Making the Case - 1972 Lakers

There are eight teams since 1970 that I think you can make the argument for as being the greatest NBA team of all time. The 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers are one of them.
Shout out to Nic (the real GOAT) for the thumbnail and graphics: nicstelter.com
Videos like this are made possible thanks to support on Patreon
/ claytoncrowley
Follow me on Twitter where fun is had by all - @ClaytonCrowley
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Music used (in order):
Dream On by Poldoore - / dream-on
Simplicit Nights by Ghostrifter - / simplicit-nights
Malecon by Soyb & Amine Maxwell - / soyb-amine-maxwell-mal...
Afternoon Tea by Mona Wonderlick - / afternoon-tea-extended
Cali by W a t a b o i - / cal
Sharp by Vishmak - / vishmak-sharp
Paranoia by Prod Riddiman - / paranoia-alt-rocktrap-...
North Divide by Josh Leake

[@Orzel600]

“Apologies to Bill and Wilt” proceeds to have a whole video about Wilt

[@eselloverjones]

was gonna say that too, im not complaining tho

[@paulloy8728]

The '67 Sixers might have had a chance on the list, so maybe that's why. Could be wrong tho

[@roddy2561]

@@paulloy8728 since 1970

[@DuranmanX]

We will need apologies to Dr. J and Moses if we don't get the '83 Sixers

[@woc_levievan2097]

BET LOVE THIS SHIT

[@reillyjamessullivan6940]

This needs to be the next Last Dance, the Lakers from 1959-72, finally getting the ring. Call it the "Last Chance"

[@ansaz14]

“He didn’t adapt to basketball, basketball was forced to adapt to him.” That is some G.O.A.T worthy praise

[@prat19]

as incredible as it sounds, is just the truth... they had to change the rules because Wilt's dominance... there is no other player in history that changed the game as much as Wilt, its just unreal.

[@Kingbossdon]

But it's true 👍 look how many rule changes they had just for Wilt widening the lane guiding the ball into the ball no fee throw line dunks they made rules so he couldn't dominate the game

[@silver-eyedfox7713]

@@prat19 Remember the headline too. “Can basketball survive Wilt Chamberlain?”

[@lloydkline1518]

Wilt waa an college & NBA basketball pioneer like george miken ; bob cousey etc etc ❤️ watching early 1960s wilt give wilt the ball & gwt out of this way as wilt wheels towards the basket to score

[@wvu05]

@@prat19 "Remember, Michael, when you played the game, they changed all the rules to make it easier for you to dominate. When I played, they changed all the rules to make it more difficult for me to dominate. End of discussion. Advantage: Chamberlain." As told by Bill Walton describing a conversation at an NBA 50 for 50 event

[@yoshiwall5870]

Genuine chills, you simply cannot write a better team sports narrative

[@zerickmason7026]

Most definitely

[@shinglesshingles]

"Uhh have u seen the last dance?" -Every irrational Jordan fan 😂

[@pacingone]

Basketball is about stories...and this story is the best...this was the only one I hadn't watched in this series...boy am I glad I did...

[@michaeljordan299]

Youre literally better than first take , undisputed , all nba media combined

[@morganwalsh2314]

Are you the real Michael Jordan?

[@michaeljordan299]

@@morganwalsh2314 mayb

[@prat19]

thats where became personal to him

[@123dan165]

No he's not he never made a case for Kobe being the goat so he loses points.

[@javigar133]

Well, Clayton is a talented artist not a media clown.

[@fireshadowblade9]

We have to give Jerry West his flowers as much as we can, guys. With Elgin's death in March, he's not going to be around forever, and even though I myself am not a Lakers fan, the man has given the organization everything from a player, to a coach, to an executive for most of his life. We love you, Jerry, regardless of what team we support!

[@Zamppa86]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Jerry West is no doubt one of the most influential individuals of basketball history.

[@KOHoxton]

After the death of kobe, I've been very wary of speaking ill on anyone in the league, I've never truly spoken out against anyone except Kawhi or KD, but now I cant even do that. Just appreciate what's there. While you can.

