1973-74 Season
Record: 47-35, first place in Pacific Division
Wilt Chamberlain retired before the season, so the Lakers acquired center Elmore Smith and forward Connie Hawkins to replace him. But Jerry West could play in only 31 games because of leg injuries, and the team was unable to make up for his absence, winning 13 fewer games than the season before, though they still won the Pacific Division.
Playoffs: The Lakers lost to Milwaukee in the first round.
Playoff Results
Western Conference semifinals
- at Milwaukee 99, Lakers 95
- at Milwaukee 109, Lakers 90
- at Lakers 98, Milwaukee 96
- Milwaukee 112, at Lakers 90
- at Milwaukee 114, Lakers 92
