Wikipedia

1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers season

The 1991–92 NBA season was the Lakers' 44th season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd in the city of Los Angeles.[1] This was the start of a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were coming from an NBA Finals defeat to the Chicago Bulls in five games, but also with the sudden retirement of their long-time superstar, Magic Johnson, after he announced that he was HIV positive.[2][3][4][5][6] Johnson would briefly come back and play in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando despite controversy;[7][8][9] he was selected along with teammate James Worthy,[10] and won the All-Star MVP award, as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference, 153–113.[11][12][13][14]

1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers season
Head coachMike Dunleavy Sr.
General managerJerry West
Owner(s)Jerry Buss
ArenaGreat Western Forum
Results
Record43–39 (.524)
PlaceDivision: 6th (Pacific)
Conference: 8th (Western)
Playoff finishFirst round
(lost to Trail Blazers 1–3)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionKCAL-TV
Prime Ticket
RadioKLAC
< 1990–91 1992–93 >

During the off-season, the Lakers acquired Sedale Threatt from the Seattle SuperSonics.[15][16] Starting the season without Johnson for the first time since 1979, the Lakers won 10 of their first 13 games, including a nine-game winning streak, and held a 28–18 record at the All-Star break.[17] However, they struggled in February, losing seven straight games and posting a 3–9 record during the month. The Lakers ultimately finished sixth in the Pacific Division with a 43–39 record,[18] which was their worst record since the 1975–76 season.[19]

Worthy averaged 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, but only played 54 games due to a knee injury,[20][21][22] while Sam Perkins averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and Threatt provided the team with 15.1 points, 7.2 assists and 2.0 steals. In addition, Byron Scott averaged 14.9 points and 1.3 steals per game, while A.C. Green provided the team with 13.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, Vlade Divac contributed 11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, but only played just 36 games due to a back injury,[23][24] and sixth man Terry Teagle averaged 10.7 points per game off the bench.[25]

As the #8 seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers were defeated in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs by the Portland Trail Blazers, 3–1.[26][27][28] The Blazers would lose in six games to the defending champion Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals.[29][30][31][32][33] Following the season, head coach Mike Dunleavy left and took a coaching job with the Milwaukee Bucks,[34][35] and Teagle was released to free agency.

Draft picks

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Round Pick Player Position Nationality College
2 52 Anthony Jones Forward   United States Oral Roberts

Roster

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1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
SF 6 Brown, Chucky 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 1968–02–29 NC State
C 41 Campbell, Elden 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1968–07–23 Clemson
C 12 Divac, Vlade 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 243 lb (110 kg) 1968–02–03 Serbia
PF 45 Green, A.C. 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1963–10–04 Oregon State
C 54 Haley, Jack 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1964–01–27 UCLA
SF 25 Owens, Keith 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1969–05–31 UCLA
PF 14 Perkins, Sam   6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1961–06–14 North Carolina
PF 43 Robinson, Cliff 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1960–03–13 USC
SG 4 Scott, Byron 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1961–03–28 Arizona State
SG 34 Smith, Tony 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1968–06–14 Marquette
PG 2 Sparrow, Rory 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1958–06–12 Villanova
SG 20 Teagle, Terry 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1960–04–10 Baylor
PG 3 Threatt, Sedale 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1961–09–10 West Virginia Tech
SF 42 Worthy, James   6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1961–02–27 North Carolina
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  •   Injured

Roster
Last transaction: 1992–04–08

Regular season

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Season standings

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Pacific Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Portland Trail Blazers 57 25 .695 — 33–8 24–17 21–9
x-Golden State Warriors 55 27 .671 2 31–10 24–17 19–11
x-Phoenix Suns 53 29 .646 4 36–5 17–24 17–13
x-Seattle SuperSonics 47 35 .573 10 28–13 19–22 16–14
x-Los Angeles Clippers 45 37 .549 12 29–12 16–25 13–17
x-Los Angeles Lakers 43 39 .524 14 24–17 19–22 13–17
Sacramento Kings 29 53 .354 28 21–20 8–33 6–24
y - clinched division title
x - clinched playoff spot
#
Western Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 c-Portland Trail Blazers 57 25 .695 –
2 y-Utah Jazz 55 27 .671 2
3 x-Golden State Warriors 55 27 .671 2
4 x-Phoenix Suns 53 29 .646 4
5 x-San Antonio Spurs 47 35 .573 10
6 x-Seattle SuperSonics 47 35 .573 10
7 x-Los Angeles Clippers 45 37 .549 12
8 x-Los Angeles Lakers 43 39 .524 14
9 Houston Rockets 42 40 .512 15
10 Sacramento Kings 29 53 .354 28
11 Denver Nuggets 24 58 .293 33
12 Dallas Mavericks 22 60 .268 35
13 Minnesota Timberwolves 15 67 .183 42
z - clinched division title
y - clinched division title
x - clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