[@ThatDuuuude]

Not just with the lakers too, he’s built some of the greatest teams like the grit n grind grizzlies & the warriors dynasty.

[@jacobhare3093]

@miguelzaibatsu How are you just going to bring up Jordan out of nowhere? lmao

[@Madvillainy48]

Jerry in my opinion had the the greatest overall basketball career ever. He's goated as a player and a manager.

[@derekhiemforth]

It might be a tough choice when making the case for the greatest NBA team of all time, but there's no question about who is the greatest creator of NBA-related KZbin content. You're simply on a whole 'nother level, Clayton.

[@ENB-gott]

Agree!

[@coachwane]

Lol 1967 Sixers is my preference

[@wvu05]

Imagine how many titles Wilt Chamberlain would have won if he had Hannum or Sharman coaching him for the bulk of his career.

[@gerryschultz7352]

Consistency is everything. Tough to win without it. Revolving doors = losing.

[@lilgvbjr4683]

Also, in the end, Baylor did get his ring even though he didn’t win it. The team gifted him one for being their cornerstone for the decade and a driving force in their success.

[@senseichess8688]

He played 9 games that season Thats why he got the ring

[@WestSide1207]

@@senseichess8688 You have to play at least one game in the playoffs for the champs to be considered a "champion."

[@senseichess8688]

@@WestSide1207 that does not make sense...he played 9 games so the Lakers made sure he got a ring...end of story

[@lloydkline1518]

Elgin baylor should gotten a ring ; the whole basketball team even non bssketball players get rings

[@MovieGuy666]

@@WestSide1207 you can sit on the bench for the entire season and you still get a ring.

[@JustLennart]

This guy here is pretending to have a basketball channel to read his poetry out to many people at once. I absolutely love it! The videos seems to get more poetic as time passes by, just as my enjoyment seems to raise as well

[@sgrey9181]

Go watch his most recent video, most poetic yet

[@themenegatti28]

Clayton’s content is just different. The quality of these videos make them worth the wait.

[@travismichael9595]

Better quality and knowledge and generally caring about the sport and being correct.

[@jbug1979]

I second that emotion. I was hoping the above song dropped in 72' but alas it was 69'.

[@qqw743]

I lived in LA that year, age 7, and bled purple and gold. I went to an autograph appearance at some community center and stood in line for two hours to get a Gail Goodrich signed program. We listened to the games on radio because they weren't often on TV. Once the streak got to ten games we had a chart of all the upcoming games and marked off the wins. What could have been the 34th win in a row was one we had already anticipated would be tough -- Kareem and the Bucks, I believe in Milwaukee. The streak ended and we were miserable and hated the Bucks more than ever. But we still had two goals: best won-loss record and championship. It's hard to overstate the joy and satisfaction of reaching both of those goals. Jerry West was my personal hero and frankly over the years I haven't really changed my mind because as an executive he's not just the best talent evaluator ever, he's a decent and articulate person who is certainly the most important NBA figure ever. At the time, I don't remember much debate even among fans of other teams: Wilt was the greatest basketball player, ever. This was so obvious that no one bothered to dispute it. Put all that together and it was the greatest team ever. As Clayton says, there were other greatest teams ever, but this was mine.

[@lloydkline1518]

Lucky met gail goodrich : my hero

[@gusruizjr4887]

so in the early 70s wilt was considered easily the goat by fans even tho bill dominated the win totals?

[@qqw743]

@@gusruizjr4887 Among the fans I was aware of, absolutely and easily. Ask someone who grew up in Boston, though....

[@anonymoususer2080]

In bill Simmons book of basketball, he says that at the time of Russell's retirement, he was considered the greatest player of all time but over time wilts statistics started looking more and more amazing and he started entering the conversation. This thread completely defies that. Interesting

[@hassanstark4520]

I appreciate that you illustrated how important Baylor was for the championship team despite him retiring at the beginning of the season. He is arguably the greatest player to never win a ring.

[@shastealyomeal]

Charles Barkley And Reggie Miller?

