1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers season
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During the 1971–72 season the
Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Western Conference Pacific Division. The Lakers play their ...
won their first
National Basketball Association The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The league is composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada) and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United S ...
(NBA) title since moving to Los Angeles. The Lakers defeated the
New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the National Basketball Associat ...
in five games to win the title, after going 69–13 during the regular-season, a record that stood for 24 seasons until the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls went 72–10. During the regular season, they would also go on an NBA record 33-game winning streak. The team went on to win 81 regular season and playoff games overall, a record that would stand alone for 14 years until the
Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics ( ) are an American professional basketball team based in Boston. The Celtics compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. Founded in 1946 as one of t ...
matched it in 1986. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time, the 1971–72 Lakers were named as one of the Top 10 Teams in NBA History in 1996. The Lakers defeated the
Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago. The Bulls compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division. The team was founded on January 1 ...
in 4 games in the Western Conference Semifinals. The team then defeated the
Milwaukee Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks are an American professional basketball team based in Milwaukee. The Bucks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division. The team was founded in 1968 ...
in a 6-game Western Conference Finals. The Lakers then got to the NBA Finals once again for the 14th time in league history. They faced the
New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the National Basketball Associat ...
in a rematch of the
1970 NBA Finals The 1970 NBA World Championship Series was the championship series of the 1970 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the 1969–70 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The Eastern Division champion New York Knicks defeated the Western Divisi ...
. The Knicks were defeated in 5 games, the Lakers claimed their sixth title in team history and the first since
1954 Events January * January 1 – The Soviet Union ceases to demand war reparations from West Germany. * January 3 – The Italian broadcaster RAI officially begins transmitting. * January 7 – Georgetown-IBM experiment: The fir ...
.
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
won Finals MVP.


Offseason

* Traded a 1971 2nd round draft pick to the Cincinnati Royals for guard
Flynn Robinson Flynn James Robinson (April 28, 1941 – May 23, 2013) was an American professional basketball player. Early life Flynn was born April 28, 1941, from the union of Sam Hopkins and Dorothy Mae Robinson. Later Flynn's mother married Johnnie Hodg ...
. * Hired Bill Sharman as the new head coach to replace Joe Mullaney. * Traded a 1972 2nd round draft pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for center
Leroy Ellis LeRoy Ellis (March 10, 1940 – June 2, 2012) was an American basketball player. Basketball career A 6'11" center (basketball), center from St. John's University, New York, St. John's University, Ellis set the St. John's records for highest ...
. * Claimed forward
John Q. Trapp John Quincy Trapp (born October 2, 1945) is an American retired professional basketball player. A 6'7" forward from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Trapp played five seasons (1968–1973) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a me ...
off waivers from the Houston Rockets.


NBA Draft


Roster


Regular season

Since moving to Los Angeles, the Lakers were repeatedly foiled by the Boston Celtics in their attempts to capture an NBA title. The Lakers lost the championship to them six times in eight years. In 1970, with the aging Celtics out of title contention, the Lakers lost in the NBA finals to the
New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the National Basketball Associat ...
. In 1971, after losing
Jerry West Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...
to a season-ending injury in February, they lost in the Western Conference finals to the powerful Milwaukee Bucks. Going into the 1971–72 season, many experts thought the chance at a championship had passed for this aging team. Star players
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
,
Elgin Baylor Elgin Gay Baylor ( ; September 16, 1934 – March 22, 2021) was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lake ...
, and
Jerry West Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...
were all in their 30s, and had all missed significant time due to injuries in the prior two seasons. The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, led by superstar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem (alternatively spelled Karim or Kerim) ( ar, کریم) is a common given name and surname of Arabic origin that means "generous", "noble", "honorable". It is also one of the Names of God in Islam in the Quran. Given name Karim * Karim A ...
, appeared to be starting a new NBA dynasty. But new coach Bill Sharman still believed the Lakers had the talent to contend. He introduced strict conditioning drills and implemented a running fast break-based offense. He re-tooled Wilt Chamberlain's game to focus on defense, rebounding, and jump-starting the fast break with quick outlet passes to guards Jerry West and Gail Goodrich. The only casualty of this system was the aging Baylor, who could not physically handle the up-tempo practices and offense and retired 9 games into the season. He was replaced at small forward by
Jim McMillian James M. McMillian (March 11, 1948 – May 16, 2016) was an American professional basketball player. After starring at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, McMillian played college basketball at Columbia University. He led Columbia to a three ...
who played at a near all-star level. Shortly thereafter, the Lakers strung together a record 33-game win streak. The streak ended on January 9, 1972, against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers and Bucks then staged a season-long race for the league's best record, with the Lakers setting a then NBA record with 69 wins (the Bucks had the second-best record at 63–19).