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The Lakers were the first team in NBA history to start the season with three straight overtime games, with their season opener being a double-overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. They went 1-2 during that time. After a third loss, to the Phoenix Suns, they went on a nine-game winning streak to finish November with an 11–4 record, which would be their longest winning streak of the season. They struggled in February, going 3–9, with a seven-game losing streak. They would finish the season with a 43–39 record, placing sixth in the Pacific Division and clinching the eighth and final seed for the playoffs.

1991-92 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MIA MIL MIN NJN NYK ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA UTA WAS
Atlanta — 3–1 2–2 0–5 0–5 2–0 2–0 1–4 1–1 2–0 1–4 1–1 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2
Boston 1–3 — 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 2–0 3–2 2–2 0–2 2–3 3–2 5–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1
Charlotte 2–2 1–3 — 0–4 2–3 1–1 1–1 1–4 1–1 0–2 3–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 2–3 1–1 1–3 0–4 3–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–2
Chicago 5–0 3–1 4–0 — 3–2 2–0 2–0 4–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 3–2 2–0 4–0 4–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 4–0
Cleveland 5–0 1–3 3–2 2–3 — 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 5–0 1–1 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0
Dallas 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 — 3–2 0–2 0–4 4–2 1–1 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 3–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–5 0–4 1–4 0–2
Denver 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–3 — 0–2 0–4 2–3 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–4 1–3 1–5 1–1
Detroit 4–1 0–4 4–1 1–4 1–3 2–0 2–0 — 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–2 3–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1
Golden State 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 — 2–2 2–0 3–2 3–2 1–1 2–0 4–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–2 2–3 5–0 2–2 3–2 1–3 2–0
Houston 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–4 3–2 0–2 2–2 — 1–1 2–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 3–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–3 3–1 3–1 3–2 1–3 1–4 2–0
Indiana 4–1 2–2 2–3 1–3 0–5 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 1–1 — 0–2 2–0 3–1 4–1 2–0 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–2
L.A. Clippers 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 4–0 2–0 2–3 2–2 2–0 — 2–3 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 3–2 2–3 2–3 2–2 2–3 1–3 0–2
L.A. Lakers 2–0 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 4–0 3–1 0–2 2–3 2–2 0–2 3–2 — 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–3 1–4 4–1 1–3 1–4 1–3 1–1
Miami 2–2 2–3 3–1 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 0–2 — 4–0 2–0 2–2 1–4 3–1 1–4 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 5–0
Milwaukee 1–3 2–2 3–2 2–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–3 0–2 1–1 1–4 0–2 1–1 0–4 — 2–0 0–4 1–3 3–1 3–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1
Minnesota 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–3 3–2 1–1 0–4 2–3 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–2 — 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–3 0–6 0–4 2–3 0–2
New Jersey 1–3 3–2 3–1 0–4 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 4–0 2–0 — 2–3 3–1 3–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–3
New York 2–2 2–3 4–0 0–4 0–4 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 0–2 4–1 3–1 2–0 3–2 — 4–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 4–0
Orlando 2–2 0–5 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 2–0 1–3 1–4 — 3–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–3
Philadelphia 2–2 1–3 1–3 1–3 0–4 2–0 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 4–1 1–3 2–0 2–3 1–3 2–3 — 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 5–0
Phoenix 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 2–3 3–1 1–1 2–3 3–2 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 — 3–2 4–1 3–1 3–2 2–2 2–0
Portland 2–0 1–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 4–0 3–1 0–2 3–2 1–3 2–0 3–2 4–1 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–3 — 5–0 2–2 4–1 2–2 2–0
Sacramento 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 3–1 2–2 0–2 0–5 1–3 1–1 3–2 1–4 0–2 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–4 0–5 — 1–3 1–4 1–3 2–0
San Antonio 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 5–0 4–1 1–1 2–2 2–3 0–2 2–2 3–1 1–1 1–1 6–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 — 3–1 1–4 0–2
Seattle 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 2–3 3–1 2–0 3–2 4–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–3 1–4 4–1 1–3 — 3–1 2–0
Utah 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 4–1 5–1 1–1 3–1 4–1 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 3–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 3–1 4–1 1–3 — 2–0
Washington 2–2 1–3 2–2 0–4 0–4 2–0 1–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–5 1–3 2–0 3–2 0–4 3–2 0–5 0–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 —

