On this day in 1952, George Mikan went for a career-high 61 points as he led the Minneapolis Lakers over the Rochester Royals 91-81 in a double-overtime affair. Mikan was the first true superstar in the NBA’s history, and led the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships before they moved to Los Angeles. In his first season with the Lakers, Mikan was the league MVP and Minneapolis won the NBL title. Mikan was one of the most dominant forces in professional basketball history, and he was the first basketball superstar in America.
A few years after Mikan retired, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers are tied with the Boston Celtics for most championships in NBA history (17), however if you only count the championships won in LA, they have won 12. Despite accepting the five titles won by Mikan’s Lakers, Los Angeles has refused to retire George Mikan’s jersey in the rafters.
***I personally do not think Los Angeles should be allowed to claim the five titles won in Minneapolis, if they aren’t willing to retire Mikan’s jersey. It is extremely bizarre, and makes no sense whatsoever. If the reason is because “He’s a Minneapolis Laker and not a Los Angeles Laker” then the Lakers have 12 titles because those were won by Los Angeles. It’s the same logic. If you want to accept the championships he won, acknowledge the man who paved the way for the franchise’s future success***
almostsports.xyz 
Great article. I agree!
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