Lakers vs Celtics This is one of the most legendary rivalries in the history of the NBA between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Their fierce competition has defined the league, with its iconic players and unforgettable championship battles. From Bill Russell and Jerry West in the early days to Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce, the rivalry is one of the greatest basketball legends.
A History of Dominance
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics dates back to the 1950s when the two teams began to form their own dynasty. Led by Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Bob Cousy, the Celtics dominated the NBA in the 1960s, winning 11 championships in 13 seasons. Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled to outdo them despite the stellar performances of players like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West.
The rivalry, however, took a new turn in the 1980s when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird rekindled it. It became one of the most watched sports rivalries. The teams met three times in the NBA Finals: 1984, 1985, and 1987. The Lakers won two of those. This period increased the popularity of the NBA and set the stage for decades of elite competition.
Who is better, the Lakers or the Celtics?
Determining which team is superior depends on the criteria used. If championships are the benchmark, the Celtics and Lakers are roughly equal. To date, both teams boast 17 NBA championships, making them the most successful franchises in the league.
Historically, it was a series of winning matches by the Celtics in the 1960s. But again, this trend was offset when the Lakers established a couple of family dynasties during the 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s with players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
In terms of influence, both teams have played very important roles in basketball culture. The Celtics advanced defensive schemes and team play, while the Lakers popularized showtime basketball and offensive dominance.
Who are the Celtics’ rivals?
While the Lakers are their most storied foe, the Celtics have several other bitter rivals. The Philadelphia 76ers are perhaps the most iconic foe of the Celtics’ past, their rivalry stretching from the Wilt Chamberlain-Bill Russell days. The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks also figure into their recent past. The modern rivalries that have defined the Celtics include those with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.
Who played for both Lakers and Celtics?
A number of players in NBA history have played for the both Lakers and Celtics. Among these players include the following names;
Shaquille O’Neal- Having enjoyed his successful stints in Lakers early 2000, he went for short time in the Celtics 2010-11 season.
Rajon Rondo: Was a big part of the Celtics’ 2008 championship before later playing such an important part in helping the Lakers to their championship in 2020.
Rick Fox: Got drafted by the Celtics but played his championship year with the Lakers.
Gary Payton: Legendary point guard played with both franchises.
This is one of the most legendary rivalries in the history of the NBA between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Their fierce competition has defined the league, with its iconic players and unforgettable championship battles. From Bill Russell and Jerry West in the early days to Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce, the rivalry is one of the greatest basketball legends.
What are the LA Lakers’ stats?
The Lakers have consistently been among the best-performing teams in NBA history. Some key statistics that highlight their dominance include:
Total Championships: 17 (tied with the Celtics for most in NBA history)
NBA Finals: 32 (most in NBA history)
All-time winning percentage: Highest in the league
Hall of Famers: Over 25 players, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant
MVP winners: Many, including Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James
Modern-era rivalry
The rivalry between the Lakers vs Celtics is alive in the modern game but now in different shapes. While both teams, during rebuilding, have been able to return to championship contention, the Lakers last won it in 2020 and the Celtics in 2022 by reaching the NBA Finals.
Star-power like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Jaylen Brown promise excitement for years to come. Each game between these two classic teams brings the residue of nearly a century of history and legacy.
Conclusion
This battle of the Lakers vs Celtics isn’t just a game of numbers but a matter of legacy, passion, and never-ending supremacy. Whether it is the traditional fans of Celtics or the Lakers and their stars, this battle has shaped NBA history. With teams changing every day, one thing is for sure: each time they battle it out, the world’s basketball fans notice.
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