Game log

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Regular season

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1991–92 game log
Total: 43–39 (home: 24–17; road: 19–22)
November: 11–4 (home: 6–1; road: 5–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 November 1 @ Houston L 121-126 (2OT) James Worthy (37) A.C. Green (16) James Worthy (7) The Summit
16,611 		0–1
2 November 2 @ Dallas W 114-113 (OT) James Worthy (30) Sedale Threatt (10) James Worthy (14) Reunion Arena
17,502 		1-1
3 November 5 L.A. Clippers L 109-114 (OT) Sedale Threatt (25) Elden Campbell (12) Sedale Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
16,618 		1–2
4 November 8 @ Phoenix L 85-113 Terry Teagle (19) Elden Campbell (14) James Worthy (5) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
14,496 		1–3
5 November 10 Minnesota W 96-86 Sedale Threatt (27) James Worthy (14) Sedale Threatt (9) Great Western Forum
16,833 		2–3
6 November 14 @ Golden State W 115-112 Threatt & Worthy (21) Sam Perkins (10) Sedale Threatt (6) Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
15,025 		3-3
7 November 15 Houston W 86-74 James Worthy (22) Sam Perkins (11) Sedale Threatt (10) Great Western Forum
16,956 		4–3
8 November 17 Atlanta W 111-89 A.C. Green (26) Vlade Divac (13) Smith & Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
16,750 		5–3
9 November 19 Phoenix W 103-95 James Worthy (22) Sedale Threatt (8) Sedale Threatt (7) Great Western Forum
16,558 		6–3
10 November 22 San Antonio W 98-96 Scott & Threatt (18) Vlade Divac (11) Sedale Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
17,505 		7–3
11 November 24 Milwaukee W 102-97 A.C. Green (25) A.C. Green (7) Sedale Threatt (10) Great Western Forum
16,820 		8–3
12 November 26 @ Orlando W 98-87 James Worthy (25) Elden Campbell (11) Sedale Threatt (8) Orlando Arena
15,151 		9–3
13 November 27 @ Miami W 89-87 Byron Scott (23) Green & Perkins (8) James Worthy (5) Miami Arena
15,008 		10–3
14 November 29 @ Boston L 91-114 James Worthy (27) Green & Perkins (12) Sedale Threatt (6) Boston Garden
14,890 		10–4
15 November 30 @ Philadelphia W 93-91 Sam Perkins (17) Jack Haley (10) Sedale Threatt (10) The Spectrum
18,168 		11–4
December: 6–8 (home: 2–4; road: 4–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
16 December 3 @ Milwaukee L 94-126 A.C. Green (24) A.C. Green (6) Green & Worthy (3) Bradley Center
17,739 		11–5
17 December 4 @ Charlotte L 106-124 James Worthy (28) A.C. Green (9) Sedale Threatt (10) Charlotte Coliseum
23,698 		11–6
18 December 6 @ New Jersey W 98-89 Perkins & Worthy (22) Sam Perkins (14) Rory Sparrow (4) Brendan Byrne Arena
16,384 		12–6
19 December 8 Dallas W 103-88 Green & Scott (16) Sam Perkins (11) Sedale Threatt (9) Great Western Forum
15,988 		13–6
20 December 10 @ Sacramento W 92-90 Byron Scott (26) A.C. Green (14) Sedale Threatt (13) ARCO Arena
17,014 		14–6
21 December 11 Utah L 95-101 James Worthy (33) Sam Perkins (7) Sedale Threatt (12) Great Western Forum
16,932 		14–7
22 December 15 Sacramento W 110-94 Sam Perkins (23) Sam Perkins (13) James Worthy (8) Great Western Forum
16,131 		15–7
23 December 17 @ Chicago W 102-89 James Worthy (25) Sam Perkins (10) Sedale Threatt (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		16–7
24 December 19 @ Minnesota L 85-93 Perkins & Worthy (22) A.C. Green (11) Sedale Threatt (6) Target Center
18,402 		16–8
25 December 20 @ Detroit L 93-112 Byron Scott (20) Sam Perkins (10) Rory Sparrow (9) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		16–9
26 December 22 Phoenix L 88-100 Sam Perkins (28) A.C. Green (13) Threatt & Worthy (8) Great Western Forum
17,505 		16–10
