1954-55 Season

Record: 40-32, second place in Western Division

The NBA made two rule changes before the start of the 1954-55 season: The 24-second shot clock was introduced, as was a limit of six team fouls per quarter (after which every foul would result in free throws). Many felt the rules were put in place to lessen the effectiveness of Lakers center George Mikan, but we'll never know how it would have affected him because Mikan retired before the season began and became the Lakers' general manager.

With Mikan gone, Clyde Lovellette became the starting center. Lovelette scored 18.7 points and grabbed 11.5 rebounds per game, but the Lakers finished in second place, three games behind the Fort Wayne Pistons.

Playoffs: Minneapolis survived the first round of the playoffs but lost to the Pistons in four games in the division finals.

Playoff Results


Western Division Semifinals


  • Lakers 82, Rochester 78 (at St. Paul)

  • at Rochester 94, Lakers 92

  • Lakers 119, Rochester 110 (at St. Paul)



Western Division Finals


  • Fort Wayne 96, Lakers 79 (at Elkhart, Ind.)

  • Fort Wayne 98, Lakers 97 (OT, at Indianapolis)

  • at Lakers 99, Fort Wayne 91 (OT)

  • Fort Wayne 105, at Lakers 96