Lakers

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Los Angeles Lakers
Alias(es)	Lakers; Purple and Gold
Affiliation	NBA
Occupation/Role	Professional basketball team; Zhou Ze's primary team
Status	Active
First Appearance	1

Background / History

The Lakers select Chinese forward Zhou Ze in the second round of the 2005 draft, viewing his exceptional physical talent as a potential rebuilding piece beside franchise centerpiece Kobe Bryant. Their plans are immediately threatened when Zhou retaliates against Kobe with an elbow during an intrasquad scrimmage, leaving Kobe requiring stitches and prompting management pressure to trade the rookie. The organization publicly characterizes the incident as accidental and keeps Zhou on the roster. 1 2

Under head coach Phil Jackson, the team develops Zhou into its second option while retaining Kobe as its offensive core. Early lineups frequently pair Kobe, Lamar Odom, Zhou, and Kwame Brown, with Zhou alternating between forward and center responsibilities. 59 71 87

During the 2005–06 season, the Lakers reinforce their thin frontcourt by trading Brian Cook to the Detroit Pistons for Darko Milicic and a 2006 second-round pick. Although the deal is widely criticized, Milicic becomes part of the team's rotation and develops a close relationship with Zhou. 79 80

The Lakers add Rajon Rondo, P. J. Tucker, and Shannon Brown through the 2006 draft and trade Smush Parker and Chris Mihm to Golden State for Derek Fisher. The new group gives the team additional playmaking, defensive energy, and lineup flexibility. 149 156

Led by Kobe and Zhou—collectively known as the Purple and Gold Double Elbows—the Lakers reach the 2007 Finals after defeating the Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. They defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the 2006–07 NBA championship. 284 296

The franchise continues reshaping its roster after the title. In 2008, it trades Darko Milicic for Chris Andersen, drafts JaVale McGee, brings Marc Gasol into the squad, signs Chris Webber, and acquires Ron Artest. Despite concerns over replacing its entire center rotation, the rebuilt team maintains title-contender status. 448 451 455 456

By the 2008–09 season, the Lakers have completed a three-peat. Their championship-ring ceremony for that season is held before their 2009–10 regular-season opener against the Clippers. 612 614

The Lakers remain the league's dominant team into the 2010–11 season. They defeat the Miami Heat's newly formed Big Three by 25 points in the season opener, but later reach the Finals without the suspended Kobe and Zhou before losing 4–2 to the Golden State Warriors. 691 701

Team Identity & Tactics

Purple and Gold Double Elbows

Kobe Bryant and Zhou Ze are the Lakers' defining partnership. Their relationship begins with Zhou injuring Kobe, but evolves into productive on-court chemistry, mutual criticism, mentorship, and repeated championship contention. 1 38 283 557

• Kobe's scoring gravity creates space for Zhou's post-ups, cuts, putbacks, and three-point shots. 38 293 442
• Zhou's defense, screening, rebounding, and playmaking support Kobe's offense and allow the pair to lead both transition and half-court attacks. 89 416 557
• The duo is the core of the Lakers' long-term championship plans; the organization later intends to build its next generation around Zhou as Kobe ages. 603

Death Five-Out

The Lakers use a small-ball lineup with Zhou at center, surrounded by perimeter-capable teammates. The formation is first repeatedly drilled in practice before being deployed as a situational weapon. 89

• Stretches the floor through Zhou's three-point threat while preserving rebounding and rim protection. 89
• Allows the Lakers to use Zhou as the center against traditional big men, particularly during playoff adjustments. 252
• Becomes a recurring countermeasure in high-scoring games against teams such as the Suns. 263

Death Five Bigs

The Lakers also experiment with an oversized lineup of Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Zhou Ze, Kwame Brown, and Darko Milicic. 93

• Uses size and athleticism to wall off the paint and pressure opposing drivers, including LeBron James. 93
• Sacrifices defensive flexibility; the lineup can be vulnerable to rapid rotations and open three-point shooting. 285

Zhou-Centered Offense

As Zhou's ball-handling and passing improve, the Lakers increasingly use him as a central offensive initiator rather than solely as a finisher. 201 227

