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L.A. Lakers was founded in 1946 under the name of Detroit Gems. After a year in Detroit, the team moved to the city of Minneapolis and became the Minneapolis Lakers. The successful experience of Brooklyn Dodgers’ moving to Los Angeles prompted the team owner to think about moving to LA, and the absence of competition made the City of Angels the priority.
The team moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and became the L.A. Lakers. The Lakers logo have remained almost the same since moving to LA and remain as one of the best known NBA logos ever. The new Lakers logo is not much different than the old Lakers logo. Minor differences include cleaner image and typeface and the basketball stripes facing different direction.
L.A. Lakers Logos (1960-Present)
Minneapolis Lakers Logos (1948-1960)
Uniform History
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FAQs
Who founded the Lakers?
The Lakers franchise began in 1947 when Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the recently disbanded Detroit Gems franchise of the National Basketball League (NBL). The team was named Minneapolis Lakers.
When did the Lakers move to LA?
After playing in Minneapolis for twelve seasons, the Lakers moved their franchise to Los Angeles in 1960.
Why are the Lakers team colors purple and gold?
The Lakers’ owner at the time, Jack Kent Cooke, decided to institute a new color scheme, purple and gold, in 1967. He felt the hues gave us a regal connotation.