1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season

The 1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season was the inaugural season for the Lakers in Minneapolis following its relocation from Detroit where it played as the Detroit Gems the previous season.[1][2] The Lakers won the National Basketball League championship against the Rochester Royals. George Mikan led the team with 21.3 points per game and was the league's MVP. After the season, both the Lakers and Royals would leave the NBL to join the Basketball Association of America (BAA) along with two other NBL clubs, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and the Indianapolis Kautskys.[3] The Lakers would also participate in the final World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning the final championship over the independent New York Renaissance that year,[4] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.[5]

1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season
NBL champions
Results
Record43–17 (.717)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Western)
Playoff finishNBL Champions
(Defeated Royals 3–1)

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
< 1946–47 1948–49 >

National Basketball League

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Regular season

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Western Division standings

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Pos. Western Division Wins Losses Win %
1 Minneapolis Lakers 43 17 .717
2 Tri-Cities Blackhawks 30 30 .500
3 Oshkosh All-Stars 29 31 .483
4 Indianapolis Kautskys 24 35 .407
5 Sheboygan Red Skins 23 37 .383

Playoffs

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Awards and records

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World Professional Basketball Tournament

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Shortly prior to the NBL finals, during the days of April 8-11, the Lakers played in the annual World Professional Basketball Tournament in Chicago. Considered the favorites, they did not disappoint in the first round, defeating Wilkes-Barre Barons 98–48.[7]

In the semi-finals, the Lakers came out on top against Anderson Duffey Packers, 59–56, behind Mikan's 21 points.[8]

In the title game the Lakers defeated the New York Renaissance 75–71,[9][4] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.[5] Mikan led all scorers and was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Along with Mikan, Jim Pollard was named to the All-Tournament first team.[10][11]

Games

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Awards and records

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References

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  1. ^ "Pro cagers say adieu". Detroit Free Press. June 4, 1947. p. 16. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  2. ^ "Detroit Gems Nat'l cage franchise sold". The Herald-Press. Associated Press. January 4, 1947. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  3. ^ Sachare, Alex. "The Dynasties: Minneapolis Lakers". nba.com. Retrieved July 5, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Bill Carlson (April 12, 1948). "Lakers 'World Champions' now". The Minneapolis Star. p. 23. Retrieved March 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  5. ^ a b Edward Prell (April 12, 1948). "Lakers defeat Rens, 75 to 71, for pro title". Chicago Tribune. p. 57. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Mikan's 40 points, on 14 field goals and 12 of 15 free throws, broke the tournament individual scoring record.  
  6. ^ 1947-48 NBL Season Summary
  7. ^ "Minneapolis Five is top-seeded". The Tampa Times. Associated Press. April 7, 1948. p. 9. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.  
  8. ^ "Rens to meet Lakers in pro cage playoffs". Cumberland Evening Times. INS. April 10, 1948. p. 5. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.  
  9. ^ Jim Peterson (April 6, 1948). "Mikan's Foe highly rated". Minnesota Star Tribune. p. 15. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.  
  10. ^ "Lakers beat Rens 75-71 and cop title". Journal and Courier. April 12, 1948. p. 8. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  11. ^ Sid Hartman. "Lakers dominated pro meet in all phases". Times, the Picture Paper. pp. 26–30. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.