Los Angeles Kings - Overview

Team Identity

The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion, the Kings have established themselves as a successful franchise with two Stanley Cup championships (2012 and 2014) and a legacy built on star power, including the Wayne Gretzky era and the championship teams of the 2010s.

The Kings’ history reflects the growth of hockey in non-traditional markets, demonstrating that NHL success is possible in warm-weather cities with proper ownership commitment and community engagement.

League and Division Affiliation

The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The team was one of six expansion franchises that doubled the NHL’s size in 1967. The Kings play in the Pacific Division alongside the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers.

Foundation and Early Years (1967-1987)

The Los Angeles Kings were founded on February 9, 1966, when the NHL awarded a franchise to a group led by Canadian entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke. Cooke, who also owned the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, paid a $2 million expansion fee to bring hockey to Southern California.

The Kings began play in the 1967-68 season at the Long Beach Arena before moving to the newly constructed The Forum in Inglewood. The Forum, known as the “Fabulous Forum,” would serve as the Kings’ home for 32 years and become one of hockey’s most iconic venues.

The early Kings teams were competitive but not championship-caliber. The franchise made the playoffs consistently but struggled to advance deep into the postseason. The acquisition of Marcel Dionne in 1975 brought star power and offensive excitement, with Dionne winning the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer in 1980.

The Wayne Gretzky Era (1988-1996)

On August 9, 1988, the Kings acquired Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade that changed the landscape of hockey in California. The trade brought “The Great One” to Los Angeles and ignited hockey interest throughout the region.

Gretzky’s impact was immediate and profound. He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in his first season with the Kings and led the team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1993. The 1993 playoff run, which saw the Kings defeat Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto before falling to Montreal in the Final, remains one of the most exciting periods in franchise history.

The Gretzky era established hockey as a viable sport in Los Angeles and paved the way for NHL expansion throughout the Sun Belt. While the Kings did not win a championship during Gretzky’s tenure, his presence elevated the franchise’s profile and created a generation of hockey fans in Southern California.

The AEG Era and Championships (1996-present)

The Kings were purchased by Philip Anschutz’s Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in 1996, providing the franchise with stable ownership and resources to compete for championships. The move to Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in 1999 provided a modern downtown venue that helped grow the team’s fan base.

The Dean Lombardi era began in 2006, with Lombardi hired as general manager to rebuild the franchise. His patient approach focused on drafting and developing talent, building through the draft while acquiring key veterans through trades and free agency.

The 2012 Stanley Cup championship ended the franchise’s 45-year championship drought. The eighth-seeded Kings dominated the playoffs, losing only four games while defeating Vancouver, St. Louis, Phoenix, and New Jersey to capture the first championship in franchise history. Jonathan Quick won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

The 2014 Stanley Cup championship cemented the Kings as a dynasty. The team defeated San Jose, Anaheim, Chicago, and the New York Rangers in a grueling 26-game playoff run that saw the Kings become the first team to win three Game 7s on the road en route to a championship.

Team Colors and Visual Identity

The Kings’ official colors are black and silver, with white as a secondary color. The current color scheme was introduced in 1988 and has become synonymous with the franchise. The black and silver provide a sleek, modern look that distinguishes the Kings from traditional hockey markets.

The team logo features a stylized crown with a hockey stick forming part of the design. The current logo, introduced in 2011, maintains the crown motif while updating the design for contemporary aesthetics.

Championships

The Kings have won two Stanley Cup championships: - 2012: Defeated New Jersey Devils 4-2 - 2014: Defeated New York Rangers 4-1

The Kings have won three conference championships (1993, 2012, 2014) and one Presidents’ Trophy (1990-91 for best regular season record).

Arena and Facilities

Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) has been the Kings’ home since 1999. The arena, shared with the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, seats 18,230 for hockey and is located in downtown Los Angeles’s L.A. Live entertainment district. The Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo serves as the team’s practice facility and headquarters.

Los Angeles Kings History

The Expansion Years (1967-1975)

The Los Angeles Kings joined the National Hockey League in 1967 as part of the league’s first major expansion, which doubled the NHL from six to twelve teams. The original six expansion franchises—the Kings, California Golden Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota North Stars, and St. Louis Blues—each paid $2 million to join the league.

