1955-56 Season

Record: 33-39, second place in Western Division

The Lakers lost another strong player when Jim Pollard retired before the season, ending an eight-year career with the Lakers. Center Clyde Lovelette finished fourth in the league in scoring (21.5) and third in rebounding (14.0).

By midseason the Lakers were struggling so badly that they begged George Mikan to come out of retirement. He did, but wasn't able to lift the Lakers, who finished with their first losing record in team history, but in the eight-team NBA, they still were good enough to make the playoffs (six of eight teams made the playoffs).

Playoffs: The Lakers lost to the St. Louis Hawks in the playoffs despite a 58-point victory over St. Louis in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.

Playoff Results


Western Division Semifinals


  • at St. Louis 116, Lakers 115

  • at Lakers 133, St. Louis 75

  • St. Louis 116, at Lakers 115