[@MarcTelesha]

@@shastealyomeal Spit out that devil jouice from your mouth if you think Reggie Miller deserves to even be remembered as anything but a cheat one trick pony that lost all the time except for a few games towards the end of his career at the expense of the Knicks. Like when he shoved John Starks to the ground and scored. How his shooting stroke with crossing his arms was so that fouls could be called just showed how cheap he was. This guy averaged sub 20 points except for 6 season out of 17 years. He also really ever would force a three because he thought so highly of his three point percentage.

[@Amick44]

@@shastealyomeal they're up there. They are also no Elgin.

[@lloydkline1518]

❤️ elgin baylor

[@lloydkline1518]

❤️ elgin baylor too my hero

[@georgeorwell4534]

In game four Wilt had broken his hand. While it was reported it was "strained", it was indeed broken. Wilt refused to allow this to stop him. He had the hand shot with Novocain, wrapped it tight, and went on to score 24 points and get 29 rebounds in the game five victory. Wilt stepped up and cemented history.

[@silver-eyedfox7713]

Wilt Chamberlain was part of the team that broke the regular season winning record of his previous team. Pure dominance.

[@12gark]

He broke every record a single player could, and then set a number of team record when he focused on team results over individual success. Of that's not "dominate", I honestly don't know what dominate means.

[@geordiejones5618]

He still lost to Russell 8 times. The last 4 times they squared up in the playoffs, Wilt had a great team but could only win once.

[@AleksAvramJeff]

Wilt is the most dominating athlete ever to play in the NBA, no question about it.

[@phillipschuman4307]

@@geordiejones5618 Don't forget his Philly team beat Russell's Celtics 4-1 (almost in a sweep because they went up 3-0 before the Celtics got their 1 game win), which stopped the Celtic's title run at 8 in a row. Also, in four of his team's losses to the Celtics, it went to a game 7. The total margin of loss in those four games was 9 points, so slightly less than one field goal per game. In a make or miss league, literally one shot different made or missed would have changed those outcomes, and teams in those times averaged 100 possessions or more a game. So, 7 games had ~700+ possessions for each team, and one possession out of ~700 decided those series. That is more the luck of a late bounce and not the complete Celtics' dominance it would otherwise seem.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

He was not part, he was the best player of the team, although at the time Goodrich was the prime scorer. But Wilt was the MVP of the Finals.

[@P1P31150]

As a Celtics fan I hate that there's 3 Laker teams in this list, but sometimes you have to admire the builds and embrace the arguments. Good job Clayton

[@splashnskillz37]

_"You created a monster, that came right back to defy all odds and surpass you, the curse you've put on it, only made it stronger and greater... _*_for all time_*_ "_

[@equilibrium_69]

As someone who knows the history of the NBA, it's amazing to see someone so young who gives credit to the teams and players of old. This was beautifully done.

[@Madvillainy48]

My man Elgin Baylor had one of the unluckiest basketball careers of all time. He watched his teammate become the logo on the franchise he saved, lost 8 finals, retired before they won, then he became the manager of the Clippers with owner Donald Sterling.

[@Bigedub101]

Damn that's some bad luck especially that last part

[@zephyrion]

You're the Summoning Salt of basketball, dude. Savantesque story-telling, good music choice, nice cadence, nice pace, nice voice balance, excellent presentation... I love these videos Clayton. Thanks.

[@pcm1011]

What a great comparison, NBA historian if you will

[@javigar133]

That was an amazingly well phrased compliment, way better than mine.

[@zephyrion]

@@javigar133 liberal arts degree ftw

[@jetjiles49]

Oh, so you watch Summoning Salt as well! High Five!

[@pranays.karpuram3599]

the fact that there are 3 Lakers teams which have a case for the greatest team of all time is insane

[@derpmcgerp8062]

I had a feeling you were gonna include this team. They're easily in consideration as the best team of the 1970s, on top of being Wilt's best team ever. What's cool too is this team had to go head to head against a young Kareem and his very good Bucks squad, so it's not like this Lakers team faced nobody.

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

Dewitt mcdidditt are you serious? Even wilt says his 76ers team was the best team he ever played on

[@senseichess8688]

70s best team ever....yeah maybe

[@itzfishiesBS1]

@@casualfandestroyer2503 its in the 60s so uyeh

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@9Ballr]

I actually think the 1967 76ers were Wilt's best team, but the '72 Lakers were certainly great too.