Jack Kent Cooke, the Canadian media mogul who already owned the Los Angeles Lakers, led the Kings ownership group. Cooke was determined to make hockey succeed in Southern California, building The Forum specifically to house both his basketball and hockey teams.

The Kings’ inaugural 1967-68 season began at the Long Beach Arena before moving to The Forum in December. The team finished second in the new West Division with a 31-33-10 record, impressive for an expansion franchise. The Forum quickly became known for its unique atmosphere, with red seats, carpeted aisles, and celebrity attendance that distinguished Los Angeles hockey from traditional markets.

The early Kings were competitive but not elite. Under coach Red Kelly and later Bob Pulford, the team made the playoffs in each of its first five seasons but never advanced past the second round. The 1974-75 season brought the Kings’ first division title, but they were upset in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Marcel Dionne Era (1975-1987)

The trade for Marcel Dionne in 1975 transformed the Kings from a respectable expansion team into an offensive powerhouse. Dionne, acquired from the Detroit Red Wings, became one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history during his 12 seasons in Los Angeles.

Dionne won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer in 1980, recording 137 points (53 goals, 84 assists). He was named to the NHL First All-Star Team twice and the Second All-Star Team three times as a King. The “Triple Crown Line” of Dionne, Charlie Simmer, and Dave Taylor became one of the most exciting offensive units in hockey history.

The 1982 playoffs brought the “Miracle on Manchester,” one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history. Trailing the Edmonton Oilers 5-0 in Game 3 of the division semifinals, the Kings rallied to win 6-5 in overtime. The victory remains the most memorable moment of the pre-Gretzky era.

Despite Dionne’s brilliance, the Kings could not advance deep into the playoffs. The team won division titles in 1980 and 1981 but consistently fell short of championship contention. Dionne was traded to the New York Rangers in 1987, ending an era of offensive excellence.

The Wayne Gretzky Trade (1988-1996)

On August 9, 1988, the Los Angeles Kings acquired Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley, and Mike Krushelnyski from the Edmonton Oilers for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, $15 million in cash, and three first-round draft picks. The trade shocked the hockey world and changed the sport’s landscape in the United States.

Gretzky’s impact on hockey in California was immediate. He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in his first season with the Kings, scoring 168 points (54 goals, 114 assists). Attendance at The Forum soared, and the Kings became must-see television for hockey fans across the country.

The 1993 season brought the Kings’ first Stanley Cup Final appearance. Under coach Barry Melrose, the team defeated Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto in the playoffs, becoming the first team to reach the Final after starting the playoffs on the road. Facing the Montreal Canadiens in the Final, the Kings won Game 1 in overtime but lost the next four games as Montreal captured its 24th championship.

Gretzky was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1996, ending an era that had established hockey in Southern California. While the Kings did not win a championship with Gretzky, his presence created a generation of hockey fans and paved the way for future NHL expansion in warm-weather markets.

The Rebuilding Years (1996-2009)

The post-Gretzky era was difficult for the Kings. The team missed the playoffs in eight of eleven seasons from 1996-2007, struggling to find an identity and compete in the Western Conference.

Philip Anschutz’s Anschutz Entertainment Group purchased the Kings in 1996, providing financial stability but not immediate on-ice success. The move to Staples Center in 1999 provided a modern arena but coincided with the team’s struggles on the ice.

The hiring of Dean Lombardi as general manager in 2006 marked a turning point. Lombardi implemented a patient rebuilding strategy focused on drafting and developing talent. The Kings selected players like Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, and Dustin Brown, who would form the core of future championship teams.

The Championship Era (2010-present)

The 2009-10 season saw the Kings return to the playoffs with a young, talented roster. The team lost to the Vancouver Canucks in six games, but the experience proved valuable for the developing core.

The 2011-12 season brought the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship. Under coach Darryl Sutter, the Kings entered the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference but dominated the postseason. The Kings lost only four games in four series, defeating Vancouver, St. Louis, Phoenix, and New Jersey to capture the championship. Jonathan Quick was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.

The 2012 championship parade in Los Angeles drew over 250,000 fans, demonstrating the hockey community that had developed in Southern California. The victory ended 45 years of frustration and established the Kings as champions.

