The 2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season marked
a significant transition for the storied franchise, as it unfolded as the 64th
season in its history, the 63rd season in the National Basketball Association
(NBA), and the 52nd season in Los Angeles. This season, however, carried a
distinct aura as it saw the departure of coaching legend Phil Jackson, who had
been at the helm since 2005, making way for former Cleveland Cavaliers head
coach Mike Brown.
The backdrop of the season was the aftermath
of the 2011 NBA lockout, which resulted in a condensed schedule. Instead of the
usual 82 games, each team played 66 games, presenting a unique challenge for
all NBA franchises.
Midway through the season, the Lakers made
notable roster moves. Longtime point guard Derek Fisher was traded to the
Houston Rockets in exchange for Jordan Hill. Additionally, the team parted ways
with veteran forward Luke Walton, sending him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in
exchange for Ramon Sessions.
The regular season concluded with the Lakers
finishing with a 41–25 record, equivalent to approximately 51–31 in a
full-length season. The team secured the Pacific Division title for the 33rd
time and clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
In the playoffs, the Lakers faced the Denver
Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game series, emerging victorious in the first
round. However, their journey came to an end in the Western Conference
semi-finals as they succumbed to the eventual conference champion Oklahoma City
Thunder in a 1–4 series.
Notably, the 2011–12 season marked the final
playoff appearance of Andrew Bynum in a Lakers uniform. Bynum had been a key
figure for the team, and his departure signaled the end of an era.
The season was marked by a significant trade
that almost came to fruition but was ultimately vetoed by then-NBA Commissioner
David Stern. The Lakers were poised to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans
Hornets in a three-team deal, which involved sending Lamar Odom, Goran Dragic,
Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, and a 2012 1st round pick to the Hornets, and Pau
Gasol to the Houston Rockets. However, Stern intervened, vetoing the trade and
altering the course of the Lakers' roster.
Following the conclusion of the season, the
Lakers made another significant move by trading Andrew Bynum to the
Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team deal, further reshaping the team's dynamics.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Brown
and General Manager Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers navigated through a season of
changes and challenges. The ownership of Jerry Buss continued to guide the
franchise through its rich history.
The 2011–12 season for the Los Angeles Lakers, though not culminating in championship glory, was a chapter defined by transitions, notable trades, and the end of an era. As the Lakers looked ahead, the experiences of this season would play a pivotal role in shaping the team's future endeavors on the basketball court.