The 1979–89 La Salle Explorers men's basketball team represented La Salle University as a member of the East Coast Conference during the 1979–80 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.
The team was led by head coach Lefty Ervin and played their home games at The Palestra in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After finishing third in the ECC East division standings, the Explorers won the ECC tournament to receive a bid to the NCAA tournament.
11 seed in the Mideast region, La Salle lost to No.
6 seed eventual Final Four participant Purdue in the opening round.