Season standings

:z – clinched division title :y – clinched division title :x – clinched playoff spot


Record vs. opponents


Game logs


Regular season

, - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 1 , Fri, Oct 15, 1971 , @
Detroit Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at th ...
, 132–103 ,
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
(26) ,
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
(15) ,
Jerry West Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...
(9) ,
Cobo Arena Huntington Place (formerly known as Cobo Hall, Cobo Center, and briefly as TCF Center) is a convention center in Downtown Detroit, owned by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) and operated by ASM Global. Located at 1 Washi ...

10,613 , 1–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 2 , October 16, 1971 , @
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 119–104
, McMillian (28) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(19) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) ,
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...

19,296 , 2–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 3 , Tue, Oct 19, 1971 , @ Buffalo , 123–106 ,
Gail Goodrich Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. (born April 23, 1943) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is best known for scoring a then record 42 points for UCLA in the 1965 NCAA championship game vs ...
(24) , Wilt Chamberlain (12) , Gail Goodrich (6) ,
Buffalo Memorial Auditorium Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, colloquially known as The Aud, was a multipurpose indoor arena in downtown Buffalo, New York. Opened on October 14, 1940, it was home to the Canisius Golden Griffins (NCAA), the Buffalo Bisons ( AHL), the Buffalo Biso ...

9,127 , 3–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 4 , October 20, 1971 , @
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

W 126–104
, McMillian (39) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(25) , McMillian (6) ,
Alexander Memorial Coliseum Hank McCamish Pavilion, nicknamed The Thrillerdome and originally known as Alexander Memorial Coliseum, is an indoor arena located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the home of the Georgia Tech Yellow ...

5,543 , 4–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 5 , October 22, 1971 ,
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

L 106–113
, Goodrich (26) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(18) , Hairston (6) , The Forum
15,086 , 4–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 6 , Sun, Oct 24, 1971 , @
Houston Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 in ...
, 113–103 , Gail Goodrich (31) , Chamberlain, Hairston (13) , Gail Goodrich (6) ,
Hofheinz Pavilion The Fertitta Center, formerly known as Hofheinz Pavilion, is a 7,100-seat multi-purpose arena on the University of Houston campus in Houston. Located at 3875 Holman Street, it is home to the Houston Cougars men's and women's basketball teams and ...

4,061 , 5–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 7 , Fri, Oct 29, 1971 ,
Cincinnati Cincinnati ( ) is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located at the northern side of the confluence of the Licking and Ohio rivers, the latter of which marks the state line wit ...
, 107–119 , Gail Goodrich (31) , Wilt Chamberlain (32) , Jim McMillian (7) , The Forum
12,442 , 6–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 8 , Sat, Oct 30, 1971 , @
Seattle Seattle ( ) is a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. It is the seat of King County, Washington. With a 2020 population of 737,015, it is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest regio ...
, 106–115 ,
Flynn Robinson Flynn James Robinson (April 28, 1941 – May 23, 2013) was an American professional basketball player. Early life Flynn was born April 28, 1941, from the union of Sam Hopkins and Dorothy Mae Robinson. Later Flynn's mother married Johnnie Hodg ...
(28) , Happy Hairston (13) , Gail Goodrich (7) ,
Seattle Center Coliseum Climate Pledge Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is located north of Downtown Seattle in the entertainment complex known as Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World's Fair, for which it was or ...

