Why did the lakers move to los angeles. Attendance at lakers games fell after mikans retirement in 1956 and the team moved to los angeles before the 196061 season. Move to los angeles lakers in 1957 the team was nearly sold to kansas city interests who planned to relocate it there before a local group helmed by businessman bob short purchased the team and kept it in minneapolis. The lakers advanced to the nba finals six times in the 1960s but lost to the celtics in each appearance despite the presence of all time greats elgin baylor and jerry west who would later assemble a number of lakers championship teams as the teams general manager.
2010 02 10 015706 2010 02 10 015706. When he retired in 1956 fan attendance at lakers games dropped so the team moved to los angeles before the 1960 61 season. The franchise decided to keep the same team name.
The lakers did not change their name after this second move despite the general scarcity of natural lakes in southern california. The new ownership was unable to cure the teams financial ills however. Why did the lakers move to los angeles.
From the moment lebron james made it known that he would be joining the lakers he has taken a low key approach to this movethere was no espn special sports illustrated essay or unveiling ceremony.