1982–83 Los Angeles Lakers season
| 1982–83 Los Angeles Lakers season | |
|---|---|
Conference champions | |
Division champions | |
| Head coach | Pat Riley |
| General manager | Jerry West |
| Owner(s) | Jerry Buss |
| Arena | The Forum |
| Results | |
| Record | 58–24 (.707) |
| Place | Division: 1st (Pacific) Conference: 1st (Western) |
| Playoff finish | NBA Finals (lost to 76ers 0–4) |
Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Local media | |
| Television | KHJ |
| Radio | AM 570 KLAC |
The 1982–83 NBA season was the Lakers' 35th season in the NBA and the 23rd season in Los Angeles. The Lakers were attempting to become the first team since the Boston Celtics in 1969 to repeat as NBA Champions. However, on April 10, 1983, rookie and number one pick in the 1982 draft James Worthy injured his leg while attempting a putback in a home loss against Phoenix, ending his season. Even without Worthy for the playoffs, the Lakers made it to the NBA Finals, only to be swept in four games by the Julius Erving and Moses Malone led Philadelphia 76ers. This was Pat Riley's first full season as Lakers head coach.