Determining the total number of victories achieved by the Los Angeles Lakers represents a fundamental metric for evaluating the team’s success and historical performance. This figure encompasses all regular season and playoff games where the Lakers emerged victorious. Tracking this number offers insight into the franchise’s competitive strength across different eras.
The accumulation of wins serves as a crucial indicator of the Lakers’ sustained excellence and competitive edge throughout their history. It provides a quantitative basis for comparing the team’s performance against other NBA franchises and assessing its overall dominance in the league. The historical context of these wins, including championships and significant milestones, underscores the team’s enduring legacy and impact on professional basketball.
This article will delve into the specifics of calculating the Lakers’ total wins, explore their performance across different seasons, and examine the key factors that have contributed to their overall success on the court. It will provide an analysis of their win-loss record, highlighting periods of peak performance and identifying the elements that have shaped their winning tradition.
1. Franchise Lifetime Triumphs
The grand total of the Los Angeles Lakers’ victories, the summation of “Franchise Lifetime Triumphs,” represents far more than a mere statistic. It is a testament to the organization’s enduring pursuit of excellence, a chronicle etched in hardwood, and a narrative spun from the sweat, strategy, and sheer determination of generations of players and coaches.
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Regular Season Consistency
The bulk of the Lakers’ total wins stems from consistent performance during the regular season. Each of the 82 games presents an opportunity, and the Lakers’ ability to secure victories year after year builds a significant portion of their overall count. Consider seasons where they consistently dominated, securing 60 or more wins these years dramatically inflate the franchise’s cumulative total.
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Playoff Penetration and Progression
The true measure of a team’s success lies in its playoff performance. The Lakers’ numerous NBA Finals appearances and championship victories contribute significantly to their total win count. Each playoff series won adds a non-negligible amount to the overall tally, reflecting the team’s ability to perform under pressure when the stakes are highest. A deep playoff run can add dozens of wins in a single year.
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Era-Defining Dominance
Specific eras within the Lakers’ history have been defined by overwhelming dominance. The “Showtime” era of the 1980s, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, saw the Lakers consistently near the top of the league standings, contributing heavily to their lifetime win total. Similarly, the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal era brought multiple championships and a continued stream of victories, solidifying the franchise’s legacy and expanding its win count.
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Building and Rebuilding Cycles
Even during periods of rebuilding, the Lakers continue to accumulate wins, albeit at a slower pace. While these seasons might not add significantly to the overall total, they represent the team’s persistent effort to compete and secure victories. The franchise’s ability to emerge from these cycles stronger, often through strategic draft picks and player acquisitions, ultimately leads to future eras of dominance and a further accumulation of wins.
Therefore, the “Franchise Lifetime Triumphs” are not simply an abstract number; they are a woven tapestry of regular season battles, playoff conquests, era-defining runs, and even the struggles during rebuilding phases. Each win contributes to the legend and further establishes the Lakers’ prominent place in basketball history.
2. Playoff Success Rate
The “Playoff Success Rate” of the Los Angeles Lakers functions as a critical multiplier in the equation of determining the final tally of victories. It’s not enough to simply win in the regular season; sustained success in the playoffs, where the stakes are elevated and competition intensifies, significantly bolsters the overall franchise win count. This metric distills years of performance into a percentage, revealing the Lakers’ ability to thrive under pressure.
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Impact on Total Games Played
A high “Playoff Success Rate” directly translates to a greater number of playoff games played. Advancing deep into the playoffs, through multiple rounds, necessitates winning a substantial number of games. For example, consider a Lakers team that consistently reaches the Conference Finals or NBA Finals; they will inherently play more playoff games than a team that is eliminated in the first round, thus accumulating more wins and raising the overall number of Lakers’ games won.
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Championship Influence
Winning championships is the pinnacle of success in the NBA, and each championship run adds a considerable number of wins to the Lakers’ historical record. Each series won during a championship season provides a boost, culminating in the ultimate victory that further elevates the franchise’s win total. Each championship effectively functions as a “bonus” applied to the overall count.
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Era-Specific Contributions
Certain eras in Lakers history are defined by their exceptional “Playoff Success Rate.” The “Showtime” era, with its multiple championships, and the Kobe-Shaq era, with its dominant playoff performances, contributed disproportionately to the Lakers’ overall win count due to their extended playoff runs and high rate of series victories. Analyzing the playoff success of different eras reveals how certain periods have driven significant growth in the franchise’s total wins.