27 December 25 @ L.A. Clippers W 85-75 A.C. Green (20) Green & Scott (11) Sedale Threatt (6) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
15,800 		17–10
28 December 28 Portland L 88-98 James Worthy (21) A.C. Green (14) Sedale Threatt (6) Great Western Forum
17,505 		17–11
29 December 30 Golden State L 99-114 Sam Perkins (23) Sam Perkins (7) Threatt & Worthy (7) Great Western Forum
17,505 		17–12
January: 10–4 (home: 7–1; road: 3–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
30 January 3 Indiana L 87-114 Sam Perkins (15) Sam Perkins (9) James Worthy (8) Great Western Forum
17,280 		17–13
31 January 5 Miami W 123-111 James Worthy (33) A.C. Green (11) Sedale Threatt (10) Great Western Forum
16,530 		18–13
32 January 7 @ Dallas W 104-80 Terry Teagle (19) Sam Perkins (13) Rory Sparrow (6) Reunion Arena
17,083 		19–13
33 January 8 @ San Antonio L 87-103 Sedale Threatt (17) A.C. Green (11) Scott & Worthy (3) HemisFair Arena
16,057 		19–14
34 January 10 Denver W 102-88 James Worthy (26) A.C. Green (12) Sedale Threatt (11) Great Western Forum
17,000 		20–14
35 January 12 Orlando W 112-99 Byron Scott (31) Sam Perkins (15) Sedale Threatt (11) Great Western Forum
16,119 		21–14
36 January 15 Charlotte W 95-93 James Worthy (22) A.C. Green (15) Sedale Threatt (12) Great Western Forum
16,736 		22–14
37 January 18 @ Seattle L 108-122 James Worthy (27) Sam Perkins (9) Scott & Threatt (4) Seattle Center Coliseum
14,533 		22–15
38 January 20 Seattle W 116-110 Sam Perkins (25) A.C. Green (16) Rory Sparrow (7) Great Western Forum
17,236 		23–15
39 January 21 @ Portland L 92-131 Sam Perkins (18) A.C. Green (10) Sedale Threatt (8) Memorial Coliseum
12,888 		23–16
40 January 23 @ Sacramento W 108-105 Sedale Threatt (29) A.C. Green (14) Sedale Threatt (5) ARCO Arena
17,014 		24–16
41 January 24 Sacramento W 95-92 Scott & Teagle (22) Sam Perkins (14) Sedale Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
16,949 		25–16
42 January 29 Golden State W 112-99 James Worthy (21) A.C. Green (12) Sedale Threatt (5) Great Western Forum
17,041 		26–16
43 January 30 @ Denver W 106-96 Byron Scott (28) A.C. Green (9) Sedale Threatt (5) McNichols Sports Arena
14,707 		27–16
February: 3–10 (home: 2–5; road: 1–5)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
44 February 2 Chicago L 97-103 Green & Perkins (25) Sam Perkins (11) Sedale Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
17,505 		27–17
45 February 3 @ Phoenix L 104-113 Sedale Threatt (27) Elden Campbell (10) Sedale Threatt (5) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
14,496 		27–18
46 February 5 L.A. Clippers W 100-95 Sam Perkins (25) A.C. Green (9) Sedale Threatt (11) Great Western Forum
17,049 		28–18
All-Star Break
47 February 11 @ Minnesota W 116-108 Sam Perkins (27) Sam Perkins (17) Sedale Threatt (12) Target Center
19,006 		29–18
48 February 13 @ Utah L 91-97 James Worthy (24) A.C. Green (11) Threatt & Worthy (4) Delta Center
19,911 		29–19
49 February 14 Washington L 92-108 Sam Perkins (17) A.C. Green (13) James Worthy (6) Great Western Forum
16,852 		29–20
50 February 16 Boston L 107-114 James Worthy (24) Sam Perkins (13) James Worthy (8) Great Western Forum
17,505 		29–21
51 February 17 @ Golden State L 100-116 James Worthy (23) A.C. Green (13) Sedale Threatt (7) Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
15,025 		29–22
52 February 19 @ L.A. Clippers L 94-125 Sedale Threatt (16) Chucky Brown (7) Sedale Threatt (4) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
15,800 		29–23
53 February 20 @ Seattle L 103-105 Sedale Threatt (23) A.C. Green (15) Sedale Threatt (6) Seattle Center Coliseum
30,847 		29–24
