This Day In Lakers History: James Worthy Records First Career Triple-Double Against Pistons In Game 7 Of 1988 NBA Finals
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a season in which they won the NBA Championship, the Los Angeles Lakers stormed their way to the best overall record (62-20) and top seed heading into the 1988 playoffs.

The playoffs looked to be a breeze, but quickly turned into a grueling battle. The Lakers, on the road to another NBA Finals appearance, needed two seven-game series against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks to get there.

Once in the Finals, they faced another tough test in the ‘bad boy’ Detroit Pistons. Led by Isiah Thomas, the Pistons got 54 wins and earned the second seed in the East. The Pistons also had a difficult road to the Finals, as they faced an elimination game in the first round against the Washington Bullets.

The series between the Lakers and Pistons was a battle from the start. They split the first two games, each winning by 12 points. Detroit then took a 3-2 series lead, when the Lakers won by just one point to force a Game 7 at the Great Western Forum, which was played June 21, 1988.

Although the Lakers had Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it was James Worthy who stole the show. Worthy dazzled with his first career triple-double, scoring 36 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists.

This Hall-of-Fame performance helped lead the Lakers a 108-105 victory and they became the first team in 20 years to win back-to-back NBA titles.

Johnson added 19 points and 14 assists, while Byron Scott poured in 21 points of his own. This title was the final one of the Showtime era and officially cemented Johnson’s, Worthy’s and Jabbar’s place in history as one of the greatest trios to ever grace a court.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: Eric Gordon, Buddy Hield & Patrick Beverley Still Viewed As Backup Plans To Kyrie Irving

Most of the big offseason moves throughout the NBA have already been made, but the Los Angeles Lakers remain right in the middle…

Lakers History: The Los Angeles Lakers Disappointing 2021 Season

Coming off their first championship since 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers were…

Lakers News: LeBron James Planning To Watch NFL Playoffs To Get Over Nets Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers had the opportunity to build momentum on Friday night against a Brooklyn Nets team that came in having lost…

Lakers News: Carmelo Anthony Doesn’t ‘Totally Disagree’ With James Worthy’s Comments

There are few bonds in the sports world stronger than the one between the Los Angeles Lakers and its fans…