7. 1950’s – Minneapolis Lakers
Technically beginning their run in 1948, the Minneapolis Lakers became NBA champions in their first season as an official franchise. Their success didn’t end there, as the Lakers would go on to win back-to-back titles and eventually win a total of five championships in their first six seasons.
It goes without saying that no other franchise in NBA history comes close to having such a successful start to their run. This is largely due to the dominance of Hall-of-Famer, George Mikan.
Minneapolis Lakers first six seasons:
- 1948-49 Record: 44-16
- 1949-50 Record: 51-17
- 1950-51 Record: 44-24
- 1951-52 Record: 40-26
- 1952-53 Record: 48-22
- 1953-54 Record: 46-22
Mikan was an absolute force in the 1950s. Averaging 25.6 points, 14.0 rebounds and likely a ton of blocks in his first six seasons, Mikan led the Lakers to each one of their titles. On the way, Mikan became a three-time scoring champion and a four-time All-Star.
Though their reign came far before the NBA had a worldwide fan base, the Minneapolis Lakers should forever be remembered as one of the best to ever do it.