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Competitive Advantage Reflection
A consistently high “Playoff Success Rate” reflects a sustained competitive advantage. It indicates that the Lakers have not only been successful in the regular season but have also possessed the talent, coaching, and mental fortitude to consistently outperform their opponents when it matters most. This sustained advantage, spanning decades, has allowed the Lakers to accumulate a significant number of playoff wins, solidifying their position as one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
In conclusion, the “Playoff Success Rate” serves as a powerful lens through which to view the Lakers’ history. It’s more than a statistic; it’s a reflection of the franchise’s commitment to excellence, its ability to thrive under pressure, and its legacy of championship contention. This rate heavily influences the final calculation of the number of games the Lakers have won, highlighting the importance of sustained success in the postseason arena.
3. Championship Seasons’ Contribution
Each championship banner hanging in the Crypto.com Arena represents far more than a single season’s triumph; it embodies a substantial and concentrated contribution to the overall tally of “how many games have the Lakers won.” These seasons function as accelerants, propelling the win total forward with an intensity unmatched by standard regular-season campaigns. The journey to a championship demands not only regular-season prowess but also an extended and arduous playoff run, where each victory carries exponentially greater weight.
Consider the 1980s “Showtime” Lakers. Their multiple championship seasons during that decade weren’t just about the Finals victories; they were about consistently navigating four grueling playoff rounds, securing at least twelve wins each postseason. This contrasted sharply with teams that might achieve a comparable regular-season record but falter early in the playoffs, adding far fewer wins to their cumulative total. The championship years become focal points, periods where the teams winning percentage soars, drastically impacting the overall count. Furthermore, championship seasons often breed a culture of winning, influencing subsequent years and subtly increasing the teams consistency, leading to a continued, if less dramatic, accumulation of victories.
Understanding the “Championship Seasons’ Contribution” provides valuable context when evaluating the Lakers’ historical record. It reveals that the number of games won is not just a simple accumulation of victories, but a product of sustained excellence, particularly during those pivotal championship years. The banners are not just decorations; they are quantitative landmarks, each one representing a significant surge in the Lakers’ overall triumph, forever etched into the fabric of the team’s identity and win total. This underscores the profound impact a title run has on establishing the Lakers as a dominant force in NBA history.
4. Key Player Impact
The narrative of the Los Angeles Lakers is interwoven with the careers of iconic figures. Each dominant player, each strategic acquisition, each moment of brilliance directly impacts the ultimate calculation of how many games the Lakers have won. These individuals don’t just contribute statistics; they reshape team dynamics, inspire eras, and redefine the very meaning of victory.
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The Architect of Dynasties: The Role of a Franchise Cornerstone
Figures such as George Mikan, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James represent more than talent; they embody the identity of the Lakers during their respective eras. Their presence alters the teams ceiling, transforming it from contender to champion. Consider Mikans early dominance, laying the foundation for a winning franchise. Or the impact of Magic and Kareem in the “Showtime” era, consistently pushing the Lakers deep into the playoffs, racking up victories that would have been unattainable without their combined skill and leadership. Each cornerstone player brings not only individual wins but also elevates the performance of those around them, creating a ripple effect that significantly boosts the final win tally.
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The Amplifier Effect: Supporting Cast and Their Contributions
While a cornerstone player anchors the team, the supporting cast provides crucial stability. Role players, adept at defense, rebounding, or clutch shooting, transform potential losses into hard-fought wins. Derek Fisher’s late-game heroics, Michael Cooper’s defensive tenacity, and Pau Gasol’s consistent performance alongside Kobe exemplify how strategic additions amplify the impact of the star players. These individuals contribute not just sporadically but consistently, adding incremental wins that ultimately compound over seasons, boosting the overall number of Lakers victories.
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The Resilience Factor: Overcoming Adversity and Injury
The true measure of a key player’s impact often lies in their ability to overcome adversity. When injuries strike or slumps threaten to derail a season, a dominant player can rally the team and snatch victories from the jaws of defeat. Kobe Bryant’s relentless drive, even when battling through pain, or LeBron James’s ability to carry the team through challenging stretches, demonstrates how individual resilience translates into tangible wins. These moments of overcoming adversity often become defining narratives, bolstering team morale and contributing significantly to the overall win total, especially in crucial games.
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The Legacy Multiplier: Inspiring Future Generations
The impact of key players extends beyond their active years. Their legacy inspires future generations of players, coaches, and fans, creating a culture of winning that persists long after their departure. Magic Johnson’s infectious enthusiasm, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unmatched skyhook, and Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” continue to resonate, shaping the mindset of subsequent Lakers teams. This enduring legacy creates a self-perpetuating cycle of success, driving the team to compete at the highest level and contributing to a continuous accumulation of victories, ensuring the Lakers remain a dominant force in the league.