The 2013-14 season brought a second championship. The Kings defeated San Jose, Anaheim, and defending champion Chicago before facing the New York Rangers in the Final. The series went five games, with the Kings winning their second Stanley Cup in three years. Justin Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The 2014 championship team played a record 26 playoff games, winning three Game 7s on the road. The grueling playoff run cemented the team’s reputation for resilience and clutch performance.

The Kings have remained competitive since their championships, making the playoffs in several subsequent seasons but unable to recapture the magic of 2012 and 2014. The franchise continues to build around a core of veterans while developing young talent through the draft.

Los Angeles Kings Championships

Stanley Cup Championships (2)

2012 Stanley Cup

The Los Angeles Kings won their first Stanley Cup championship on June 11, 2012, defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in Game 6 of the Final. The championship ended a 45-year drought and established the Kings as champions for the first time in franchise history.

The Kings’ 2012 playoff run was one of the most dominant in NHL history. Entering the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, the Kings defeated the Vancouver Canucks (Presidents’ Trophy winners), St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, and New Jersey Devils while losing only four games total.

Jonathan Quick was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, posting a 1.41 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Mike Richards provided leadership and clutch performances throughout the run.

2014 Stanley Cup

The Kings won their second Stanley Cup championship on June 13, 2014, defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 in double overtime in Game 5 of the Final. The championship cemented the Kings as a dynasty and made them the first team to win three Game 7s on the road en route to a title.

The 2014 playoff run was grueling, with the Kings playing a record 26 games. They defeated the San Jose Sharks (coming back from a 3-0 series deficit), Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks (the defending champions), and New York Rangers. Justin Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Conference Championships (3)

The Kings have won the Western Conference championship three times: - 1993: Lost to Montreal Canadiens in Stanley Cup Final - 2012: Won Stanley Cup vs. New Jersey Devils - 2014: Won Stanley Cup vs. New York Rangers

Division Championships (1)

The Kings have won one division championship in their history: - 1990-91: Smythe Division champions

Presidents’ Trophy (1)

The Kings won the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s best regular season record once: - 1990-91: 46-24-10 record (102 points)

Playoff History

The Kings have qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 31 times in franchise history, compiling a 98-108 postseason record. The franchise’s two championships in 2012 and 2014 represent the pinnacle of Kings hockey.

The Kings have reached the Conference Final six times (1968, 1974, 1976, 1993, 2012, 2014) and the Stanley Cup Final three times (1993, 2012, 2014).

Legendary Players and Key Figures

All-Time Greats

Los Angeles Kings has been home to some of the most talented and iconic athletes in their sport’s history. These legendary players have defined the team’s identity and created moments that live on in collective memory.

Coaches and Leadership

The coaches and executives who have guided Los Angeles Kings through different eras have been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture, strategy, and success.

Hall of Famers

Several individuals associated with Los Angeles Kings have earned the highest honors in their sport, with inductions into halls of fame that recognize their exceptional contributions.

Los Angeles Kings Legendary Players

Wayne Gretzky - The Great One

Wayne Gretzky transformed hockey in California during his eight seasons with the Kings (1988-1996). Acquired in the most famous trade in NHL history, Gretzky won the Hart Trophy in his first season and led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1993. His 918 points in 539 games as a King only tell part of the story—his presence established hockey as a major sport in Southern California.

Marcel Dionne - Little Beaver

Marcel Dionne was the Kings’ first superstar, playing 12 seasons (1975-1987) and setting franchise records that stood for decades. He won the Art Ross Trophy in 1980 and scored 1,307 points as a King. The Triple Crown Line of Dionne, Charlie Simmer, and Dave Taylor was one of hockey’s most exciting offensive units.

Luc Robitaille - Lucky Luc

Luc Robitaille, drafted in the ninth round in 1984, became one of the greatest left wingers in NHL history. He scored 557 goals as a King and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. His low draft position and high production made him a fan favorite and symbol of the Kings’ development success.

Jonathan Quick - Quick Draw

Jonathan Quick has been the Kings’ starting goaltender since 2008 and was the backbone of both Stanley Cup championships. His 2012 playoff run (1.41 GAA, .946 save percentage) was one of the greatest in NHL history. Quick holds virtually every Kings goaltending record.

