1989-90 Season

Record: 63-19, first place in Pacific Division

The Lakers replaced the now retired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by signing Vlade Divac out of Yugoslavia. The Lakers improved by six games over the previous season, and Magic Johnson won his second consecutive MVP award.

Playoffs: The Lakers were expected to make it to the NBA Finals again, but instead were defeated in the Western Conference semifinals by the Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers and Jeff Hornacek-led Phoenix Suns.

Playoff Results


Western Conference first round


  • at Lakers 101, Houston 89

  • at Lakers 104, Houston 100

  • at Houston 114, Lakers 108

  • Lakers 109, at Houston 88



Western Conference semifinals


  • Phoenix 104, at Lakers 102

  • at Lakers 124, Phoenix 100

  • at Phoenix 117, Lakers 103

  • at Phoenix 114, Lakers 101

  • Phoenix 106, at Lakers 103




Coach