suns on the road in overtime, 112–104, thus losing in a hard-fought five-game series.[27][28][29] The Suns would reach the 1993 NBA Finals, but would lose to the 2-time defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls in six games.[30][31][32]
The Lakers finished 13th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 633,655 at the Great Western Forum during the regular season.[21][33] Following the season, Green signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns,[34][35][36] while Scott signed with the Indiana Pacers during the next season,[37][38][39] and Benjamin was traded to the New Jersey Nets.[40][41][42]
Draft picks
[edit]| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | Anthony Peeler | SG | Missouri | |
| 2 | 36 | Duane Cooper | PG | Southern California |
Roster
[edit]| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Head coach
Assistant(s)
Legend
|
Regular season
[edit]Season standings
[edit]| W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y-Phoenix Suns | 62 | 20 | .756 | — | 35–6 | 27–14 | 21–9 |
| x-Seattle SuperSonics | 55 | 27 | .671 | 7 | 33–8 | 22–19 | 22–8 |
| x-Portland Trail Blazers | 51 | 31 | .622 | 11 | 30–11 | 21–20 | 19–11 |
| x-Los Angeles Clippers | 41 | 41 | .500 | 21 | 27–14 | 14–27 | 15–15 |
| x-Los Angeles Lakers | 39 | 43 | .476 | 23 | 20–21 | 19–22 | 13–17 |
| Golden State Warriors | 34 | 48 | .415 | 28 | 19–22 | 15–26 | 9–21 |
| Sacramento Kings | 25 | 57 | .305 | 37 | 16–25 | 9–32 | 6–24 |
| # | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | |
| 1 | z-Phoenix Suns | 62 | 20 | .756 | – |
| 2 | y-Houston Rockets | 55 | 27 | .671 | 7 |
| 3 | x-Seattle SuperSonics | 55 | 27 | .671 | 7 |
| 4 | x-Portland Trail Blazers | 51 | 31 | .622 | 11 |
| 5 | x-San Antonio Spurs | 49 | 33 | .598 | 13 |
| 6 | x-Utah Jazz | 47 | 35 | .573 | 15 |
| 7 | x-Los Angeles Clippers | 41 | 41 | .500 | 21 |
| 8 | x-Los Angeles Lakers | 39 | 43 | .476 | 23 |
| 9 | Denver Nuggets | 36 | 46 | .439 | 26 |
| 10 | Golden State Warriors | 34 | 48 | .415 | 28 |
| 11 | Sacramento Kings | 25 | 57 | .305 | 37 |
| 12 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 19 | 63 | .232 | 43 |
| 13 | Dallas Mavericks | 11 | 71 | .134 | 51 |
- z – clinched division title
- y – clinched division title
- x – clinched playoff spot
Game log
[edit]Regular season
[edit]Playoffs
[edit]| 1993 playoff game log Total: 2–3 (home: 0–2; road: 2–1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Conference First Round: 2–3 (home: 0–2; road: 2–1)
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| 1993 schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Player statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game |
Regular season
[edit]| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benoit Benjamin† | 28 | 0 | 10.9 | .481 | .595 | 3.4 | .4 | .5 | .5 | 4.5 | |
| Alex Blackwell | 27 | 0 | 4.0 | .333 | .000 | .750 | .9 | .3 | .1 | .1 | 1.3 |
| Elden Campbell | 79 | 13 | 19.6 | .458 | .000 | .637 | 4.2 | .6 | .7 | 1.3 | 7.7 |
| Doug Christie | 23 | 0 | 14.4 | .425 | .167 | .758 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.0 | .2 | 6.2 |
| Duane Cooper | 65 | 0 | 9.9 | .392 | .233 | .714 | .8 | 2.3 | .3 | .0 | 2.4 |
| Vlade Divac | 82 | 69 | 30.8 | .485 | .280 | .689 | 8.9 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 12.8 |
| James Edwards | 52 | 0 | 11.9 | .452 | .712 | 1.9 | .8 | .2 | .1 | 6.3 | |
| A.C. Green | 82 | 55 | 34.4 | .537 | .348 | .739 | 8.7 | 1.4 | 1.1 | .5 | 12.8 |
| Anthony Peeler | 77 | 11 | 21.5 | .468 | .390 | .786 | 2.3 | 2.2 | .8 | .2 | 10.4 |
| Sam Perkins† | 49 | 49 | 32.4 | .459 | .172 | .829 | 7.7 | 2.6 | .8 | 1.0 | 13.7 |
| Byron Scott | 58 | 53 | 28.9 | .449 | .326 | .848 | 2.3 | 2.7 | .9 | .2 | 13.7 |
| Tony Smith | 55 | 9 | 13.7 | .484 | .182 | .756 | 1.6 | 1.1 | .9 | .1 | 6.0 |
| Sedale Threatt | 82 | 82 | 35.3 | .508 | .264 | .823 | 3.3 | 6.9 | 1.7 | .1 | 15.1 |
| James Worthy | 82 | 69 | 28.8 | .447 | .270 | .810 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 1.1 | .3 | 14.9 |
Playoffs
[edit]| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Campbell | 5 | 5 | 35.6 | .420 | .500 | 8.4 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 14.0 | |
| Doug Christie | 5 | 0 | 7.8 | .364 | .333 | .8 | 1.2 | .4 | .4 | 1.8 | |
| Duane Cooper | 2 | 0 | 2.0 | .000 | .000 | 1.0 | .5 | .0 | .0 | .0 | |
| Vlade Divac | 5 | 5 | 33.4 | .500 | .444 | .545 | 9.4 | 5.6 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 18.0 |
| James Edwards | 3 | 0 | 4.7 | .750 | .7 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 2.0 | ||
| A.C. Green | 5 | 5 | 44.0 | .429 | .000 | .619 | 14.6 | 2.6 | 1.4 | .6 | 9.8 |
| Byron Scott | 5 | 5 | 35.4 | .500 | .533 | .783 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.0 | .0 | 13.6 |
| Tony Smith | 5 | 0 | 14.6 | .520 | .500 | .667 | 1.6 | .4 | .2 | .2 | 6.8 |
| Sedale Threatt | 5 | 5 | 41.0 | .438 | .231 | .750 | 3.4 | 8.0 | 2.6 | .2 | 18.0 |
| James Worthy | 5 | 0 | 29.6 | .372 | .250 | .600 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 1.0 | .0 | 13.8 |
- † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Lakers only.