[@safiullahqureshi3196]

Jerry West was a monster that year. His jumper was unstoppable and he controlled the offense better than any other guard in the league.

[@kharis87]

Very underrated nowadays. West was so dominant in 1972 season. Dont forget though that Wilt was the best player in the 1972 Finals and thats why he got FMVP.

[@jda8557]

@@kharis87 very true but I don't think its any insult to jerry west to be the second best player behind wilt the guy has a serious argument for the GOAT conversation

[@stephcurrytheg.o.a.t]

@@jda8557 West was the best player that year

[@kharis87]

@@jda8557 who said it was an insult? Lol

[@aaronvanzomeren8775]

Not saying youre lying or anything, but how do you know things like this? Theres barely any videotape of this era

[@mrtspence]

It is as if fate decided to make two different builds using the Duncan Robinson character preset. For him, they granted height and basketball skill. For you, they minmaxed for storytelling. Great stuff. This series is awesome man, I cannot wait for the next.

[@Cheaprz]

What the fuck is this comment??

[@FCBanton]

@@Cheaprz Ikr? I thought i had a stroke reading it, wtf

[@georgeorwell4534]

Discussion on the semi-final round with the Bucks defines their greatness. Behind 2-0, Wilt's challenge to his teammates was the stuff of legend. In his 13th year he played his greatest 4 game series in his career in his play against Jabaar.

[@lilbru]

The disrespect elgin & wilt receives is ridiculous...these two were legendary and innovators. Elgin kept the lakers from folding...for that alone, should be considered one of the top tier 5 greats

[@jaydeepbose4501]

lol, they are shit..played in farmers era

[@JacksonBlackmon]

Clayton’s writing has reached a whole new level. My man is a true poet. I nearly teared up over basketball that happened near 3 decades before I was born

[@jahazielcipolla]

You’re literally my favorite KZbinr, you tell the STORY of basketball in such a beautiful way that doesn’t devolve into hot takes and screaming matches

[@JackStone-ee7kg]

I remember that year and that team like yesterday, and the 33 game winning streak, I watched jabber and the bucks end it on my dad's little black n white tv downstairs, but I knew they'd win it, 69/13, awesome

[@drunkenxrage]

I've never seen anyone bring basketball history to life quite like Clayton. Wow. Also, paying my respects to the late, trailblazing forward who was Eglin Baylor. I read about you growing up and always made it a note to talk about you when I could. One of the great career tragedies that you missed out on this championship squad, but you are far from forgotten!

[@raypetree9372]

I’m a devout Celtics fan, but it would be wrong of me to deny the ‘72 Lakers of their rightful place, as the greatest NBA team of all time. It was the best year of Chamberlain’s third act and the long awaited coronation of West’s stellar career. Their back court was historically significant, Happy Hairston and Jim McMillian were dynamic role players, and Chamberlain was the centrifugal force in Sharman’s scheme. In imitating Red Auerbach and Bill Russell’s approach, Sharman’s Lakers achieved unprecedented success - despite a grueling schedule that included back-to-back-to-back games, poor traveling conditions, and a Western Conference occupied by the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.

[@ijrebuck]

Please don’t stop making series like these… your quality is absolutely outstanding

[@leonschneider8069]

The last 3 minutes made me cry. No cap i didnt thought that i would get such a deep dive to a legendary team through a youtube Video. Incredible work clayton.

[@frederickpando9444]

I've been waiting for a documentary on the Lakers team that won 33 games in a row and won the 1972 NBA Championship. Clayton Crowley covered every aspect of that team. Well done Clayton!