The stories of these key players are etched into the very fabric of the Lakers’ history. Their contributions, both on and off the court, have shaped the franchise’s identity and significantly influenced the ultimate calculation of how many games the Lakers have won. They serve as a reminder that the number of victories is not merely a statistic; it’s a testament to the human element, the unwavering commitment, and the enduring legacy of the individuals who have donned the purple and gold.
5. Historical Win Percentage
The pursuit of determining how many games the Los Angeles Lakers have won is intrinsically linked to understanding their historical win percentage. This percentage, a simple ratio of games won to games played, serves as a potent distillation of the franchise’s overall success, a quantifiable measure of their sustained competitiveness across decades. A higher historical win percentage invariably indicates a greater number of games accumulated in the “won” column, reflecting years of consistent performance and strategic mastery on the court.
Consider, for instance, comparing two hypothetical scenarios: Team A and Team B both exist for 75 years. Team A boasts a historical win percentage of 65%, while Team B lags behind at 45%. The differential translates into a staggering number of games. Over such a protracted period, Team A will have amassed significantly more victories, painting a dramatically different picture of their respective legacies. The Lakers’ enduring presence in the NBA, coupled with a consistently high win percentage, positions them among the elite franchises in professional basketball. Years where the Lakers significantly exceeded their average win percentage through strategic drafts, dominant player acquisitions, or shrewd coaching hires resulted in exponential growth in their overall win total. Conversely, periods of rebuilding, marked by lower win percentages, served as a necessary, albeit temporary, dip in their historical trajectory, ultimately contributing to future eras of dominance.
Understanding the Lakers’ historical win percentage provides a crucial lens through which to view their achievements. It’s a benchmark against which contemporary performance can be measured, and a testament to the enduring strength of the organization. This percentage, far from being a mere statistic, embodies the collective effort of players, coaches, and management, all striving to push the win total ever higher. It highlights the inherent value of consistency, strategic decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of victory, ultimately defining the Lakers’ place in basketball history. The team’s consistent effort to maintain a high percentage directly results to “how many games have the lakers won”.
6. Regular Season Dominance
The cumulative triumph of the Los Angeles Lakers, meticulously etched into the annals of basketball history as “how many games have the Lakers won,” finds its bedrock in the often-overlooked yet fundamentally crucial realm of “Regular Season Dominance.” It is within the 82-game grind, amidst the ebb and flow of a season, that the foundation for a championship caliber team is forged, and a significant portion of the Lakers’ total victories are secured.
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Strategic Pace Setting: Establishing Momentum Early
The early months of the regular season serve as a proving ground. Teams exhibiting early dominance, stringing together win streaks and asserting themselves atop the standings, often establish a crucial psychological edge. The Lakers teams that consistently performed well early in the season, securing wins against division rivals and establishing a strong home-court advantage, built the momentum that sustained them through the inevitable challenges that arise later. This proactive approach adds to the overall tally and shapes the trajectory of the season.
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Navigating the Gauntlet: Maintaining Consistency Amidst Adversity
The regular season tests a team’s resilience. Injuries, travel fatigue, and schedule congestion create inherent challenges. Teams displaying “Regular Season Dominance” possess the depth and adaptability to navigate these hurdles without significant dips in performance. The Lakers teams that maintained a winning record, even when key players were sidelined, demonstrated this resilience, avoiding prolonged losing streaks that would erode their overall win total. This ability to consistently secure victories, even under duress, is a hallmark of championship contenders.
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Home Court Advantage: Fortifying the Fortress
The raucous atmosphere of a home arena can be a decisive factor. Teams that establish a significant home-court advantage transform their venue into a veritable fortress, making it exceedingly difficult for visiting opponents to secure a victory. The Lakers, throughout their history, have consistently leveraged the energy of their home crowd, turning the Great Western Forum and later the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) into formidable strongholds. These home victories contribute significantly to the overall win tally, creating a considerable advantage in the standings.
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Refining the Arsenal: Experimentation and Adaptation
The regular season also provides the opportunity to experiment with different lineups, refine offensive and defensive strategies, and identify areas for improvement. Teams displaying “Regular Season Dominance” leverage this time to hone their skills, developing a cohesive unit capable of adapting to various game situations. This strategic approach, maximizing the potential of the roster, leads to more efficient play and a greater likelihood of securing victories, further contributing to the overall number of games won.
In essence, the path to answering “how many games have the Lakers won” is intrinsically linked to understanding their mastery of the regular season. “Regular Season Dominance” isn’t merely about piling up wins; it’s about cultivating a winning culture, building resilience, and strategically positioning the team for sustained success. The victories secured during the 82-game grind serve as the foundational blocks upon which championship aspirations are built, solidifying the Lakers’ legacy as one of the most dominant franchises in NBA history.
