Record: 40-42, fourth place in Pacific Division

The Lakers set themselves up for future success by acquiring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar before the season from Milwaukee for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Junior Bridgeman and Dave Meyers. Abdul-Jabbar led the league in rebounding, blocked shots and minutes played and finished second in scoring and field-goal percentage as he won his fourth league MVP award.

The Lakers, however, finished out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Playoffs: The Lakers did not qualify for the playoffs.