13,138 , 6–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 9 , Sun, Oct 31, 1971 , Golden State , 109–105 , Gail Goodrich (38) , Wilt Chamberlain (24) , Wilt Chamberlain (6) , The Forum
11,303 , 6–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 10 , November 5, 1971 ,
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...

W 110–106
, Goodrich (31) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(25) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) , The Forum
11,168 , 7–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 11 , Sat, Nov 6, 1971 , @ Golden State , 105–89 , Jerry West (28) , Wilt Chamberlain (17) , Jerry West (8) ,
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland Arena is an indoor arena located in Oakland, California, United States. From its opening in 1966 until 1996, it was known as the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena. After a major renovation completed in 1997, the arena was renamed ...

10,625 , 8–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 12 , November 7, 1971 ,
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 103–96
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(29) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(22) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(8) , The Forum
15,397 , 9–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 13 , November 9, 1971 , @
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 122–109
, McMillian (28) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(20) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) ,
Chicago Stadium Chicago Stadium was an indoor arena in Chicago, Illinois, that opened in 1929, closed in 1994 and was demolished in 1995. It was the home of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls. ...

9,082 , 10–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 14 , Wed, Nov 10, 1971 , @
Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...
, 143–103 , Gail Goodrich (34) , Wilt Chamberlain (14) , Jerry West (10) ,
Spectrum A spectrum (plural ''spectra'' or ''spectrums'') is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary, without gaps, across a continuum. The word was first used scientifically in optics to describe the rainbow of colors i ...

9,503 , 11–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 15 , Fri, Nov 12, 1971 , Seattle , 107–115 , Jerry West (28) , Wilt Chamberlain (22) , Jerry West (8) , The Forum
16,550 , 12–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 16 , Sat, Nov 13, 1971 , @
Portland Portland most commonly refers to: * Portland, Oregon, the largest city in the state of Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States * Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state of Maine, in the New England region of the northeas ...
, 130–108 ,
LeRoy Ellis LeRoy Ellis (March 10, 1940 – June 2, 2012) was an American basketball player. Basketball career A 6'11" center (basketball), center from St. John's University, New York, St. John's University, Ellis set the St. John's records for highest ...
(27) , Wilt Chamberlain (13) , Jerry West (11) , Memorial Coliseum
9,990 , 13–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 17 , November 14, 1971 ,
Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

W 128–115
, Goodrich (36) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(31) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(10) , The Forum
17,505 , 14–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 18 , Tue, Nov 16, 1971 ,
Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...
, 90–108 , Jerry West (25) , Wilt Chamberlain (15) , Wilt Chamberlain (6) , The Forum
10,475 , 15–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 19 , Fri, Nov 19, 1971 , Houston , 99–106 , Gail Goodrich (32) , Wilt Chamberlain (23) , Chamberlain, Goodrich, West (6) , The Forum
11,484 , 16–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 20 , November 21, 1971 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 112–105
, Goodrich (27) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(26) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) , The Forum
17,505 , 17–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 21 , Thu, Nov 25, 1971 , @ Seattle , 139–115 , Jerry West (26) , Wilt Chamberlain (15) , Jerry West (13) , Seattle Center Coliseum
13,170 , 18–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 22 , Fri, Nov 26, 1971 , Detroit , 113–132 , Wilt Chamberlain (31) , Wilt Chamberlain (31) , Jerry West (18) , The Forum
17,101 , 19–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 23 , Sun, Nov 28, 1971 , Seattle , 111–138 , Jerry West (25) , Wilt Chamberlain (26) , Jerry West (8) , The Forum
15,544 , 20–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 24 , December 1, 1971 , @
Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

W 124–111
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(45) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(20) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(6) ,
Boston Garden The Boston Garden was an arena in Boston, Massachusetts. Designed by boxing promoter Tex Rickard, who also built the third iteration of New York's Madison Square Garden, it opened on November 17, 1928, as "Boston Madison Square Garden" (late ...