7. Coach Impact on Wins
The numerical answer to the question of “how many games have the Lakers won” is not merely a testament to player talent. Etched within that total lies the profound influence of the individuals who have guided the team from the sidelines. The “Coach Impact on Wins” is an undeniable, often unseen, force that shapes seasons, defines eras, and ultimately dictates the magnitude of that final victorious count. A skilled coach can extract more from a roster than the sum of its individual parts, transforming potential into tangible success.
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Strategic Mastermind: The Architect of Game Plans
A coachs tactical acumen directly translates into wins. Consider Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, a system that maximized the talents of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, leading to a dominant championship run. His strategic adjustments, his ability to exploit opponent weaknesses, and his meticulous preparation turned close games into decisive victories. Each carefully crafted game plan, each well-timed adjustment, added to the Lakers’ win column, demonstrating the power of coaching strategy.
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Motivator and Leader: Cultivating a Winning Culture
Beyond X’s and O’s, a coach’s leadership is paramount. Pat Riley’s ability to instill a sense of discipline and focus during the “Showtime” era transformed a team of talented individuals into a cohesive, relentless force. His motivational speeches, his unwavering belief in his players, and his creation of a winning culture translated directly into more victories. A coach’s ability to inspire and unite a team is a critical ingredient in accumulating wins.
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Player Development Catalyst: Nurturing Talent and Potential
A coach’s impact extends beyond game day. The ability to develop young players, to refine skills, and to unlock untapped potential contributes significantly to long-term success. Consider the coaches who recognized and nurtured the talent of players like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, or others who became key contributors to Lakers’ championship runs. These developmental strides directly translate into wins, as players improve and contribute at higher levels.
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Adaptability and Resilience: Navigating the Unexpected
A season is rarely smooth sailing. Injuries, slumps, and unexpected challenges inevitably arise. A coach’s ability to adapt to these circumstances, to make adjustments on the fly, and to maintain team morale during adversity is crucial. The coaches who successfully navigated such challenges, finding innovative solutions and keeping the team focused, added valuable wins to the Lakers’ total, demonstrating the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the “Coach Impact on Wins” is an inextricable element in understanding the Lakers’ history and their impressive accumulation of victories. From strategic masterminds to motivational leaders, player development catalysts to resilient navigators, the coaches who have graced the Lakers’ sidelines have profoundly shaped the team’s destiny. Their influence, though often intangible, is undeniably reflected in the final tally, proving that “how many games have the Lakers won” is a testament to both player talent and the guiding hand of exceptional coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
The quest to definitively state how many games the Los Angeles Lakers have won sparks numerous inquiries, often steeped in the nuances of basketball history and statistical interpretation. The following addresses some of the most frequently encountered questions, providing clarity and context to this pivotal measure of franchise success.
Question 1: Does the total number of Lakers’ victories include pre-NBA wins?
The Lakers’ journey began in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, predating the formation of the modern NBA. Wins accumulated during the team’s tenure in the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Basketball Association of America (BAA) are typically included in the overall franchise win total. These early victories form a critical part of the team’s historical record and should not be omitted.
Question 2: Are exhibition games factored into the total number of games the Lakers have won?
Exhibition games, often played during the preseason or as part of international tours, are not typically included in official win-loss records. These games serve primarily as training opportunities and promotional events and do not carry the same weight as regular-season or playoff contests.
Question 3: How do forfeited games affect the Lakers’ win total?
In the rare event of a forfeited game, the NBA generally awards a win to the team that did not commit the infraction leading to the forfeit. This win is then included in the team’s official win-loss record and contributes to the overall total.
Question 4: Do wins from the Lakers’ various incarnations count toward the overall total (e.g., Minneapolis Lakers vs. Los Angeles Lakers)?
The franchise history is continuous, meaning wins from both the Minneapolis Lakers era (1947-1960) and the Los Angeles Lakers era (1960-present) are combined to determine the overall win total. The team’s relocation to Los Angeles did not reset the historical record.
Question 5: Is there a definitive, universally agreed-upon source for the Lakers’ all-time win total?
Official NBA records, maintained by the league itself, and reputable sports statistics websites like Basketball-Reference.com are generally considered reliable sources for the Lakers’ all-time win total. However, discrepancies may occasionally arise due to differing data collection methodologies. It’s always prudent to cross-reference information from multiple sources.
Question 6: How does the Lakers’ total win count compare to other historical NBA franchises?