[@libertines24]

"it took the greatest team of all time to beat fate" Hell of a video. I always think this team, 96 bulls and 17 warriors are the three greatest teams ever

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@lloydkline1518]

Bill russell / boston celtic beat wilis reed / ny knick in 1969 playoff series & wilt / philladelpia 76ers 1868 beat willis reed/ ny knick in 1868 series playoff

[@Gnofg]

@@lloydkline1518 and the Knicks dominated from then on. I grew up then and I started watching in 1965. I saw plenty of Russell and Chamberlain. .I give it to Russell in '69. The Knicks were just getting started as they had traded for DeBuscherre in '68 and the team was just getting its act together. They had just started to mature. They would have beaten the '72 lakers. They beat them by 30 points in the first game but DeBuscherre was injured for the rest of the series. They had the right matchups. By this time Frazier was better than West, Monroe was better that Goodrich, Bradley was better than McMillan and DeBuscherre was better than Happy hairston. Wilt was at the end of his career. They torched him the next year and routed the Lakers.

[@lloydkline1518]

@@Gnofg i notice you know oldie NBA basketball history very well ok ;; 1973 john havlichek was hurt in playoff series bostin celtic vs willis reed & ny knick ; peace

[@ivanbeatenov6587]

@@Gnofg Yeah, but in 72-73 West pulled his hamstring muscles and was unable to play in the finals.

[@justinbires6283]

I knew they won but your foreshadowing a loss made me so nervous they were gonna lose somehow. Your storytelling is art.

[@scottmunson2917]

Having suffered through all those years of torment and heartbreak in the 1960s, this video touched my heart more than I can possibly express. Thanks so much for putting this together. And, yes, it was an awful torment to see the breakthrough finally happen and to not have Elgin Baylor part of it. Even in victory, there was ambivalence for the team of my youth.

[@wari136]

honestly this is some of the best basketball content ever made. The time and waiting for his video is always payed off with well built points and structure 100/10

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@jamesbullock4316]

ty clayton this made my whole morning lol that assist west makes at 14:20 is legitimately one of the best ive ever seen

[@michaeltomasicchio6895]

Damn, the Lakers have had a lot of really good teams.

[@stopthatsailboat]

I had to watch that clip at 16:58 again, absolutely unreal seeing a play like that on a court that still has no 3 point lane and extra narrow paints, Wilt was on a level all his own.

[@philbuttler3427]

Holy crap, Wilt was superhumanly athletic in a way that you've really gotta emphasize he did all that in converse. Like what's crazy to me is how strict the rules were about stuff like passing and offensive fouls and the fact what he did there was totally legal in the rules. Now imagine him with today's refs, rules and modern conditioning, exercise, diet or even just better shoes. What a beast.

[@bensagal-morris8072]

No team EARNED a championship more than this one. They endured the hard road and in the end it was worth it. They may not have been the dynasty they could’ve been but they became the champions they were. One of the three greatest teams of all time. I can’t imagine the mental toughness of this team. Teams that make the finals so often and WIN have a hard time keeping it up. Imagine LOSING all of those years and having to do it all over again. This team was special. The Bill Russell piece was the best of the player series in my opinion and this is the best of the team series. I love that Clayton lets a little bit of sentimentality shine through on the cases where you can tell he’s been moved by the story. It means we get moved as well.

[@samwescoat5750]

If only people would turn their brains on and make it possible for you to do this as a job. We need more of these, always a highlight of my day when I get the notification for a MTC

[@seanconnathon]

better than any basketball series I've seen since the Last Dance, and honestly, Clayton's series might be better than The Last Dance.

[@ahau123411]

killing it as always mr crowley, my goat

[@nihalnizar8602]

That "Finally" hit different, tbh.

[@junaidshahzad6803]

I appreciate how you’ve been giving love to the guys who aren’t just the big names on these all time great teams and how vital they were to the team’s success

[@nicohio3246]

This is without a doubt one of the best videos about basketball history I have ever watched.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

The part about Wilt is true. He never left the lower-left low-post position to set a screen or to create space. This was the year he first went out and set screens. He also went outside to help out on defense instead of staying under the basket.

[@noivern1380]

I remember reading some article about how in one of the knicks vs lakers finals, Willis reed had more screens that led to points than the lakers entire team did. With wilt being great when he decided to leave the basket but more often staying as to get rebounds.

[@BoosterGoldEarth6]

That not true. Literally on the Sixers, he played low and high post.