Anze Kopitar - Kopi

Anze Kopitar has been the Kings’ captain and two-way center since 2008. The first Slovenian NHL player, Kopitar won the Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward twice and the Lady Byng Trophy once. He led the team in scoring during both championship runs.

Drew Doughty - Doughty

Drew Doughty has been the Kings’ defensive anchor since being drafted second overall in 2008. He won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2016 and has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team twice. His clutch play in the 2012 and 2014 playoffs was essential to both championships.

Dustin Brown - Captain Clutch

Dustin Brown was the Kings’ captain from 2008-2016 and led the team to both Stanley Cups. Known for his physical play and clutch scoring, Brown was a leader both on and off the ice. He retired in 2022 after 18 seasons with the Kings.

Los Angeles Kings Rivalries

Anaheim Ducks - The Freeway Face-Off

The rivalry between the Kings and Anaheim Ducks, known as the “Freeway Face-Off,” represents the geographic and competitive tension between Los Angeles and Orange County. The proximity of the teams (approximately 30 miles) ensures that fans of both teams interact regularly, and the rivalry divides Southern California hockey fans.

The rivalry intensified when both teams became competitive in the 2010s. The 2014 playoffs brought a memorable second-round series that the Kings won in seven games en route to their second Stanley Cup. The physical, hard-fought series exemplified the intensity of the rivalry.

The Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup championship gave them temporary bragging rights, but the Kings’ 2012 and 2014 championships restored balance. The rivalry continues to be one of the most passionate in the Pacific Division.

San Jose Sharks - The California Rivalry

The Kings’ rivalry with the San Jose Sharks developed through years of Pacific Division competition and dramatic playoff encounters. The 2014 playoffs brought a memorable first-round series in which the Kings came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Sharks in seven games.

The “reverse sweep” of 2014 devastated the Sharks and energized the Kings, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. The rivalry has been defined by the teams’ frequent meetings in the playoffs and their competition for California hockey supremacy.

Vegas Golden Knights - The New Rivalry

The arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 created a new natural rival for the Kings. The proximity of the markets (Las Vegas is a four-hour drive from Los Angeles) and the Golden Knights’ immediate success have fueled competitive tension.

The Golden Knights’ rapid rise to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season contrasted with the Kings’ rebuilding phase, creating a dynamic where the upstart Vegas franchise challenged the established Los Angeles team.

Vancouver Canucks - The 1993 Rivalry

The 1993 Smythe Division Final between the Kings and Canucks produced one of the most dramatic series in NHL history. The Kings defeated the Canucks in six games to advance to the Conference Final, with Game 6 featuring multiple lead changes and dramatic moments.

The series is remembered for the intensity of the competition and the emergence of the Kings as a championship contender during the Wayne Gretzky era.

Fanbase and Culture

Overview

Los Angeles Kings’s fanbase is among the most passionate in their sport. The culture, traditions, and community that have grown around the team represent a vital part of its identity.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Los Angeles Kings’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Los Angeles Kings’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Los Angeles Kings’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Los Angeles Kings Fanbase and Culture

Growing Hockey in Southern California

The Kings have built a passionate fan base in a non-traditional hockey market. The Wayne Gretzky era created a generation of hockey fans in Southern California, and the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup championships cemented hockey’s place in Los Angeles sports culture.

The LA Kings Fan Base

Kings fans are known for their passion and knowledge of hockey, despite the sport’s non-traditional status in Southern California. The team’s success has created a dedicated following that fills Crypto.com Arena for games and follows the team throughout the season.

Game Day Traditions

Kings game days feature several traditions: - The playing of Pennywise’s “Bro Hymn” after goals - The power play horn and light show - The kiss cam and other interactive entertainment - Post-game fireworks on select nights

Community Engagement

The Kings have invested heavily in youth hockey and community programs throughout Southern California. The team’s grassroots efforts have built the sport at the youth level and created a pipeline of local talent. The Anaheim Ducks’ presence has created healthy competition for growing hockey in the region.

The LA Kings Ice Crew

The LA Kings Ice Crew performs during games and represents the team at community events. The squad adds entertainment value to the game experience and engages with fans throughout the arena.

Championships and Fan Growth

The 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup championships dramatically expanded the Kings’ fan base. The championship parades drew hundreds of thousands of fans, demonstrating the hockey community that had developed in Southern California over decades of growth.