Are The 71-72 Lakers The GREATEST Team Ever? (GOAT Team Series #5) 

How many teams could beat the 72 Lakers in a 7 game series, or would they beat everyone?

Sad that Elgin didn’t get his ring 😪

Back when Milwaukee, Chicago and Detroit were all in the Western Conference. CRAZY geography.

God I wish Wilt united with West and Baylor in mid 60s, they would have won 4 championships at least.

Wilt said this was the team that did the most with the least amount of talent! He thought the 67 Sixers were better

I always knew pat riley was a player but never knew he was with this team !!!!!

Early 70's LA had some amazing basketball. UCLA at the time was off the charts.

19points & 23 rebounds. Wow! Legendary Wilt! Still putting up great numbers despite his advancing age. Great info on Chamberlain Johnny by the way.

Terrific video. I’m recently interested in NBA stuff (in the last year) and I’ve never even been into sports. Your channel and a few others are really great. I just wanted to say thanks.

Wilt was amazing when he had the right coach. Super talented but he could also be a winner.

i have to agree w Wilt, his Sixers team that only lost 13 games beats his Lakers champs that only lost 13 games. I saw them both. Sixers had a younger Wilt with much better knees. That's the main thing. Wilt won the Assists title that year but could score whenever he wanted to and way faster than the older Wilt. Wilt is always labeled a loser w only 2 rings compared to Russell. But he only lost 13 games in each championship with 2 different teams!

Thanks for featuring! The 71-72 Lakers are the Best Alltime. They were the breakthrough team after being the bridesmaid for so many years to the Celtics. I could feel it that year and kept a scrapbook of clippings of every playoff game that season culminating with their 1st championship. I even recorded the second half of the final game on cassette tape (this was long before VCRs). Still have the scrapbook. You hardly mentioned scrappy 6th man Pat Riley. Only sad thing is that Baylor never won a championship. He was otherworldly in his prime and my favorite Laker.

I viewed this again today, great video ! People can't appreciate how different the game was played during this period. One must also consider the difference in the amount of travel and the comfort level experienced. The stamina to produce a record like this must be extremely high. Thanks for the video, I can't even watch what is now called basketball, and I was an NBA fan.

My wait is finally over. You're the best..

Greatest Laker team? I say Greatest Team of all time. I don't know if 33 straight wins will ever be topped

oh man... this team was a beast. Wilt at 35yrs and with almost 20rpg? c'mon

The teams of that era were deeper and fundamentally more sound than the isolation offenses we see today. Very impressive playoff run against the Bulls, Bucks and Knicks. Wilt and West could play in any era and be the best players in the league.

Yes, it's the greatest Laker team. I also think it's the greatest team of all-time. Michael Jordan's Bulls and Curry's Warriors won more games. But no team dominated like these Lakers.

Outstanding video as always, love all the stats and info you bring to the table...keep it coming!

This Lakers team was amazing. Jerry West was great, but the secret weapon was Gail Goodrich. He was such a forgotten, underrated player. I also liked how Wilt Chamberlain took a lesser role and still made significant contributions. And the rest of the roster wasn't bad either, solid role players from top to bottom. Sad about Elgin Baylor, he could have stayed on the team and gotten his ring, but he had enough class to retire and make room for another player.

Hope you do the 67 sixers. One of the most underrated teams of all time

Very sharp vid bro! To me this is probably the best NBA team ever..

This is the ONE! I was lucky enough to live in So-Cal see them win it all and they are still to this day my all time favorite.

Elgin should have been given a ring since he started the season with them and was, with West, the heart and soul of the team for years. He helped them take the Celts to the limit when he and West had subpar centers and teammates. He was a clutch-master and superb talent and showman.