[@javigar133]

Clayton, this is possibly the most outstanding basketball documentary I have ever had the priviledge to enjoy. The research, the narrativa, the script... Unbelievable! I cant wait for the Next one. Superb

[@gnikulodeon1999]

I think it felt like one of Wilt's sweetest championship victories.

[@flula]

Once more a most dope video Clayton! I never am missing your Videos!

[@yrh1gs]

Excellent job. Well done! I grew up in the LA area and lived thru seeing the Lakers coming short every year. Jerry West did everything he could to win. Played thru so much physical pain that man of today's players whine and cry and refuse to play for having a bruised thigh or calf muscle. West won finals MVP in 69 playing with 2 very sore hamstrings and a pulled groin in game 3 and had 42 pts 13 rebounds and 12 assists in game 7. So that 1971-72 Lakers team that looked on paper like a 45 win team at best is my pick for the greatest NBA team ever.

[@asymptoticspatula]

I'm not crying...you're crying! This was surprisingly moving. GREAT video.

[@prat19]

this is a masterpiece, once you end the series i will like to see one of coaches.. that will be awesome. Congratulations for such a great job. There is no way that any basketball player or fan would not love the work and passion you put on this amazing series. Thank you for dedicating this huge time and effor to us. Personally I enjoy it.

[@dusttaker]

Chuck Daly #1

[@prat19]

Red Auerbach

[@prat19]

Phil Jackson

[@prat19]

Steve Kerr, just to name a few.. there is hundreds of amazing coaches

[@clevisbernier8973]

I love your work Crowley. ESPN should just give you some money and get out of your way.

[@asiaticman3070]

The fact that this man only has 63k subs is a crime!

[@carmacksanderson3937]

This might be your best video yet, which is saying a LOT, given the absolute quality that everything else has been

[@johnnysocket76]

I got my friend into basketball partly by showing him your GOAT videos on teams and players. It's been really fun talking to him about it and using your videos for context. Im a huge history guy so history videos about some of my favorite people are things I'll rewatch many times over. These are fantastic.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

I saw every home game that year. The team had two apparent weaknesses: 1) ball handling and 2) a weak bench at forward and guard. Once Baylor retired, West was the only one that could bring the ball upcourt against pressure. The next year, the Knicks made them pay. 2) The bench looked bad: John Q. Trapp and Pat Riley but the Lakers often pulled further ahead with the bench on the court.

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@rifatalam8294]

Clayton, these last few days have been absolutely sh*t. So I can't thank you enough for posting this to distract even if for a few minutes.

[@francescomazzei4111]

I'm absolutely loving this serie, but this video and the Bucks' one just make me wonder: "Why stopping at 1970 and not wanting to go further back?". Why not including the 67' Philly and especially Russell's Celtics? It seems counterintuitive to me that the actual most winning team in basketball history isn't even in the list. And I just can't wrap my mind around it. If it's just for the sake of the number, then it's stupid: he makes the numbers, no one will complain if there would be 9 o 10 videos instead of 8. I think there's more on the plate. A real reason why he would not consider those teams, such as he didn't considered Kobe on the previous saga. And just as he did with Kobe, I want a brief video of explanation. GOSH!

[@walterhoward5512]

Exactly! This is the only complaint I have as well. This same Laker's core, arguably a lesser version of this core, lost to the Russell Celtics. The weakest version of the Russell Celtics no less!

[@lloydkline1518]

Bill russell / boston celtic 1960s vs willis ny knick 1970s???

[@seanconnathon]

Was convinced the Warriors would have been the next team, but now I'm hoping it's the 1982-83 Philadelphia 76'ers, because you've never done a video on Dr. J as far as I know!

[@manny4552]

I saw this great laker team in person in buffalo against the braves... So fun to watch.. and live on tv afew times too of course.. the ten guys they mentioned in the video were great and the also had the banged up veteran Keith Erickson and rookie Jim cleamens... Such a deep squad

[@briancolton6125]

Admittedly minor point: I'm not sure Elgin was the first star pro athlete in L.A. The Rams were very popular, and Crazy Legs Hirsch was a big deal. Also, the 1959 L.A. Dodgers had Duke Snider.