8,584 , 21–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 25 , Fri, Dec 3, 1971 , @ Philadelphia , 131–116 , Jim McMillian (41) , Wilt Chamberlain (25) , Jerry West (9) , Spectrum
14,923 , 22–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 26 , Sun, Dec 5, 1971 , Portland , 107–123 , Hairston, West (20) , Wilt Chamberlain (27) , Jerry West (10) , The Forum
17,505 , 23–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 27 , Wed, Dec 8, 1971 , @ Houston , 125–120 , Gail Goodrich (42) , Happy Hairston (15) , Jerry West (6) , Hofheinz Pavilion
9,346 , 24–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 28 , Thu, Dec 9, 1971 , @ Golden State , 124–111 , Jerry West (38) , Wilt Chamberlain (15) , Jerry West (11) , Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
8,892 , 25–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 29 , Fri, Dec 10, 1971 ,
Phoenix Phoenix most often refers to: * Phoenix (mythology), a legendary bird from ancient Greek folklore * Phoenix, Arizona, a city in the United States Phoenix may also refer to: Mythology Greek mythological figures * Phoenix (son of Amyntor), a ...
, 117–126 (OT) , Gail Goodrich (32) , Wilt Chamberlain (28) , Jerry West (11) , The Forum
17,505 , 26–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 30 , December 12, 1971 ,
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

W 104–95
,
Gail Goodrich Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. (born April 23, 1943) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is best known for scoring a then record 42 points for UCLA in the 1965 NCAA championship game vs ...
(32) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(14) , The Forum
17,505 , 27–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 31 , Tue, Dec 14, 1971 , @ Portland , 129–114 , Chamberlain, Goodrich (24) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (15) , Memorial Coliseum
9,048 , 28–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 32 , Fri, Dec 17, 1971 , Golden State , 99–129 , Gail Goodrich (25) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (9) , The Forum
15,552 , 29–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 33 , Sat, Dec 18, 1971 , @ Phoenix , 132–106 , Gail Goodrich (28) , Wilt Chamberlain (16) , Jerry West (7) ,
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a 14,870-seat multi-purpose indoor arena in Phoenix, Arizona, located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. It hosted the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association from 1968 to 1992, as well as indoor ...

12,534 , 30–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 34 , Sun, Dec 19, 1971 , Philadelphia , 132–154 , Wilt Chamberlain (32) , Wilt Chamberlain (34) , Jerry West (10) , The Forum
17,505 , 31–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 35 , Tue, Dec 21, 1971 , @ Buffalo , 117–103 , Jerry West (33) , Wilt Chamberlain (22) , Jerry West (10) , Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
1,602 , 32–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 36 , December 22, 1971 , @
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...

W 127–120
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(37) , Hairston (17) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(9) ,
Baltimore Civic Center CFG Bank Arena (originally the Baltimore Civic Center and formerly Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore Arena and 1st Mariner Arena) is a multipurpose arena in Baltimore, Maryland. This venue is located about one block away from the Baltimore Convention ...

8,468 , 33–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 37 , Sun, Dec 26, 1971 , Houston , 115–137 , Jerry West (34) , Happy Hairston (21) , Jerry West (17) , The Forum
17,505 , 34–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 38 , Tue, Dec 28, 1971 , Buffalo , 87–105 , Jerry West (24) , Happy Hairston (14) , Jerry West (8) , The Forum
17,505 , 35–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 39 , Thu, Dec 30, 1971 , @ Seattle , 122–106 , Jim McMillian (34) , Wilt Chamberlain (24) , Jerry West (11) , Seattle Center Coliseum
13,106 , 36–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 40 , January 2, 1972 ,
Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

W 122–113
, Goodrich (40) , Hairston (19) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(12) , The Forum
17,505 , 37–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 41 , Wed, Jan 5, 1972 , @ Cleveland , 113–103 , Jim McMillian (29) , Happy Hairston (19) , Jerry West (14) ,
Cleveland Arena Cleveland Arena was an arena in Cleveland, Ohio. It was built and privately financed by local businessman Albert C. Sutphin during the height of the Great Depression in 1937 as a playing site for Sutphin's AHL team, the Cleveland Barons. The aren ...