Always great to learn about the old guard. Thx for the video!

great vid Jonny, keep it up, WE LOVE YA

To me this is the best team of all time. The Lakers suffed numerous injuries through out Wilt's years there. 72 was the year they were most healthy setting still existing records for margin of victory and wins in a row. If the Lakers had stayed healthy they could have easily won 5 championships in a row. Their 69 wins is just as impressive as the Bulls 72 or Warriors 73. They had to play the Bucks with Kareem and Big O 5 times. The 67 Sixers should be in the mix too. They won 68 games despite having to play the Celtics 8 time defending champions 9 times in the regular season and rolled them in 5 games in the playoffs. Wilt was in his prime following up 7 consecutive scoring championships with his best season ever, 24/24/8 on 68% shooting and 9-10 blocks per game. He also had a quadruple double in the playoffs against the Celtics and another against the Warriors in the finals.

2001 and 1972 lakers match up would have been fun to see

BAHAHAHA Wilt had 19.4ppg and 23.2rpg on 60% shooting . . . *in the Finals*. Insane, I love it I think people are going to rank this team a bit low all-time simply because of the way the game and athletes have changed (although for real, people who say "players are better athletes these days" is obviously not thinking of Wilt Chamberlain). And admittedly, part of their success was because they were playing a style of ball a decade ahead of its time There are two schools of thought when it comes to discussing GOATs across history (and the argument between these two schools of thought is often why these debates end with everybody in the bar mad at each other): 1) who would win if they played each other, or 2) who played the best against their peers. And if we're going with 2) . . . there are not many teams that have a better case than these Lakers Great vid, as always

87 celtics woulda been goat squad if bias lived

Well the Knicks did beat them twice in the finals but nobody talks about them despite having the most hall of famers of any roster excluding the Bill Russell Celtics.

Loving this series! Any idea how many you plan to do?

Great team! Big fan of Wilt, Jerry, and the underrated Happy Hairston.

Man I’m so upset these videos take so much time to make. Like it’s quality over quantity but burn through all these so fast lol

I hope that you do a piece on the 1966-1967 Philadelphia 76ers for that team was a younger, more powerful version of the 71-72 Lakers. The 66-67 Sixers sprinted out of the gate at 46-4 and ended the 81 game season with a then NBA record 68-13. The Sixers had 6 players who averaged at least 12 points a game, they had the most intimidating front court (e.g., 300 pound Wilt Chamberlain, 270 pound Luke Jackson, 225 pound Chet Walker) in NBA history, and their roster consisted of 4 HOF's which included Chamberlain, Walker, shooting guard Hal Greer, and small forward Billy Cunningham. Wilt Chamberlain was the named the league MVP, the Sixers were 11-4 in the playoffs, they destroyed the 7 time defending champion Celtics in 5 games, and they closed the show by winning the NBA title over a very talented (e.g., HOF's Nate Thurmond, Rick Barry) San Francisco Warrior team in 6 games. I would also argue that Chamberlain's 1967 playoff run was the greatest in NBA history. In 15 playoff games, Wilt averaged 21.7 points, 29.1 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and (e.g., unoffically) 9.2 blocked shots.

West only has 1 championship out of his 9 finals. But what a one to have considering at that time this probably was the peak of any seen team.

This team started my love for basketball and IS the greatest of all time, holding records that still stand 50 years later

When studying this team, you have to remember the ABA was around and some of the better players, especially the young players, were in the ABA. A great team obviously, and a 33 game win streak is incredible, but remember the Celtics won 68 games the very next season. If those players were in the league both the streak and 69 wins might not happen. That might be the only knock on them for their dominance in this season, the ABA.

I’m honestly fairly confident that the 1972 version of Wilt Chamberlain would entirely neutralize 2000 Shaq. Not stop him outright, but both players would have similar stat lines across a 7 game series. Prime Wilt would likely hold prime Shaq to 15 points per game while averaging 35 himself.

Pat Riley with that mustache! I had a poster of Wilt that year when I was a kid!

"Greatest Team of All Time." You're dead on target with this this team and I would love to see any of Jordan's teams go up against this amazing machine.

Good question!

Well done

I think any of the showtime Lakers teams could beat the Wilt, West and Goodrich Lakers. Awesome vid and commentary though

Willis Reed was hurt that year. The following year the Knicks with Reed won in 6 games. Not to mention how the Kicks beat them in 1970 with Elgin Baylor, and Reed hurt in TWO GAMES. GOAT? Hardly.

