1980–81 Los Angeles Lakers season

The Lakers were attempting to become the first team since 1969 to repeat as NBA Champions.

Despite missing Magic Johnson for 45 games due to a knee injury, the Lakers still managed an impressive 54–28 record during the regular season, and they were the #3 seed heading into the Western Conference playoffs.

However, the underdog Houston Rockets eliminated the Lakers in a best-of-three first round series two games to one.

Their first selection was Wayne Robinson, the 31st pick overall, but he never played a game for the Lakers.

Future NBA Coach Butch Carter was their second selection at #37 overall.