1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season

1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season
NBL champions
Results
Record	43–17 (.717)
Place	Division: 1st (Western)
Playoff finish	NBL Champions (Defeated Royals 3–1)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

The 1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season was the inaugural season for the Lakers in Minneapolis following its relocation from Detroit where it played as the Detroit Gems the previous season.^[1][2] The Lakers won the National Basketball League championship against the Rochester Royals. George Mikan led the team with 21.3 points per game and was the league's MVP. After the season, both the Lakers and Royals would leave the NBL to join the Basketball Association of America (BAA) along with two other NBL clubs, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and the Indianapolis Kautskys.^[3] The Lakers would also participate in the final World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning the final championship over the independent New York Renaissance that year,^[4] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.^[5]

National Basketball League

Regular season

Western Division standings

Pos.	Western Division	Wins	Losses	Win %
1	Minneapolis Lakers	43	17	.717
2	Tri-Cities Blackhawks	30	30	.500
3	Oshkosh All-Stars	29	31	.483
4	Indianapolis Kautskys	24	35	.407
5	Sheboygan Red Skins	23	37	.383

Playoffs

• Won NBL Championship (3–1) over Rochester Royals
• Won NBL Western Division Semifinals (2–0) over Tri-Cities Blackhawks
• Won NBL Western Division Opening Round (3–1) over Oshkosh All-Stars

Awards and records

• George Mikan, MVP, All-NBL First Team
• Jim Pollard, All-NBL First Team^[6]

World Professional Basketball Tournament

Shortly prior to the NBL finals, during the days of April 8-11, the Lakers played in the annual World Professional Basketball Tournament in Chicago. Considered the favorites, they did not disappoint in the first round, defeating Wilkes-Barre Barons 98–48.^[7]

In the semi-finals, the Lakers came out on top against Anderson Duffey Packers, 59–56, behind Mikan's 21 points.^[8]

In the title game the Lakers defeated the New York Renaissance 75–71,^[9][4] behind George Mikan's tournament record 40 points.^[5] Mikan led all scorers and was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Along with Mikan, Jim Pollard was named to the All-Tournament first team.^[10][11]

Games

• Won first round (98–48) over Wilkes-Barre Barons
• Won Semifinals (59–56) over Anderson Duffey Packers
• Won WPBT championship (75–71) over New York Rens

Awards and records

• George Mikan, All-Tournament first team, MVP, top scorer
• Jim Pollard, All-Tournament first team

References

1. "Pro cagers say adieu". Detroit Free Press. June 4, 1947. p. 16. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
2. "Detroit Gems Nat'l cage franchise sold". The Herald-Press. Associated Press. January 4, 1947. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
3. Sachare, Alex. "The Dynasties: Minneapolis Lakers". nba.com. Retrieved July 5, 2019.
4. Bill Carlson (April 12, 1948). "Lakers 'World Champions' now". The Minneapolis Star. p. 23. Retrieved March 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
5. Edward Prell (April 12, 1948). "Lakers defeat Rens, 75 to 71, for pro title". Chicago Tribune. p. 57. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Mikan's 40 points, on 14 field goals and 12 of 15 free throws, broke the tournament individual scoring record.
6. 1947-48 NBL Season Summary
7. "Minneapolis Five is top-seeded". The Tampa Times. Associated Press. April 7, 1948. p. 9. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
8. "Rens to meet Lakers in pro cage playoffs". Cumberland Evening Times. INS. April 10, 1948. p. 5. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
9. Jim Peterson (April 6, 1948). "Mikan's Foe highly rated". Minnesota Star Tribune. p. 15. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
10. "Lakers beat Rens 75-71 and cop title". Journal and Courier. April 12, 1948. p. 8. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
11. Sid Hartman. "Lakers dominated pro meet in all phases". Times, the Picture Paper. pp. 26–30. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.