Player statistics citation:[21]
References
[edit]- ^ 1992-93 Los Angeles Lakers
- ^ Araton, Harvey (June 25, 1992). "BASKETBALL; Draft Sticks to Program Until the 5th Pick, That Is". The New York Times. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ "After Big Men Go First, Locals Go in First Round: NBA Draft: Miner Goes to Heat at No. 12. Lakers Take Peeler. Clippers Select: La Salle's Woods with Their First Pick". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 25, 1992. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ "1992 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ Heisler, Mark (August 14, 1992). "Edwards, Higgins Sign with Lakers: Basketball: Former Clipper Center Returns to Where He Started; Former Fairfax Standout Played Well in Summer League". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
- ^ "Around the NBA". The Washington Post. August 14, 1992. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ Heisler, Mark (September 30, 1992). "THE RETURN OF MAGIC JOHNSON: Happiness Is First, Then Questions". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ Heisler, Mark (October 18, 1992). "It's Like Old Times for Lakers, Johnson: Pro Basketball: He Runs Fast-Break Offense, and Delights Teammates With His Play in Exhibition Victory Over Trail Blazers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ Brown, Clifton (October 21, 1992). "PRO BASKETBALL; First Game at the Forum in Johnson's Comeback". The New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
- ^ Araton, Harvey (November 1, 1992). "BASKETBALL; Johnson's Return to League Isn't Welcomed by Some". The New York Times. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
- ^ Heisler, Mark (November 3, 1992). "Magic Johnson Retires, Cites Controversies". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- ^ Rock, Brad (November 3, 1992). "Malone Says He Said What Others Thought". Deseret News. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Heisler, Mark (May 18, 1992). "Pfund to Become Lakers' Coach: Pro Basketball: Seven-Year Assistant Expected to Take Over for Departed Dunleavy Today". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Pfund Chosen to Succeed Dunleavy". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 19, 1992. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
- ^ Fachet, Robert (May 19, 1992). "Lakers Name Assistant Pfund to Replace Dunleavy". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
- ^ "NBA Games Played on February 18, 1993". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Sonics Get Lakers' Perkins". The New York Times. Associated Press. February 23, 1993. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (February 23, 1993). "Lakers Trade for Benjamin and Christie: Pro Basketball: Perkins Is Sent to the SuperSonics. Pfund Says That It Is Time for a Change, Because of the Loss of Magic". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ "Sonics Add Perkins, Lakers 2". The Washington Post. February 23, 1993. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "1992–93 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c "1992–93 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (April 22, 1993). "Lakers Take Bad News in Large Doses: Pro Basketball: A 113-102 Loss to Jazz Assures Them of a Sub-.500 Season. Peeler Is Injured". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (April 30, 1993). "Lakers' Last Stand?: NBA Playoffs: Series Against Suns Could Be the End of the Line for Scott, Green and Pfund". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
- ^ Shain, Jeff (May 2, 1993). "Lakers 86, Suns 81". United Press International. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Shocker II: The Lakers Defeat the Suns Again". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 3, 1993. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (May 3, 1993). "Lakers Sow Seeds of a Big Upset: NBA Playoffs: Divac and Scott Spark Late Run to Give Them 86-81 Victory Over Suns, and a 2-0 Lead in Best-of-Five Series". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ Friend, Tom (May 10, 1993). "PRO BASKETBALL; Suns End a Series of Living Dangerously". The New York Times. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (May 10, 1993). "NBA PLAYOFFS: Prodigal Suns Complete Return: Game 5: Phoenix Survives Laker Rally and Pulls Away in Overtime, 112-104". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "1993 NBA Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Suns". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ Araton, Harvey (June 21, 1993). "ON PRO BASKETBALL; A Basket Gives Bulls Some Poetic Justice". The New York Times. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ "Paxson 3-Pointer Finishes Off Suns: Game 6: Shot Gives Bulls a One-Point Lead, and Then Grant Blocks Johnson's Shot to Seal Third Consecutive Title, 99-98". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 21, 1993. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ "1993 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Suns". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ "1992–93 NBA Season Summary". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Can Suns Find Enough Green for A.C.?". The New York Times. July 11, 1993. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (September 29, 1993). "Suddenly, A.C. Green Is Long Gone: Basketball: He Becomes Former Laker After Signing a Five-Year Contract with the Phoenix Suns Worth $15.085 Million". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ "Suns Turn Up the Heat by Signing Green". Deseret News. Associated Press. September 29, 1993. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
- ^ Baker, Chris (December 6, 1993). "Scott and Pacers Reach Agreement". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ "Pacers Sign Byron Scott". United Press International. December 6, 1993. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Pacers Sign Scott". The New York Times. December 7, 1993. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
- ^ "Lakers Trade Benjamin to Nets". United Press International. June 21, 1993. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ^ Freeman, Mike (June 22, 1993). "PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Get Benjamin in Swap for Bowie". The New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (June 22, 1993). "Lakers Trade Benjamin to True Believer: Basketball: He Is Dealt to Nets for Bowie and Draft Choice and Will Be Reunited with College Coach, Willis Reed". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 27, 2023.