11,178 , 38–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 42 , January 7, 1972 , @
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

W 134–90
,
Jim McMillian James M. McMillian (March 11, 1948 – May 16, 2016) was an American professional basketball player. After starring at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, McMillian played college basketball at Columbia University. He led Columbia to a three ...
(26) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
, Hairston (14) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) ,
Alexander Memorial Coliseum Hank McCamish Pavilion, nicknamed The Thrillerdome and originally known as Alexander Memorial Coliseum, is an indoor arena located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the home of the Georgia Tech Yellow ...

7,192 , 39–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 43 , January 9, 1972 , @
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

L 104–120
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(20) , Hairston (18) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) ,
MECCA Arena Mecca (; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, commonly shortened to Makkah ()) is a city and administrative center of the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, and the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valle ...

10,746 , 39–4 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 44 , Tue, Jan 11, 1972 , @ Detroit , 123–103 , Wilt Chamberlain (29) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (9) , Cobo Arena
10,050 , 40–4 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 45 , Wed, Jan 12, 1972 , @ Cincinnati , 107–108 , Wilt Chamberlain (24) , Happy Hairston (23) , Jerry West (7) ,
Cincinnati Gardens Cincinnati Gardens was an indoor arena located in Cincinnati, Ohio, that opened in 1949. The 25,000 square foot (2,300 m²) brick and limestone building at 2250 Seymour Avenue in Bond Hill had a entrance that was decorated with six three-dimensio ...

5,231 , 40–5 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 46 , Fri, Jan 14, 1972 , @ Philadelphia , 135–121 , Jerry West (30) , Wilt Chamberlain (20) , Jerry West (13) , Spectrum
12,919 , 41–5 , - align="center" , colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff", All-Star Break , - style="background:#cfc;" , - bgcolor="#bbffbb" , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 47 , January 21, 1972 ,
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

L 101–104
,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(28) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(19) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(8) , The Forum
17,505 , 41–6 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 48 , Sat, Jan 22, 1972 , @ Phoenix , 102–116 , Jerry West (26) , Wilt Chamberlain (20) , Jerry West (8) , Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
12,534 , 41–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 49 , Tue, Jan 25, 1972 , Phoenix , 119–129 , Gail Goodrich (33) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (7) , The Forum
17,505 , 42–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 50 , Fri, Jan 28, 1972 , Houston , 105–118 , Gail Goodrich (28) , Chamberlain, Hairston (18) , Jerry West (9) , The Forum
16,183 , 43–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 51 , Sun, Jan 30, 1972 , Portland , 131–153 , Gail Goodrich (29) , Wilt Chamberlain (24) , Jerry West (14) , The Forum
17,007 , 44–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 52 , February 4, 1972 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 118–105
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(37) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(25) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) , The Forum
17,505 , 45–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 53 , Sat, Feb 5, 1972 , @ Golden State , 108–96 , Gail Goodrich (30) , Wilt Chamberlain (22) , Jerry West (14) , Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
13,502 , 46–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 54 , February 6, 1972 ,
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...

W 151–127
, Trapp (27) , Hairston (13) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(10) , The Forum
17,103 , 47–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 55 , February 8, 1972 , @
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 107–102
, Goodrich (36) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(20) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(7) ,
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...

19,588 , 48–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 56 , February 9, 1972 , @
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

W 117–113
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(31) , Hairston (11) , Goodrich,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(4) ,
Alexander Memorial Coliseum Hank McCamish Pavilion, nicknamed The Thrillerdome and originally known as Alexander Memorial Coliseum, is an indoor arena located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the home of the Georgia Tech Yellow ...

7,192 , 49–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 57 , February 11, 1972 , @
Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

L 108–121
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(25) , McMillian (10) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(11) ,
Boston Garden The Boston Garden was an arena in Boston, Massachusetts. Designed by boxing promoter Tex Rickard, who also built the third iteration of New York's Madison Square Garden, it opened on November 17, 1928, as "Boston Madison Square Garden" (late ...

15,315 , 49–8 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 58 , February 13, 1972 , N
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...


