Batata on the cover of a 1985 Los Angeles Lazers program from the Major Indoor Soccer League

Los Angeles Lazers

Major Indoor Soccer League (1982-1989)

Tombstone

Born: June 1982 – Major Indoor Soccer League expansion franchise
Folded: June 5, 1989

First Game: November 5, 1982 (L 6-5 vs. Phoenix Inferno)
Last Game: April 16, 1989 (W 5-4 vs. Wichita Wings)

MISL Championships: None

Arena

The Forum (15,893)11986-87 Major Indoor Soccer League Media Guide
Opened: 1967

Marketing

Team Colors: White, Black, Purple & Gold21986-87 Major Indoor Soccer League Media Guide

Television:

  • 1984-85: None
  • 1986-87, 1987-88 & 1988-89: Prime Ticket Cable (selected games)

Television Broadcasters:

  • 1986-87 & 1987-88: Joel Meyers (play-by-play) & Bill MacDonald (color)

Radio:

  • 1984-85 (English): KWVE-FM (107.9)
  • 1984-85 (Spanish): TODO-AM (95)
  • 1986-87: None
  • 1987-88 (English): KMNY (1600 AM)

Radio Broadcasters:

  • 1984-85: Bill MacDonald (English)
  • 1984-85: Felo Ramirez & C. Gonzales (Spanish)

Ownership

Attendance

Tilting your mobile device may offer better viewing.

Sources:

  • 1985-86 MISL Official Guide (1984-85 Lazers figure)
  • 1986-87 MISL Official Guide (1985-86 Lazers and MISL figures)
  • 1987-88 MISL Official Guide (1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85 & 1986-87 Lazers figures & and 1986-87 MISL figure)
  • 1988-89 MISL Official Guide (1987-88 Lazers and MISL figures)
  • 1989-90 MISL Official Guide (1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85 & 1988-89 MISL figures & 1988-89 Lazers figure)

Trophy Case

MISL Rookie of the Year:

  • 1982-83: Kirk Shermer

MISL Coach of the Year:

  • 1984-85: Peter Wall

 

Our Favorite Stuff

L.A. Lazers MISL Logo T-Shirt

The Showtime Lakers weren’t the only action at the Fabulous Forum back in the 80’s. The packed winter schedule also included the NHL’s Kings and 20-odd indoor soccer matches a season from the L.A. Lazers 
Also available in women’s V-neck and racerback tank styles and as a hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt from our partners at Old School Shirts!

 

When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

 

Background

The Los Angeles Lazers were a Major Indoor Soccer League franchise owned by Dr. Jerry Buss for seven seasons from 1982 to 1989.  Dr. Buss also owned the Los Angeles Lakers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and The Forum, the arena shared by all three teams during the winter.  The Lazers name and purple/yellow color scheme were a riff/brand extension on the Lakers identity.

As he did with other “minor league” investments, Dr. Buss entrusted the management of the Lazers to  his children, in this case twenty-something sons Johnny Buss (1982-1985) and Jim Buss (1985-1989) who split time as team President over the course of the club’s seven-year run.

The Lazers never quite clicked on the field, recording only one winning season (1987-88). The club also fared very poorly at the box office, typically ranking among the MISL’s weakest draws.  Beginning in 1985, Los Angeles Lazers matches were shown on basic cable in the Southern California region on Prime Ticket, an all-sports channel founded by Dr. Buss.

The club folded in June 1989.

 

Los Angeles Lazers Shop

Our Favorite Gear

L.A. Lazers Hoodie Sweatshirt

This Lazers hoodie is available from the retro fanatics at Extra Time Vintage Soccer.
  • Brand: Gildan
  • Fabric weight: 8 oz (heavyweight)
  • Material: 50% Polyester/50% Cotton 
  • Double-needle stitching, double-lined hood. 1×1 ribbed cuffs.
  • Imported product, printed & processed in the USA
 
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

 

Fun While It Lasted COFFEE SHOP

L.A. Lazers Ceramic mug

Available now from our friends at Extra Time Vintage Soccer, this fully-insulated porcelain mug is ideal for your morning brew. 
  • Ceramic | Capacity: 11 fl oz
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lead and Cadmium free
  • Imported; processed and printed in the U.S.A.
 
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

 

 

 

L.A. Lazers Video

 

In Memoriam

Paul Kitson (’86-’87) suffered a fatal brain aneurysm while conducting a soccer clinic on August 25, 2005.  Kitson was 49. Baltimore Sun obituary.

Lazers owner Dr. Jerry Buss died on February 18, 2013 at age 80. New York Times obituary

 

Downloads

4-16-1984 Lazers vs. St. Louis Steamers Roster Sheet

4-16-1984 Los Angeles Lazers vs St Louis Steamers Roster

 

1987-88 Major Indoor Soccer League Rule Book & Schedule 

 

Links

Major Indoor Soccer League Media Guides

Major Indoor Soccer League Programs 1978-1992

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