54 February 22 Golden State L 124-126 Sam Perkins (26) Sam Perkins (12) Sedale Threatt (10) Great Western Forum
17,505 		29–25
55 February 26 New York W 81-68 James Worthy (27) Green & Perkins (9) Perkins & Scott (6) Great Western Forum
17,505 		30–25
56 February 28 Cleveland L 90-101 Perkins & Scott (20) Sam Perkins (11) Sedale Threatt (8) Great Western Forum
17,505 		30–26
March: 9–6 (home: 4–3; road: 5–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
57 March 1 Houston L 97-105 Sam Perkins (21) A.C. Green (7) Byron Scott (8) Great Western Forum
16,908 		30–27
58 March 3 @ Portland L 101-105 Elden Campbell (25) A.C. Green (10) Sedale Threatt (8) Memorial Coliseum
12,888 		30–28
59 March 4 New Jersey W 101-92 Byron Scott (25) Sam Perkins (12) Sam Perkins (6) Great Western Forum
17,215 		31–28
60 March 8 Detroit L 93-98 A.C. Green (19) Green & Perkins (12) Sedale Threatt (9) Great Western Forum
17,505 		31–29
61 March 10 @ New York W 106-104 Sedale Threatt (42) Sam Perkins (11) Sedale Threatt (6) Madison Square Garden
19,763 		32–29
62 March 11 @ Atlanta W 109-98 Byron Scott (29) A.C. Green (11) Sedale Threatt (10) Omni Coliseum
15,539 		33–29
63 March 13 @ Cleveland L 107-109 (OT) Byron Scott (28) Elden Campbell (9) Sedale Threatt (14) Richfield Coliseum
20,273 		33–30
64 March 14 @ Washington W 92-89 A.C. Green (19) Sam Perkins (13) Sedale Threatt (3) Capital Centre
18,756 		34–30
65 March 16 @ Indiana L 85-98 Vlade Divac (23) A.C. Green (13) Sedale Threatt (10) Market Square Arena
14,490 		34–31
66 March 18 Portland L 93-98 Sam Perkins (22) A.C. Green (11) Sedale Threatt (10) Great Western Forum
17,505 		34–32
67 March 20 Minnesota W 131-121 Terry Teagle (26) A.C. Green (9) Byron Scott (11) Great Western Forum
16,291 		35–32
68 March 26 Dallas W 115-92 Terry Teagle (28) Vlade Divac (11) Sedale Threatt (6) Great Western Forum
17,324 		36–32
69 March 27 @ Utah W 103-92 Terry Teagle (23) Divac & Green (10) Green & Threatt (4) Delta Center
19,911 		37–32
70 March 29 Philadelphia W 117-88 Vlade Divac (32) A.C. Green (12) Sedale Threatt (9) Great Western Forum
17,505 		38–32
71 March 31 @ Houston W 107-101 Campbell & Green (22) A.C. Green (16) Sedale Threatt (5) The Summit
15,068 		39–32
April: 4–7 (home: 3–3; road: 1–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
72 April 1 @ San Antonio L 86-104 Terry Teagle (20) Elden Campbell (11) Sedale Threatt (5) HemisFair Arena
16,057 		39–33
73 April 3 Seattle L 91-96 Sedale Threatt (28) Vlade Divac (12) Vlade Divac (5) Great Western Forum
17,070 		39–34
74 April 5 Phoenix W 109-104 Vlade Divac (30) Vlade Divac (13) Sedale Threatt (12) Great Western Forum
17,228 		40–34
75 April 7 @ Seattle L 88-117 Sedale Threatt (18) Elden Campbell (14) Sedale Threatt (5) Seattle Center Coliseum
12,335 		40–35
76 April 9 San Antonio L 94-102 Terry Teagle (18) A.C. Green (11) Tony Smith (7) Great Western Forum
16,948 		40–36
77 April 11 Utah L 90-93 Sedale Threatt (24) A.C. Green (10) Scott & Threatt (7) Great Western Forum
17,176 		40–37
78 April 13 Denver W 100-93 Terry Teagle (27) A.C. Green (10) Sedale Threatt (13) Great Western Forum
17,137 		41–37
79 April 15 @ Denver L 107-110 Vlade Divac (23) Sedale Threatt (8) Sedale Threatt (6) McNichols Sports Arena
14,019 		41–38
80 April 16 @ Sacramento L 94-102 Terry Teagle (27) A.C. Green (17) Sedale Threatt (10) ARCO Arena
17,014 		41–39
81 April 18 @ Portland W 109-101 Vlade Divac (25) A.C. Green (13) Sedale Threatt (12) Memorial Coliseum
12,888 		42–39
82 April 19 L.A. Clippers W 109-108 (OT) Byron Scott (27) A.C. Green (12) Sedale Threatt (6) Great Western Forum
17,505 		43–39
1991–92 schedule

