The Los Angeles Lakers most recently won an NBA championship in the 2009–10 season, defeating the Boston Celtics in the Finals. Earlier in that same postseason, they also captured the 2010 NBA Finals title to complete back-to-back championships (2009, 2010). Other 21st-century championships include 2000, 2001, and 2002 as part of the Shaquille O’Neal–Kobe Bryant three-peat, and 1987 and 1988 during the Showtime era. The franchise has won 17 total NBA titles, tying it with the Boston Celtics for the most all-time.
This article explains the exact years of each Lakers championship, the context of those teams, and how the 2009–10 titles fit into the franchise’s legacy.
Recent Championships and Current Status
As of the 2025–26 season, the Lakers have not won a championship since the 2009–10 NBA Finals. The 2010 Finals victory over Boston gave them the most recent title in franchise history. Since then, the team has undergone multiple rebuilds, coaching changes, and high-profile roster moves. No Lakers team has reached the Finals since 2010. If the franchise wins again, it would tie them with the Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.
Lakers Championship History by Era
Minneapolis Championships (1940s–1950s)
Before moving to Los Angeles, the Lakers won five championships in Minneapolis between 1948 and 1954, anchored by stars such as George Mikan. These titles established the franchise as an early NBA dynasty.
Showtime Era (1980s)
The 1980s Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, won five championships in a nine-year span. Their fast-paced style defined an era and expanded the global reach of the NBA.
Three-Peat with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant (2000–2002)
After the Showtime era, the Lakers rebuilt around Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. They captured three consecutive Finals appearances, winning in 2000, 2001, and 2002. These titles showcased a dominant inside-out offense.
Back-to-Back Championships (2009–2010)
In the 2009 Finals, the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in six games. The following year, they beat the Boston Celtics in seven games to secure a second consecutive title. These two championships were built around a veteran core including Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Derek Fisher.
Lakers Championship Table
| Season | Finals Opponent | Result | Series Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000 | Indiana Pacers | 4–2 | 1 |
| 2000–2001 | Philadelphia 76ers | 4–1 | 2 |
| 2001–2002 | New Jersey Nets | 4–0 | 3 |
| 2008–2009 | Orlando Magic | 4–3 | 4 |
| 2009–2010 | Boston Celtics | 4–3 | 5 |
What It Means to Be ‘Last’
Because the Lakers have not won since 2010, they are correctly described as the team with the longest active championship drought among the original 1946 BAA franchises. Playoff appearances, deep postseason runs, and individual accolades do not close the gap between Finals appearances and actual titles. For fans and analysts, the last championship remains the definitive measure of sustained excellence.
Key Factors in Recent Finals Appearances
- 2018 Playoff Run: Advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors.
- 2020 Bubble Season: Lost in the first round of the playoffs, missing a chance to reach the Finals.
- 2023 Playoffs: Advanced to the second round but did not reach the Conference Finals.
The Path to Tying the Franchise Record
To equal the Celtics’ championship total, the Lakers would need to win additional titles in the foreseeable future. This would require sustained roster construction, healthy development of young talent, and strong coaching continuity. History shows that championship windows can open quickly, making consistent excellence essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the last Lakers championship before 2025? The most recent Lakers championship as of 2025 was the 2009–10 NBA title, secured by defeating the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
- Which Lakers team is most often cited as a dynasty? The Showtime teams of the 1980s (1987, 1988) and the Shaq–Kobe three-peat (2000–2002) are commonly referenced as Lakers dynasties.
- How many total championships do the Lakers have? The franchise has won 17 NBA championships, tied for the most in league history with the Boston Celtics.
For long-term perspective, the 2009–10 championship remains the Lakers’ most recent title. The franchise continues to compete with the goal of adding to its historic total.