W 121–110
, McMillian (31) , Hairston (20) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(11) ,
Cole Field House The Jones-Hill House is an indoor collegiate sports training complex located on of land on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, a suburb north of Washington, D.C. Jones-Hill House is situated in the center of the campus, ...

14,239 , 50–8 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 59 , Tue, Feb 15, 1972 , Cincinnati , 118–125 , Gail Goodrich (33) , Wilt Chamberlain (19) , Jerry West (13) , The Forum
15,161 , 51–8 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 60 , Wed, Feb 16, 1972 , @ Phoenix , 109–110 , McMillian, West (26) , Wilt Chamberlain (21) , Jerry West (8) , Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
12,534 , 51–9 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 61 , Fri, Feb 18, 1972 , Portland , 114–125 , Gail Goodrich (34) , Happy Hairston (19) , Jerry West (10) , The Forum
15,357 , 52–9 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 62 , Sat, Feb 19, 1972 , @ Portland , 115–94 , Happy Hairston (21) , Wilt Chamberlain (19) , Jerry West (12) , Memorial Coliseum
11,903 , 53–9 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 63 , February 20, 1972 ,
Boston Boston (), officially the City of Boston, is the state capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the United States. It is the 24th- mo ...

W 132–113
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(39) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(30) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(9) , The Forum
17,505 , 54–9 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 64 , Tue, Feb 22, 1972 , Detroit , 135–134 (OT) , Jerry West (37) , Wilt Chamberlain (21) , Jerry West (12) , The Forum
14,245 , 54–10 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 65 , Wed, Feb 23, 1972 , N Houston , 110–115 , Jerry West (36) , Wilt Chamberlain (14) , Goodrich, West (6) , Heart O' Texas Fair Complex
7,621 , 54–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 66 , Fri, Feb 25, 1972 , Cincinnati , 88–109 , Gail Goodrich (25) , Wilt Chamberlain (14) , Jerry West (7) , The Forum
17,036 , 55–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 67 , February 27, 1972 ,
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 123–118 (OT)
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(36) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(23) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(12) , The Forum
17,505 , 56–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 68 , February 29, 1972 , @
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 114–111
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(32) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(19) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(7) ,
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...

19,588 , 57–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 69 , March 1, 1972 , N
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...


W 109–108
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(28) , Hairston (20) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) ,
Wisconsin Field House The Wisconsin Field House (commonly known as the UW Field House) is a multi-purpose arena owned by the University of Wisconsin–Madison and located directly south of Camp Randall Stadium. In addition to sports events, the Field House has been the ...

9,227 , 58–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 70 , March 3, 1972 ,
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

W 114–104
, Goodrich (33) , Hairston (25) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(7) , The Forum
17,282 , 59–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 71 , March 5, 1972 ,
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...

L 94–108
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(25) , Hairston (27) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) , The Forum
17,505 , 59–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 72 , Tue, Mar 7, 1972 , Philadelphia , 97–114 , Gail Goodrich (25) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (7) , The Forum
17,505 , 60–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 73 , Fri, Mar 10, 1972 , Cleveland , 98–132 , Gail Goodrich (30) , Wilt Chamberlain (18) , Jerry West (8) , The Forum
14,861 , 61–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 74 , Sun, Mar 12, 1972 , Buffalo , 102–141 , Hairston, McMillian (23) , Wilt Chamberlain (17) ,
Erickson Erickson may refer to: Places ;Canada *Erickson, Manitoba, a town *Erickson, British Columbia an unincorporated area ;United States * Erickson Corner, Connecticut, an unincorporated community * Erickson Landing, Michigan, an unincorporated communit ...
, West (8) , The Forum
14,090 , 62–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 75 , Tue, Mar 14, 1972 , @ Detroit , 129–116 , Jim McMillian (30) , Wilt Chamberlain (14) , Jerry West (14) , Cobo Arena
5,982 , 63–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 76 , Wed, Mar 15, 1972 , @ Cincinnati , 121–116 , Jerry West (32) , Wilt Chamberlain (24) , Jerry West (16) , Cincinnati Gardens
5,516 , 64–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 77 , March 17, 1972 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 123–107
, McMillian (27) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(10) , The Forum
17,505 , 65–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 78 , Sun, Mar 19, 1972 , Golden State , 99–162 , Gail Goodrich (30) , Happy Hairston (20) , Jerry West (13) , The Forum
17,505 , 66–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 79 , March 21, 1972 , @
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 109–104
, Goodrich (29) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(29) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(11) ,
Chicago Stadium Chicago Stadium was an indoor arena in Chicago, Illinois, that opened in 1929, closed in 1994 and was demolished in 1995. It was the home of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls. ...