Playoffs

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1992 playoff game log
Total: 1–3 (home: 1–1; road: 0–2)
First Round: 1–3 (home: 1–1; road: 0–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 April 23 @ Portland L 102–115 Scott & Teagle (22) A.C. Green (10) Byron Scott (5) Memorial Coliseum
12,888 		0–1
2 April 25 @ Portland L 79–101 Byron Scott (16) Elden Campbell (12) Divac & Sparrow (4) Memorial Coliseum
12,888 		0–2
3 April 29 Portland W 121–119 (OT) Terry Teagle (26) A.C. Green (10) Sedale Threatt (6) Great Western Forum
16,690 		1–2
4 May 3 Portland L 76–102 Sedale Threatt (17) A.C. Green (14) 3 players tied (4) Thomas & Mack Center
15,478 		1–3
1992 schedule

Player statistics

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Legend
  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

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Los Angeles Lakers statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Chucky Brown† 36 2 10.6 .466 .000 .610 2.1 .6 .3 .2 3.8
Demetrius Calip 7 0 8.3 .222 .200 .667 .7 1.7 .1 .0 1.6
Elden Campbell 81 47 23.2 .448 .000 .619 5.2 .7 .7 2.0 7.1
Vlade Divac 36 18 27.2 .495 .263 .768 6.9 1.7 1.5 1.0 11.3
A.C. Green 82 53 35.4 .476 .214 .744 9.3 1.4 1.1 .4 13.6
Jack Haley 49 9 8.0 .369 .483 1.9 .1 .1 .2 1.6
Keith Owens 20 0 4.0 .281 .800 .8 .2 .3 .2 1.3
Sam Perkins 63 63 37.0 .450 .217 .817 8.8 2.2 1.0 1.0 16.5
Cliff Robinson 9 0 8.7 .407 .000 .875 2.1 1.0 .6 .0 3.2
Byron Scott 82 82 32.7 .458 .344 .838 3.8 2.8 1.3 .3 14.9
Tony Smith 63 0 13.0 .399 .000 .653 1.2 1.7 .6 .1 4.4
Rory Sparrow† 42 0 11.2 .399 .154 .615 .6 1.9 .3 .1 3.0
Terry Teagle 82 0 19.5 .452 .250 .766 2.2 1.4 .8 .1 10.7
Sedale Threatt 82 82 37.4 .489 .323 .831 3.1 7.2 2.0 .2 15.1
James Worthy 54 54 39.0 .447 .209 .814 5.6 4.7 1.4 .4 19.9

