16 Rings

16 Rings and Counting

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience on the history of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thesis Statement: The three most dominant eras in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers are the early years of the franchise in the 50’s in Minneapolis, the showtime era of the 80’s, and the Kobe/Shaq teams of the 00’s.

Introduction:

I. In the world of sports, being able to reach the championship and be the team that’s raising the trophy at the end is an almost impossible act. In fact more professional sports teams haven’t won a championship than have.

II. It takes a special organization just to be able to achieve one championship, but what about 16? The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most dominant sports franchises of all time, with 16 championships to go along with the 16 hall-of-famers that have played for them throughout the years.

III. I have been a diehard Lakers fan since I was eight years old, and I have followed the team like an extended family member ever since I could.

IV. The three most dominant eras in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers are the early years of the franchise in the 50’s in Minneapolis, the showtime era of the 80’s, and the different teams of the 00’s

Transition: Every great sports franchise has to begin somewhere.

Body

I. The Lakers franchise actually dates back farther than the NBA itself.

A. The Lakers Complete History DVD says the franchise began in 1947 when Ben Berger bought the recently disbanded Detroit Gems for $15,000 (NBA).

B. He moved the team to his hometown of Minneapolis and renamed them the Lakers after his home states nickname the land of a 1000 lakes (NBA).

C. During their second season in 1948 the Lakers moved from the NBL to the BAA (which would become the NBA we know today).

II. The Lakers are a team known for having numerous hall-of-famers, and the long list all started with the great George Mikan.

D. George...