17,729 , 67–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 80 , Wed, Mar 22, 1972 , @ Cleveland , 120–124 , Goodrich, West (31) , Wilt Chamberlain (19) , Jerry West (12) , Cleveland Arena
10,819 , 67–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 81 , Fri, Mar 24, 1972 , Phoenix , 110–112 , Gail Goodrich (36) , Wilt Chamberlain (19) , Jerry West (10) , The Forum
17,505 , 68–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" , 82 , Sun, Mar 26, 1972 , Seattle , 98–124 , Gail Goodrich (24) , Wilt Chamberlain (23) , Jerry West (11) , The Forum
17,505 , 69–13


Playoffs

, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 1 , March 28, 1972 ,
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 95–80
, Goodrich (32) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
, Hairston (17) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(10) , The Forum
17,505 , 1–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 2 , March 30, 1972 ,
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 131–124
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(37) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(21) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(11) , The Forum
17,505 , 2–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 3 , April 2, 1972 , @
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 108–101
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(31) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(14) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(9) ,
Chicago Stadium Chicago Stadium was an indoor arena in Chicago, Illinois, that opened in 1929, closed in 1994 and was demolished in 1995. It was the home of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls. ...

17,805 , 3–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 4 , April 4, 1972 , @
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

W 108–97
, Goodrich (27) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(31) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(10) ,
Chicago Stadium Chicago Stadium was an indoor arena in Chicago, Illinois, that opened in 1929, closed in 1994 and was demolished in 1995. It was the home of the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks and the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls. ...

18,847 , 4–0 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 1 , April 9, 1972 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

L 73–93
, Hairston (16) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(6) , The Forum
17,505 , 0–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 2 , April 12, 1972 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 135–134
, McMillian (42) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(17) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) , The Forum
17,505 , 1–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 3 , April 14, 1972 , @
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 108–105
, Goodrich (30) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(14) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(8) ,
MECCA Arena Mecca (; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, commonly shortened to Makkah ()) is a city and administrative center of the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, and the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valle ...

10,746 , 2–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 4 , April 16, 1972 , @
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

L 88–114
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(24) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
, Hairston (11) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(4) ,
MECCA Arena Mecca (; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, commonly shortened to Makkah ()) is a city and administrative center of the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, and the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valle ...

10,746 , 2–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 5 , April 18, 1972 ,
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 115–90
, McMillian (25) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(26) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(10) , The Forum
17,505 , 3–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 6 , April 22, 1972 , @
Milwaukee Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee is ...

W 104–100
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(25) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(9) ,
MECCA Arena Mecca (; officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, commonly shortened to Makkah ()) is a city and administrative center of the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia, and the holiest city in Islam. It is inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valle ...

10,746 , 4–2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 1 , April 26, 1972 ,
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

L 92–114
, Goodrich (20) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(19) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(7) , The Forum
17,505 , 0–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 2 , April 30, 1972 ,
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 106–92
, Goodrich (31) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(13) , The Forum
17,505 , 1–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 3 , May 3, 1972 , @
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 107–96
,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(26) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
, Hairston (20) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(8) ,
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...

19,588 , 2–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 4 , May 5, 1972 , @
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 116–111 (OT)
,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(28) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(24) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(7) ,
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as The Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd Street, above Pennsylva ...

