Home » 27 Years Ago Today, Chick Hearn Reached His 3,000 Consecutive Lakers Games Announced Mark

27 Years Ago Today, Chick Hearn Reached His 3,000 Consecutive Lakers Games Announced Mark

by Matthew Foster
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On this day in 1998, Los Angeles Lakers’ legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn reached a monumental milestone, announcing his 3,000th consecutive game. This remarkable achievement began on November 20, 1965, when Hearn, stranded in Fayetteville, Arkansas due to inclement weather, missed a game but never faltered again.

Hearn’s broadcasting streak spanned an incredible 36 years, ending on December 20, 2001, when he underwent cardiac bypass surgery. Over those years, Hearn became an iconic figure in Lakers history, witnessing the careers of legends like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

Known for his rapid-fire, staccato style and colorful phrases like “slam dunk,” “air ball,” and “no harm, no foul,” Hearn brought a unique energy to Lakers broadcasts.

Hearn’s streak was celebrated with a halftime ceremony during the game against the Orlando Magic, a 92-89 victory for the Lakers. 

Chick Hearn’s legacy extends beyond his impressive streak; he was the only play-by-play announcer the Lakers ever had until his passing in 2002. His contributions to basketball broadcasting are immeasurable, and his phrases have become part of the sport’s vernacular.

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