[@timmy-the-ute2725]

I was at that Warriors game where they won by 63 points. The backups got tied from playing so much after the game was already won that the starters had to come back to finish the game. And that was when they really pulled ahead.

[@garrettlittle5335]

14:20 That pass man, jerry was so good

[@gutsdw]

They aren’t the most stacked team ever, hell, not even the most stacked lakers team, but they are the most “perfect” team. Each player knew the “it” factor after Mr. Inside just… gave up. They had it, Wilt playing like Bill Russel, Jerry West being a nightmare in his 30’s, Elgin Baylor’s successor playing like he was being possessed, and a coach to tie it all together. This is a team that simply… won, and would be even better if playing in 1982 rather than 1972. I see this as almost the complete opposite of the 2001 Lakers. With the media praising the 2001 Lakers but saying that their talent was too much to maintain. But the 1972 Lakers were criticized for not having enough talent to win the finals. Very interesting story and excited to see the final team for this series

[@charlesellenberger8067]

As a life long Laker fan who was lucky enough to see many of those teams across the seasons, I am very happy to finally witness someone who was able to tell it like it really was about this truly phenomenal team. Mr. Crowley has honestly and objectively put this team in its rightful place among the pantheon of great teams, and as a fan and as a player of this great game, and an eye witness to all the great teams that came since then, with Magic, Kareen, Worthy and Wilks, to the three peat of Kobie and Shack, this team the long overdue first of the Los Angeles Championships remains the greatest team in Laker history in my opinion, and the greatest NBA All-Time. My Laker season seats were 3 seats away from Chick and Lynn Shackelford up in Section 27 where you could see the game in its entirety and really appreciate the speed and precision of that team. I'd listen to Chick's play-by-play as the game unfolded right before me. Sadly, after that Championship, it became hard to afford my season-seats so I bought one of the first Sony Beta-Max units so I could still see my beloved games. It's been many decades now since those amazing games and I've seen championship after championship since then, but that unique team is the one which all the others to follow have been compared too, and to this day they remain truly magical. Thank you Clayton.

[@cristobalarandakenny8256]

some people say championships are not remembered for their value, but rather for their cost, and this championship is remembered not only because of how fluent it was, how everything just "clicked", but also because these guys were the underdogs, the context of everything was a struggling team who hit the wall enough times to break it through just by persevering.

[@DuranmanX]

So it seems the Lakers have had the highest highs throughout NBA history. The hype is real.

[@vond0tta]

Bro I feel myself becoming a Lakers fan more and more bc of pieces like this. Your narrative telling is pure poetry and very authentic! Thank you Clayton, I have a new appreciation for these marquee stars and the franchise!

[@austinhiggins4645]

The fact you took more time to create this video shows the time and dedication and effort and I speak for all of us when I say thanks

[@charlesmabrie270]

A huge part of that team was the guy who took Elgin’s place in the lineup. Jim Macmillan. Elgin was my all time favorite player BTW.

[@senseichess8688]

Great point....and that deep bench ....flynn Robinson...john trapp...jim cleamens...pat Riley..keith Erickson Leroy Ellis...and

[@lloydkline1518]

❤ elgin baylor" early 1960s elgin baylor was l.a lakers basketball star knee surgery

[@frederickpando9444]

I remember seeing Jim McMillan playing on the Columbia University team from the games aired on WPIX. Like you, Elgin is my all time favorite, and I was more than in favor that if anyone was replacing Elgin it was the kid from Brooklyn Jim McMillan.

[@elliscampbell4885]

Wow, this was so well-done. Really informative and entertaining. Really impressively made

[@RaysDad]

The 1972 Lakers get my vote for all-time best team. Some people say that in the finals the Knicks didn't have Willis Reed, but the Knicks had a Hall of Fame replacement in Jerry Lucas. The Knicks were packed with Hall of Famers, but no team was going to beat the Lakers in '72. Another stat cited by some detractors is that the Lakers made something like 25 turnovers per game. But the Lakers were a fast-breaking, high-scoring team that took chances. The backcourt of West and Goodrich was lightning-quick and scored about half the Laker points. Happy Hairston and Wilt Chamberlain gave the Lakers a big rebound margin in almost every game. And rookie sharpshooter Jim McMillian did everything very efficiently and was the perfect complement for a team full of stars. How can you argue with 33 straight wins?