• Runs ball-handler pick-and-rolls with Derek Fisher screening for Zhou. 201
• Uses high-post and low-post sets that allow Zhou to score, find cutters, or pass to perimeter shooters. 164 427
• Incorporates Princeton offense concepts, with Zhou's cutting, passing, and finishing helping create dominant early leads. 470
• Uses Zhou's offensive gravity to free teammates such as Chris Webber for cuts and open shots. 462

Defensive System

The Lakers' defense grows from a collection of individual matchups into a coordinated, switching unit built around Zhou's mobility, rim protection, and awareness. 470 521

• Zhou can defend multiple positions, from opposing centers to perimeter stars such as LeBron James. 93 469
• P. J. Tucker, Ron Artest, Kobe, and Rajon Rondo provide aggressive perimeter pressure and help defense. 394 456 521
• By the 2008–09 season, opposing observers describe the Lakers' defense as a “moving fortress” because of its rotations and communication. 521

Roster Development

• 2005–06 frontcourt reinforcement — The Lakers acquire Darko Milicic and a second-round pick from Detroit for Brian Cook after Chris Mihm's injury leaves the team short on interior depth. 79
• 2006 rookie class — Rajon Rondo, P. J. Tucker, and Shannon Brown join the organization; Rondo becomes an important playmaker, while Tucker develops into a defensive specialist. 149 151 394
• Derek Fisher return — The team trades Smush Parker and Chris Mihm to Golden State for Fisher and a 2007 second-round pick, restoring an experienced point guard to the rotation. 156
• 2008 overhaul — Chris Andersen, Marc Gasol, JaVale McGee, Ron Artest, and Chris Webber join the Lakers as the team rebuilds its frontcourt and deepens its veteran rotation. 448 451 455
• 2009 additions — The Lakers draft Patrick Beverley and Danny Green, then sign Jermaine O'Neal as another veteran frontcourt option. 603 605
• 2010 offseason — Jermaine O'Neal departs for Golden State after winning a championship with Los Angeles, while the Lakers draft Nemanja Bjelica in the second round. 688

Key Personnel

• Kobe Bryant — Franchise leader and Zhou Ze's co-star; initially injured by Zhou's elbow, he later mentors, defends, challenges, and wins championships alongside him. 1 283 557
• Zhou Ze — Second-round pick turned central franchise player; serves as a forward, center, occasional primary ball-handler, and the foundation of the Lakers' future roster plans. 87 201 469 603
• Phil Jackson — Head coach who keeps Zhou after the Kobe incident, develops specialized lineups, and integrates Zhou into the triangle offense and other tactical systems. 1 89 307 310
• Rajon Rondo — Primary playmaker whose chemistry with Zhou improves the Lakers' transition game, post entry passing, and defensive pressure. 164 330 470
• Lamar Odom — Versatile forward and key component of the Death Five-Out; his ball-handling and transition ability complement the Lakers' stars. 89 227
• Derek Fisher — Veteran point guard whose screens, passing, and late-career resurgence support Zhou-led offense. 201 631
• Ron Artest / Metta World Peace — Defensive wing acquired in 2008; forms a disruptive defensive partnership with Zhou and later changes his name to Metta World Peace. 456 532
• Chris Webber — Veteran big man signed to back up Zhou; becomes a productive scorer and a frequent recipient of Zhou's playmaking. 451 462 507

Major Achievements

• Wins the 2006–07 NBA championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 284 296
• Posts a league-best 67–15 record during the 2007–08 regular season. 396
• Completes a three-peat by the conclusion of the 2008–09 season. 612 614
• Records a 37-game winning streak, with Zhou posting 32 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks in the 37th victory. 654
• Extends a later winning streak to at least 23 games, becoming the team with the second-longest winning streak in NBA history at that point. 635
• Defeats Miami's Big Three by 25 points in the 2010–11 season opener. 691
• Reaches the Finals for the ninth consecutive year, though the team loses to Golden State while Kobe and Zhou are suspended. 701

Trivia

• The Lakers' home games are played at Staples Center, which they share with the Clippers. 146 314
• The team is repeatedly associated with extreme lineup experimentation, including both Death Five-Out and Death Five Bigs. 89 93
• The 2007 Finals run popularizes the “Purple and Gold Double Elbows” label for Kobe and Zhou. 284
• During the 2008–09 roster transition, the Lakers' players become known for chaotic passing miscues, particularly Zhou's deceptive elbow passes. 456 461 463