The Lakers have gone full-tank mode over the last few seasons, and have been a perennial bottom-feeder in the Western Conference during that time.
They haven’t finished with a .500 or better record, since the 2012-13 season, and have won just 64 games combined over the past three years since. For comparison purposes, the Warriors won 67 games just last season, which really puts things into perspective.
But that doesn’t mean the Lakers organization hasn’t been succeeding off the court.
The Lakers fan base has a strong presence around the country, and they’re as passionate and committed as they come. So often with the team playing terribly, they still do well in merchandise and ticket sales.
And here’s something that might surprise you: The Lakers turned a $115.4 million net profit last season, which was more than any other team in the league, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Zach Lowe. What wasn’t surprising, though, was the team that came in second — the world champion Warriors, at $25 million less than the Lakers.
The Lakers finished with a 26-56 record last season, and appear set to win even more games this season. There’s a chance that they pull off bringing in Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Paul George in one year’s time — or at least two of the three. What would their profit margin be then? It’d be astronomical.
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