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Los Angeles Lakers: Greatest NBA Finals performances in team history

By Jamaal Artis

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: A general view of the final shot of the Boston Celtics during their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: A general view of the final shot of the Boston Celtics during their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Number 8

  • Elgin Baylor 1962 NBA Finals Game 5 vs. Boston Celtics
  • PTS: 61 REB: 22 FT%: .895

As the first superstar when the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, Elgin Baylor was the face of the franchise and helped popularize the NBA in Southern California. His slashing above the rim style of basketball brought a new dimension to the NBA.

Had his performance in game five of the 1962 NBA Finals taken place in a title clinching game or a game seven then perhaps it would have been the greatest performance not just in Lakers history but in NBA history.

Alas, Baylor’s record-setting 61 point game led to a win but only led the Lakers to a 3-2 series lead against the Boston Celtics. Baylor’s point total is still the record for a NBA Finals game and it was a playoff record until Michael Jordan scored 63 in 1986.

Unfortunately for Baylor and the Lakers, they could not take advantage and would lose game six at home and game seven in overtime back in Boston, sliding Baylor’s game down the list to number seven.

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