Damn, 19.2 rpg

Johnny unlike a lot of you tubers you actually are concise. I almost wish your videos were longer because I enjoy them so much.

Bill Sharman also brought His Celtics Teammate K.C. Jones along as an Assistant Coach on the Los Angeles Lakers 1972 team.

Please make videos for the Bulls and the Warriors!

If only Wilt13 had better coaching during his career. Still....he had a marvellous NBA career and will always be spoken about.

I wish blocks and steals were counted we will know who the triple double quadruple double king would be this is criminal 😭😭😭 Wilt the goat 🔥

33 wins in a row, nobody will ever beat that

Very nice series you should do these teams next: (idk what specific year but you get it) Big three heat Showtime lakers Big three heat Big three spurs Hakeem’s Rockets Kareem and oscar bucks MJ’s BULLS !

You should do the 2017 warriors next

They were pretty darn awesome.

0:59 he looks old compared to his coaching days in 80s lol

The 71/72 Lakers didn't have a 3 point line. Even without it they scored more than 100 points in every game except one. The unsung hero of that team was Happy Hairston. He was Rodman before Rodman. A big strong rebounding machine who could take care of the paint after Wilt. The other thing to remember is Jerry West would have been a lot for Jordan to handle. Michael would have got his points but trying to get away from West would have put stress on the best Bulls team. In addition, both West and Goodrich could light it up. So those who feel the new era Warriors would have won should think twice. Again, West and Goodrich from outside while Wilt dominated the interior. Hairston and McMillian on the wings would have made it tough on any team. Also, in general teams of today are a bit bigger but not by much. Also, those Lakers were in very good shape but didn't have the training of today's NBA. Whether it's bringing the 71/72 Lakers to current training and playing methods or sending the great Bulls, Celtics, Pistons and Warrior teams back to 71/72. They would all have a hard time beating that great Lakers team in a seven game series.

2020 Philadelphia 76ers. Just watch how these playoffs unfold with Al on the bench, Shake at the '1' and Ben at the '4'. Get ready for NBA Domination like you've never seen before.

How would that Laker team have dealt with the front line of Bird, Parish, McHale, and a healthy Bill Walton coming off the bench for the 86 Celtics? They also would have had one hell of a time with the Bulls team that won 72 regular season games and went on to win the title. Lastly how would Jerry West or Gail Goodrich have done trying to guard Magic Johnson? The 87 Laker team would have been too much.

As a Lakers fan it’s disappointing that Elgin retired that year and didn’t get his ring

Here's something to think about: Jordan's Post Retirement Bulls managed to tie the 69-11 record of the 71-72 Lakers two years in a row!!! (1995-1996, 1996-1997). I like bringing up this fact when the debate between the Bulls and the Golden State Warriors come up because the Golden State Warriors were not able to achieve the same feat.

The Original Showtime

You should do a how good was Gail Goodrich video

WILT is the GOAT

GREATEST TEAM IN NBA HISTORY 😍💜💛🏆

They would beat the 96 Bulls Wilt having a field day

Imagine if this team was in their early 20s and good coaching that Sharman brought with Elgin Baylor Jerry West Wilt Chamberlain in their prime there is no other team beating these guys NOBODY !!!! They averaged like 121 ppg this 1972 season that’s more that any team in todays era also there was no 3 pointer 😭😭😭😭😭😭 this is the team goat 33 wins still stands to this day Old Wilt beat prime Kareem what the heck now if Wilt was in his prime with a good team like this nobody stands a chance !!!!!!!!!!!

Do a video about the 1996 bulls

In the min 0:50 is phil jackson defense jajaja

I’m partial to the 87’ Showtime Lakers, the best team ever!!! ☮️🖖🏽

Shaq is the only center that could contain Wilt even a little, but these Lakers are the best.

