Sports Teams in LA
Los Angeles is renowned for its iconic attractions, from the Walk of Fame to Rodeo Drive. But the city also holds a special place in the hearts of sports fans across the globe, boasting some of the most celebrated arenas and teams in North America.
The Staples Center is a mecca for basketball and hockey enthusiasts, while Dodger Stadium has become an iconic landmark for baseball faithful since its establishment in the late 19th century. Despite not having a National Football League team since the mid-90s, LA remains one of the country’s greatest sporting hubs with teams competing in all major professional sports leagues. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just looking for a unique experience, it’s well worth catching a game at these venues during your stay in the City of Angels.
Staples Center
Home to the LA Lakers, LA Sparks, LA Clippers, and LA Kings, The Staples Center is a multipurpose sports arena in Downtown LA. Approximately 950,000 square feet with 20,000 seats, it is a part of a 4 million square foot development which also includes the LA Convention Center and LA Live.
The arena is the host of various entertainment events, including concerts, ice shows, wrestling, boxing matches, and more. With its diverse offerings and superb architecture, the Staples Center stands out as one of L.A.’s premier sporting venues.
LA Lakers – NBA
The Staples Center is probably the most well-known as arena where the Lakers play. One of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA, the LA Lakers have won 16 National Championships. Worth over $2 Billion dollars, the team is considered one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA. They have had what some considered to be the best men to play the game of basketball on their team including Wilt Chamberlin, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neill, and, of course, Kobe Bryant.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports. Founded in 1947, they have gone on to become one of the winningest teams in the NBA, appearing in 31 NBA Finals, which is the second most in league history. During that time, they have also won 16 titles, including a record 11 championships between 1980 and 2010. But it isn’t just their success on the court that has put them among the best teams in basketball – it’s their inspiring legacy and vaunted tradition, inspired by their iconic figures like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. As such, the Lakers will always hold a special place in the hearts of sports fans everywhere, and their longevity as one of the premier teams in the league continues to attest to their remarkable staying power.
LA Kings – Hockey
Staples is also home to the LA Kings Hockey team who have won 2 Stanley Cups in the last decade. While they originally played at the Forum in El Segundo, they moved over to the Staples Center in 1999. Hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Rob Blake have played for the Kings, and in recent years they have become a winning franchise with a huge fan base.
LA Sparks – WNBA
Another great Staples team – the LA Sparks – has qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 14 of their 18 years in Los Angeles. The franchise has been home to many high-quality players such as Lisa Lesley, Candace Parker, flashy point guard Nikki Teasley, and Tina Thompson. In 2001, 2002, and 2003, the Sparks went to the WNBA Finals. They won the title in 2001 and 2002.
LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a part of the city’s sports scene since 1984. While they haven’t seen much success in terms of championships, they have made the playoffs more times than not over the past decade. With stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way, the Clippers are set up for success in the coming years.
The team has also had some of the most memorable moments in NBA history. From Blake Griffin’s slam dunking to Chris Paul’s heroics, the Clippers continue to bring excitement to Staples Center. Off the court, the Clippers have some of the best fans in the league, rallying behind their beloved squad every time they take the court.
The Clippers have always been one of Los Angeles’ premier teams, and they look poised to make a serious run at contention this season. Whether it be contending for an NBA championship or just making sure that their fans enjoy watching them play, the Clippers know how to put on a show. With an all-star cast ready to take the court every night, there is no doubt that the Clippers will remain a force in LA for years to come.
Dodgers Stadium
The third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, Dodger Stadium was constructed in 1959. Often referred to as a “pitcher’s ballpark”, the stadium has seen 11 no-hitters, two of which were perfect games. Home to major league baseball’s Dodgers (hence the name), who have won 6 World Series titles and 21 national league pennants. Originally known as the Brooklyn Dodgers, they were the first franchise to hire an African-American baseball player. Jackie Robinson is also one of the first African Americans elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
LA Dodgers
After moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in the 1950s due to the fact that LA was willing to offer the owner what New York would not – land and a stadium worthy of the franchise – the Dodgers won their second World Series in their 2nd year in California. Famous players such as Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snyder, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, and Clayton Kershaw have been members of the team.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a historic sports stadium located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Opened in 1923, the iconic venue has been home to several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Rams (1946-1979 and 2016–present) and the University of Southern California Trojans football team since 1923.
The venue also hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games and served as the longest-existing venue for professional baseball in Los Angeles with the Dodgers calling it their home from 1958-1961. The popular attraction has seen countless legendary moments over the years and continues to be an integral part of Los Angeles’ culture today. With its vibrant atmosphere, awe-inspiring architecture, and world-class seating capacity, it’s easy to see why The Coliseum remains a beloved destination for both local fans and visitors alike.
LA Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have been a part of the LA landscape since 1946 when they were the Cleveland Rams. Since then, they have gone on to be one of the most successful NFL franchises. The team has won the Super Bowl three times and has made it to the playoffs an impressive twenty-one times in their storied history.
Off the field, the Rams are an integral part of the Los Angeles community. They have partnered with numerous local charities and organizations and are well known for their work in providing educational opportunities for underprivileged youth in the city. Not content with just building programs though, the Rams also strive to engage fans in their community initiatives, making sure that everyone can get involved and make a difference.