2018–19 Los Angeles Lakers season
The 2018–19 Los Angeles Lakers season was the franchise's 71st season, its 70th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and its 59th in Los Angeles.
| 2018–19 Los Angeles Lakers season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Luke Walton |
| General manager | Rob Pelinka |
| President | Jeanie Buss |
| Owners | Jerry Buss family trust (primary owner being Jeanie Buss as of March 27, 2017) |
| Arena | Staples Center |
| Results | |
| Record | 37–45 (.451) |
| Place | Division: 4th (Pacific) Conference: 10th (Western) |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Radio | ESPN LA 710 (English) • 1020 Radio AM (Spanish) |
Following the signing of NBA superstar and then 3-time champion LeBron James on July 1, 2018, the Lakers hoped to finish with a winning record and playoff appearance for the first time since the 2012–13 season. However, after an improved 20–14 start to the season, several injuries accumulated throughout the season including James, Rajon Rondo, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram, and the Lakers fell below .500 by the All-Star break. By March, the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention, extending the team's postseason drought to a franchise record six seasons, and a sixth straight losing season, even after improving from their 2017–18 campaign by two games. It is the first time that James missed the playoffs since 2005 and first time he did not appear in the NBA Finals since 2010. This was the last time until 2022 that the Lakers missed the playoffs.
On April 9, the conclusion of the Lakers' season, Magic Johnson stepped down as president of basketball operations. Three days later, Luke Walton and the team agreed to part ways.