Playoffs

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Los Angeles Lakers statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Chucky Brown 3 0 14.7 .421 .000 .500 3.7 .7 .0 .7 6.3
Elden Campbell 4 2 29.3 .378 .667 6.3 1.5 .8 1.5 10.0
Vlade Divac 4 4 35.8 .349 .000 .900 5.5 3.8 1.3 .8 9.8
A.C. Green 4 4 38.3 .410 .826 9.0 1.8 1.8 .0 12.8
Jack Haley 2 0 6.0 .250 .5 .5 .0 .0 1.0
Cliff Robinson 3 0 8.0 .300 .625 2.0 .3 1.0 .3 3.7
Byron Scott 4 4 37.0 .500 .583 .889 2.5 3.5 1.5 .3 18.8
Tony Smith 4 0 10.0 .300 .000 .500 .5 1.3 1.0 .0 1.8
Rory Sparrow 3 0 5.3 .250 .750 .3 1.3 .3 .0 1.7
Terry Teagle 4 2 31.5 .491 .800 3.3 2.0 1.3 .5 17.5
Sedale Threatt 4 4 40.5 .522 .667 .750 2.0 4.3 .5 .0 14.8
  • † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Lakers only.

Magic’s retirement

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Starting point guard Magic Johnson missed the first three games with an unspecified "stomach ailment". On November 7, 1991, Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV and would immediately retire.[2][3][4][5][6] Johnson discovered his condition after attempting to purchase life insurance and failing the HIV test conducted by Lakers team doctor. During the press conference, he stated that his wife Cookie and unborn child were HIV negative and that he would become an advocate for HIV education and prevention. The NBA world was shocked; U. S. president George H. W. Bush said: "For me, Magic is a hero, a hero for anyone who loves sports."[36] Johnson was still listed on the roster, as an injured reserve, and continued to be paid.

Johnson was voted in on the West team for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. Columnists and other people speculated on whether he would play. Because HIV is spread through blood, some players voiced concerns about being infected if Johnson were to get a bleeding wound and touch them. Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone was the most vocal player to express concern.[7][8][9][37] Nevertheless, Johnson played in the All-Star Game, leading the West to a 153–113 win and being named the All-Star Most Valuable Player (MVP). The game ended with 14.5 seconds remaining; when Johnson drained a last-minute three-pointer, other players ran on the court to congratulate Johnson and exchange high-fives.[11][12][13] It would be Johnson's last game until he made a brief return at the end of the 1995–96 season.[38]

Magic and the Dream Team

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Despite being HIV positive, Johnson was chosen for the US team for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The squad was quickly dubbed the Dream Team because of its abundance of NBA stars such as Jordan, Karl Malone and Bird, but Johnson was the main attraction.[39] At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, German tennis player Steffi Graf ordered colleague Barbara Rittner to photograph her with Johnson, and in the match against Spain, Spanish captain Juan Antonio San Epifanio and his squad demonstratively hugged him, showing that his HIV infection did not matter to them. During the tournament, Johnson struggled with knee problems and played for only a fraction of the games. The point guard position was mostly run by Utah Jazz all-time assist leader John Stockton, but Johnson's presence alone was enough to provoke standing ovations from the crowd. He used the spotlight to attempt to inspire HIV positive people in several interviews.[citation needed]