19,588 , 3–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 5 , May 7, 1972 ,
New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

W 114–100
, Goodrich (25) ,
Chamberlain Chamberlain may refer to: Profession *Chamberlain (office), the officer in charge of managing the household of a sovereign or other noble figure People *Chamberlain (surname) **Houston Stewart Chamberlain (1855–1927), German-British philosop ...
(29) ,
West West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sunset, Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic languages, German ...
(9) , The Forum
17,505 , 4–1 , -


Player statistics


Regular season


Playoffs


NBA Finals

The Los Angeles Lakers played against the New York Knicks in the NBA finals during the postseason.


Game 1

Although without
Willis Reed Willis Reed Jr. (born June 25, 1942) is an American retired basketball player, coach and general manager. He spent his entire professional playing career (1964–1974) with the New York Knicks. In 1982, Reed was inducted into the Naismith Memo ...
because of his knee injury.
Jerry Lucas Jerry Ray Lucas (born March 30, 1940) is an American former basketball player. He was a nationally awarded high school player, national college star at Ohio State, and 1960 gold medal Olympian and international player before later starring as a p ...
scored 26 points but was only one of several Knicks who was red hot.
Bill Bradley William Warren Bradley (born July 28, 1943) is an American politician and former professional basketball player. He served three terms as a Democratic U.S. senator from New Jersey (1979–1997). He ran for the Democratic Party's nomination f ...
hit 11 of 12 shots from the field as New York shot 53 percent for the game. The team took advantage of a nearly perfect first half to jump to a good lead and won easily, 114–92. Early in the second half, the Forum crowd began filing out dejectedly. It looked like another Los Angeles fold in the Finals.


Game 2

Knicks forward
Dave DeBusschere David Albert DeBusschere (October 16, 1940 – May 14, 2003) was an American professional National Basketball Association (NBA) player and coach and Major League Baseball (MLB) player. He played for the Chicago White Sox of MLB in 1962 and 1963 a ...
hurt his side and didn't play after the first half. Hairston scored 12 points in the second half, and Los Angeles evened the series with a 106–92 win.


Game 3

DeBusschere attempted to play in the first half and missed all six of his field-goal attempts. He was hurting and elected not to play in the second half. DeBusschere explained, "I didn't feel I was helping the team." The Lakers danced out to a 22-point lead and regained the home-court advantage with a 107–96 win.


Game 4

The game went into overtime, but at the end of regulation,
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
picked up his fifth foul. In 13 NBA seasons, he had never fouled out of a game, a history he was immensely proud of but also one that usually led to him playing less aggressively when he was on the verge of getting a 6th foul. As the press waited for Wilt to take the floor and hurt the Lakers by reverting to a passive style, he instead came out in a shotblocking fury that propelled the Lakers to a 116–111 win. At three games to one, their lead now seemed insurmountable.


Game 5

The Lakers won their sixth NBA championship by the score of 114–100. This was their first championship since moving to Los Angeles in
1960 It is also known as the "Year of Africa" because of major events—particularly the independence of seventeen African nations—that focused global attention on the continent and intensified feelings of Pan-Africanism. Events January * Ja ...
.
Jerry West Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...
also won his first NBA championship after 12 years of waiting. Wilt Chamberlain scored 24 points and 29 rebounds and earned the
NBA Finals MVP Award The Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (formerly known as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award) is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. The award is decided by a panel of e ...
.


Award winners

*
Bill Sharman William Walton Sharman (May 25, 1926 – October 25, 2013) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He is mostly known for his time with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s, partnering with Bob Cousy in what was then considered ...
,
NBA Coach of the Year The National Basketball Association's Coach of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1962–63 NBA season. The winner receives the Red Auerbach Trophy, which is named in honor of the head coach who le ...
* Jerry West, All-NBA First Team *
Jerry West Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...
, All-NBA Defensive First Team *
Wilt Chamberlain Wilton Norman Chamberlain (; August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a Center (basketball), center. Standing at tall, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 yea ...
, All-NBA Defensive First Team * Wilt Chamberlain, NBA Leader, Shooting Percentage (.649)


References


External links


1971 Lakers on Database Basketball


{{DEFAULTSORT:1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers Season
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
Los Angeles Lakers seasons NBA championship seasons Western Conference (NBA) championship seasons Los Angle Los Angle