Can you make a video of how good was gail goodrich

Interesting facts about the '71 Bucks when compared to the '72 Lakers. 1. '72 Lakers have the largest regular season point differential in NBA history at 12.28. The '71 Bucks are #2 at 12.26 2. The '71 Bucks have the largest SRS (which factors in strength of schedule along with actual point differential) at 11.92. The '72 Lakers' SRS is 11.65. 3. The '71 Bucks went 12-2 in the postseason with a point differential of 15.3. The '72 Lakers' went 12-3 with a point differential of 3.2. 4. The '71 Bucks could have easily won 70 games had it mattered to them as they were 65-11 at one point before losing 5 out of their final 6 regular season games, clearly taking their foot off the gas. It was clear they took their foot off the gas because once the postseason got underway they switched it back on again and destroyed the competition. The '72 Lakers are often cited in the conversation for greatest team in NBA history but the '71 Bucks, a team that statistically compares favorably to the '72 Lakers, are seldom mentioned. They probably would be mentioned a lot more if they had reached 70 wins that year, which they easily could have. In a 7 game series between the '71 Bucks and the '72 Lakers, I'd find it difficult to bet against the Bucks. It's true they played each other in '72 and while the Lakers won that series in 6, the Bucks actually outscored the Lakers overall 636 to 622. And keep in mind that was the '72 Bucks, not the '71 Bucks. The Bucks were close but not quite as good in '72 as they were in '71, both statistically and record-wise.

On top of everything else you mentioned. No private jets, and they played the best teams from the east four times a year not just two.

I saw that '72 Laker team play and in my view they are the greatest team ever. The '86 Celtics were awesome too and the Portland Trailblazers played excellent team basketball led by Bill Walton at his peak, etc... But the '72 team was truly dominant and crushed the opposition. At one point, shortly after Baylor retired and players settled into their roles, that team won 33 games in a row which is still a record. West truly had a great year, led the NBA in assists and was a natural floor leader that could pass and score at a high level. Outside of Curry, I don't think we've seen a better shooter at any guard spot. West was also closer to 6'5", not 6'3". Wilt dominated the paint on defense and his rebounding stats and outlet passing skills were ridiculous, that's how good he was. With shoes on (like they measure players today as opposed to barefoot back then) Jim McMillian was a 6'6" SF, was an excellent shooter and filled the lane on break so well. Goodrich was a deadeye from anywhere and was more like Curry's height at 6'2". This team had The Logo and the most dominant center in history in Wilt plus depth and played team basketball and crushed everybody in their way. The '72 lakers are the GOAT. 🐐💪🔥

Do Allan Houston please

As Wilt put it. It was the best team with the least amount of talent. Their all stars were old and at the end of their careers. Wilt, Baylor, and Jerry West all retired within 3 years after.

Im going to my vote to the 1967 76er team as the best team ever . HOFers Wilt, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer and Chet Walker. Also Wally Jones and Matt Goukas . Dave Gambee and Billy Melchioni ( long time Great ABA player after the 1969 season )

Can you do how good was Shaquille O’Neal or can you do why he is the goat?

Wilt averaged 17 PPG for his finals career being 2-4 in the finals

wb the 2011-2012 bobcats

Just waiting for the 2017 Warriors

Wow I didn't know that Baylor had even played a game in the season West won his lone ring. Baylor 0-7 in the finals. West 1-8

Surprised there are no Showtime Lakers teams in this series. Showtime Laker team in 87 beats probably any other Basketball team ever.

33 wins in a row won't be beaten for a long time. Teams just aren't that dominant anymore

What is the best in the intro?

Pat Reily was on this team!!? So he really has 8 rings and not 7

Jerry West real height 6’4 1/2

33 game winning streak. Noone has come close.

No doubt one of the best, arguably THE best

So do you think this team would have had the best win to lose record in NBA history if Elgin left at the start of the season?

Pat Riley!!!

2001 Lakers had a great Playoff run, but a very mediocre regular season compared to the year before. They only led the Western Conference for one game the entire season (started 1-0) San Antonio and Sacramento really embarrassed themselves in that Playoffs.

The showtime Lakers from Worthy's sophmore season could've beat this Lakers team for sure

Wilt Chamberlain is simply the greatest player of all time Wilt probably averaged 15 blocks minimum this 1972 season

1st superteam in nba history

That team is certainly great. The Showtime Lakers though probably beat them.

when will the episode of the 1995 Chicago Bulls finally come?

They won 33 in a row!

where are the '96 Bulls?