On This Day in Lakers History: Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West End an Unbeaten Month in Record Style.
One of the more unique teams in NBA history, the 1971–72 Los Angeles Lakers achieved numerous firsts and records on their way to winning a championship. The squad, which included players like Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West, proved to be too strong for the other teams in the league.
The Lakers set an NBA record with 33 straight victories and achieved their historic standing during this season. The Lakers finished December with an incredible feat, even if winning 33 games set a record in and of itself.
The Lakers and Seattle Supersonics played in the KeyArena on December 30, 1971. With just one more win left in the month, the club would have the greatest monthly record in NBA history at the end of 1971, having gone 15-0 overall.
NBA veteran Elgin Baylor was not wearing a suit, which put the Lakers at a disadvantage before the game even started. The Lakers’ lead was only one point at the end of the first quarter when they were playing on the road.
But the second quarter would offer some comfort, as they led by 11 points at the half. Los Angeles had already won 29 games in a row, so much rested on their ability to win 30 and have a perfect month.
On the other hand, Zaid Abdul-Aziz (formerly Donald Smith), Spencer Haywood,
