The Lightning was owned by Mark Harwell, an entertainment industry executive, and played at the Gilbert Sports Arena on the campus of California Lutheran University.

Lamond Murray, a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers in 1994 NBA draft, was named MVP of the IBL Finals.

The Los Angeles Lightning roster featured seven former NBA players including Lamond Murray, Jamal Sampson, Toby Bailey, Fred Vinson, Juaquin Hawkins, Darrick Martin and Tyus Edney.

Former Lightning player, Fred Vinson is also an assistant coach with the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.

The team also played the 2012 Los Angeles Summer Pro League (SPL) finishing with a 4–2[2] record.