1947–48 Minneapolis Lakers season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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