[@anthonycortez9191]

looking at the film shows me how smooth his game is. It's really impressive.

[@trashbagtanner]

This channel is criminally underrated

[@justinbaskin5283]

For my money Clayton's content is better than just about any sports content on the internet.

[@carljuztine3328]

Bro your Making The Case vids are the greatest sports-based series here in KZbin

[@grayson9192]

Your script and narration are so good I am about to watch all of your vids

[@steelydanrules]

From the books I’ve read & the time line of players & teams in history of the NBA at the time, you’ve bent the narratives phenomenally. Like you’ve made helluva case here even tho in my mind, there comes a few points in the videos where my mind brings up obvious counter arguments but that’s the point right? Not to be objective but to paint these teams the best possible light for the GOAT team. Which you’re doing magnificently

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@paulrubio206]

Crazy how the teams I knew the least about can turn out to be some of the most compelling

[@calabedavis1076]

This vid is worthy of an Oscar. Absolutely the reason everyone loves sports down to their soul.

[@gluserty]

Yeah, when the L.A. Lakers finally broke through, they did it in historic fashion. After all that heartbreak and near-hits, when they get it done, it's done comfortably and without any question of them being the best team that season, and one of the greatest teams of all time.

[@Gnofg]

I make the case that the Knicks were better than the Lakers during this era. They beat them twice and I believe they would have beaten them in '72.They matched up well and had beaten the Lakers by 30 in the first game. DeBuscherre had a season ending hip pointer. Lucas neutralized Chamberlain with his outside shot.

[@gluserty]

@@Gnofg overall, I agree, especially since the Knicks won one more championship than the Lakers. 1972 was the year of the Lakers, but I believe any other time in that era favors the Knicks.

[@Gnofg]

@@gluserty At this point. Frazier was better than West, Monroe was better than Goodrich, Bradley was better than McMillan, DeBuscherre was better than Hairston and Lucas neutralized Chamberlain by his outside shot. He tormented Chamberlain in '73. The only reason why the Knicks lost a was DeBuscherre's injury. They blew out LA in the first game by 30 points.

[@pensarobasket]

I turned off Nba 2k22 just to watch Clayton. What a time to be alive!

[@deniskolkin6341]

As a huge fan of this series and the "making the Case" for the greatest player... this might have been the best video out of all of them. Fantastic work again and so worth the wait!

[@gusthekat]

Another masterfully done video by Clayton Crowley, the GOAT of sports documentarians.

[@philvenn576]

You make fantastic videos that I always look forward too. Brilliant stuff. Thank you

[@kylebenjamin8353]

Not trying to be a syncophant, but I gladly take vids of this quality every few weeks, heck even months, over rushed, lazy garbage on a daily basis. Bravo again.

[@davidstepanczuk]

That was very well done. Thank you for this.

[@SK-mw8vd]

Amazing content, per usual. Thank you, my guy.

[@TheYeti308]

Thank you ! my friend , great job .

[@thecryptkeeper5]

Liked the video before starting. Just knew Clayton was going to deliver AGAIN. Cant wait for the next one whenever its ready!

[@izzi8459]

Some of the best yet. Power to you

[@springfieldbearpatrol2937]

Always interesting to see how the dribbling rules have changed since this era.

[@abcdefgabcdefg8682]

Another awesome job. I know how much effort you put into making this we truly appreciate it

[@michaelbarnes2617]

Soon as these come out I’m watching. Brilliant series bro keep them coming

[@stevenmontoya7275]

I hope you do series like this for other sports, because you truly make the best sports videos ever. Would love to see football, soccer, and baseball videos like this! Thanks for the hard work!

[@javigar133]

I would watch a video on... Handball(?!?) If Clayton makes It, Nd I am sure I Will LOVE it

[@FGCLanai]

That video was beautiful, thank you clayton!

[@elreiec1]

This was immense. Kudos to you for the hours put into doing the research, writing, and editing in this video.

[@danknox9986]

Great video. I really enjoyed that. I totally remember that season.