1950-51 Season

Record: 44-24, first place in Western Division

The Lakers returned to the Western Division for the 1950-51 season and were heavy favorites to win their third consecutive title. But it wasn't meant to be. The team had the best starting five in the league with center George Mikan, forwards Jim Pollard and Vern Mikkelsen and guards Bob Harrison and Slater Martin. The Lakers won the West by three games and posted the league's best record at 44-24.

Playoffs: But the playoffs didn't go according to plan. Minneapolis lost a game to the Indianapolis Olympians in the division semifinals, marking the Lakers' first-ever loss in a preliminary playoff round. And then they lost the best-of-five division finals to Rochester, 3-1.

Playoff Results


Western Division Semifinals


  • at Lakers 95, Indianapolis 81

  • at Indianapolis 108, Lakers 88

  • at Lakers 85, Indianapolis 80



Western Division Finals


  • at Lakers 76, Rochester 73

  • Rochester 70, at Lakers 66

  • at Rocherster 83, Lakers 70

  • at Rochester 80, Lakers 75