The Lakers’ place among the winningest franchises in NBA history is secure. Comparing their total win count to that of other prominent teams, such as the Boston Celtics or San Antonio Spurs, provides valuable context for assessing the Lakers’ overall success and enduring legacy. Detailed comparisons are readily available through official NBA statistics and reputable sports news outlets.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurately interpreting the Lakers’ historical performance and appreciating the scope of their achievements. The pursuit of knowledge regarding the Lakers’ victory count reveals a story of dedication, perseverance, and championship aspirations.
This understanding paves the way for more in-depth exploration of individual player contributions to the Lakers’ win total.
Decoding Victory
The chronicle of “how many games have the Lakers won” offers far more than just a numerical value; it unveils hidden lessons for aspiring teams, business leaders, and individuals pursuing their own ambitious goals. Each digit represents a battle fought, a challenge overcome, and a strategy executed, providing a rich tapestry of insights applicable far beyond the basketball court.
Tip 1: Prioritize Sustained Excellence Over Short-Term Gains
The Lakers’ impressive win total is not built on fleeting moments of brilliance, but rather on decades of consistent performance. The key lies in building a sustainable system, fostering a culture of excellence, and consistently striving for improvement, rather than relying on temporary trends or unsustainable strategies. This long-term vision is essential for any organization seeking enduring success.
Tip 2: Adapt and Evolve to Conquer New Challenges
The basketball landscape, like the business world, is constantly evolving. The Lakers have adapted their playing style, their roster construction, and their strategic approach to remain competitive across different eras. Success hinges on the ability to anticipate change, embrace innovation, and continually refine strategies to meet emerging challenges.
Tip 3: Cultivate Leadership at Every Level
While iconic players have driven the Lakers’ success, strong leadership extends beyond the stars. Coaches, role players, and even front-office personnel have contributed to the winning culture. Empowering individuals at all levels to take ownership, demonstrate initiative, and contribute their unique skills is crucial for collective achievement.
Tip 4: Build a Strong Foundation Through Strategic Acquisitions
The Lakers have historically been adept at identifying and acquiring the talent needed to bolster their roster. Whether through shrewd draft picks, savvy free-agent signings, or impactful trades, strategic acquisitions have been essential to their success. Organizations must prioritize identifying key skill gaps and proactively seeking out individuals who can fill those needs and enhance overall performance.
Tip 5: Learn from Setbacks to Fuel Future Success
Even the most dominant teams experience periods of adversity. The Lakers have weathered losing seasons, coaching changes, and internal turmoil, emerging stronger and more resilient. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity, analyzing mistakes objectively, and using setbacks as motivation for future growth are critical for long-term triumph.
Tip 6: Nurture a Culture of Continuous Improvement
The pursuit of “how many games have the Lakers won” is an ongoing journey, not a destination. The Lakers’ consistent success is rooted in a commitment to continuous improvement, seeking to refine their skills, enhance their teamwork, and optimize their strategies. Embracing a growth mindset, encouraging experimentation, and fostering a culture of learning are essential for organizations seeking sustained dominance.
Tip 7: Leverage the Power of Teamwork and Collaboration
Basketball is inherently a team sport, and the Lakers’ success has always been predicated on effective teamwork and collaboration. Building strong relationships, fostering open communication, and valuing diverse perspectives are essential for maximizing collective potential and achieving shared goals.
The tale of “how many games have the Lakers won” provides potent lessons for those striving for peak achievement. It underscores the value of sustained commitment, adaptability, leadership, strategic acquisitions, and a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing these principles, individuals and organizations can elevate their performance and chart their own course toward victory.
These insights offer a solid springboard for the final section of our analysis, where we summarize the enduring legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers and their pursuit of dominance.
The Echo of Victory
The inquiry into how many games have the Lakers won has spanned eras, statistics, and iconic figures. From the franchise’s humble beginnings in Minneapolis to its glittering reign in Los Angeles, each victory contributes to a number that resonates far beyond a simple tally. The exploration reveals a consistent narrative of adaptation, strategic brilliance, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. The wins stand as tangible evidence of calculated risks, unwavering commitment, and the intangible spark of team synergy, carefully cultivated over decades.
That total, still growing, serves as a constant reminder. It stands as a challenge to future generations of Lakers players and leaders to build upon the existing foundation, to chase not only championships but sustained success. As the Lakers continue their story, the echoes of past victories will undoubtedly shape the chapters yet to be written, the banners yet to be raised, and the new totals to be achieve; ensuring the legacy of this iconic franchise endures, a beacon of sporting ambition forever. This benchmark will continue to be measured by future generation to follow.