Awards and records

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All-Star

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Season

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Transactions

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References

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  1. ^ 1990-91 Los Angeles Lakers
  2. ^ a b Stevenson, Richard W. (November 8, 1991). "BASKETBALL; Magic Johnson Ends His Career, Saying He Has AIDS Infection". The New York Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Brown, Clifton (November 8, 1991). "BASKETBALL; A Career of Impact, a Player with Heart". The New York Times. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Heisler, Mark (November 8, 1991). "Magic Johnson's Career Ended by HIV-Positive Test: Sports: The Announcement Stuns His Public. The Lakers Star Emphasizes That He Does Not Have AIDS. 'I Plan to Go on Living for a Long Time,' He Says". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Cannon, Lou; Cotton, Anthony (November 9, 1991). "Johnson's HIV Caused by Sex". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Magic Blames Weakness in Numbers: HIV: He Says He Can't Pinpoint When He Was Infected, Because There Were Many Women. He Says He Had No Homosexual Experiences". Los Angeles Times. November 13, 1991. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Almond, Elliott (January 24, 1992). "Opponents Weigh the Risk of Playing Against Magic: Basketball: AIDS Researchers Say Chances of Transmitting Disease Minor. But Chaney Says Johnson, Voted to the All-Star Team, Shouldn't Play". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Almond, Elliott (January 29, 1992). "Magic's Decision to Play Continues to Spur Controversy: Pro Basketball: Readers Surveyed in Orlando Are Against His All-Star Participation". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Brown, Clifton (February 5, 1992). "BASKETBALL; Criticism Won't Stop Johnson's All-Star Bid". The New York Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  10. ^ Heisler, Mark (February 9, 1992). "Comeback or Farewell, a Magical All-Star Game". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Brown, Clifton (February 10, 1992). "For One Stirring Afternoon, Magic Johnson Dazzles Again". The New York Times. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  12. ^ a b Howard-Cooper, Scott (February 10, 1992). "Who Else Could Have Been MVP?: Pro Basketball: Players, Coaches Are Moved by Johnson's Presence Before the Game, and by His Three-Point Punctuation to History". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  13. ^ a b "1992 NBA All-Star Game: West 153, East 113". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  14. ^ "NBA & ABA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Winners". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  15. ^ Heisler, Mark (October 3, 1991). "Lakers Acquire Seattle's Threatt: NBA: They Trade Three Second-Round Picks for Veteran Guard. Drew, Thompson Waived". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  16. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; An Expensive Rookie". The New York Times. October 5, 1991. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  17. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 6, 1992". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  18. ^ "1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  19. ^ Los Angeles Lakers Franchise Index at basketball-reference.com
  20. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Lose Worthy". The New York Times. March 4, 1992. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  21. ^ Harvey, Randy (March 19, 1992). "Worthy to Have Knee Surgery". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  22. ^ "Worthy Out for Season After Knee Surgery". The Washington Post. March 21, 1992. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  23. ^ Heisler, Mark (November 13, 1991). "Lakers' Pain Is Real, Too: Pro Basketball: Lingering Injuries to Divac, Smith Add to the Team's Emotional Burden. No Trades Are Expected Soon". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  24. ^ Heisler, Mark (November 28, 1991). "Divac Out for at Least Six Weeks". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  25. ^ "1991–92 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  26. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Long Lakers Season Comes to a Close". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 4, 1992. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  27. ^ Heisler, Mark (May 4, 1992). "Lakers Haven't the Vegas Idea How to Slow Runnin' Blazers: Game 4: Portland Is Simply Too Much for L.A. to Handle as Lakers' Strange Season Comes to an End, 102-76". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  28. ^ "1992 NBA Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  29. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 15, 1992). "With Jordan Starring, Bulls Make It a Rerun". The New York Times. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  30. ^ Heisler, Mark (June 15, 1992). "Bull Reserves Take Title by Horns: Game 6: Along with Pippen, They Go on a Late 14-2 Run That Carries Chicago to a 97-93 Victory". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  31. ^ Aldridge, David (June 15, 1992). "Down 17, Bulls Hit Blazers with Title Wave". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  32. ^ Isaacson, Melissa (June 15, 1992). "Bulls Find Repeat Sweet". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  33. ^ "1992 NBA Finals: Trail Blazers vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  34. ^ Cherwa, John (May 12, 1992). "Bucks Reportedly Hire Dunleavy: Pro Basketball: Laker Coach for Two Seasons Said to Be Leaving to Become Milwaukee Coach and General Manager". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  35. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Pfund Chosen to Succeed Dunleavy". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 19, 1992. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  36. ^ "On Capitol Hill, the Battle for AIDS Funds Heats Up". The New York Times. November 9, 1991.
  37. ^ Bork (1994), pp. 90-94
  38. ^ "Johnson Finally Says the Magic Words: 'It's On'". The New York Times. January 30, 1996.
  39. ^ Brown, Clifton (September 22, 1991). "BASKETBALL; U.S., in No Surprise, Will Go with the Best". The New York Times. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
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