The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers has been a staple in the NBA since the early days of the league. The two teams have combined to win over half of the league’s championships. They have also had some of the most memorable games in the game’s history.
It may be hard to believe that the Lakers and the Celtics have been competing in the same league for more than 70 years. But in fact, the rivalry began before the advent of the NBL and lasted well into the 2000s. There is still much to learn about the origins of the rivalry. Some of the most intriguing aspects are the players who dominated the competition in the early decades of the game.
Among the most notable were Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, who were both symbols of segregation. Their friendship and rivalry was not limited to the court; the two also shared a mutual respect for each other. Although the Celtics dominated the early years of the league, the Lakers rose to fame in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
The Lakers and the Celtics have had their share of ruffled feathers. For instance, the Lakers lost the NBA Finals to the Chicago Bulls in 1991 and the Celtics were eliminated in six games from the Miami Heat in 2012. The rivalry is not without its own merits. Many diehard fans still love to get in a few punches.
The most recent meeting between the two teams in the NBA was in the 2010 Finals. The rivalry was in full swing during the early 1990s, when the Lakers won 16 of their 23 games and the Celtics were coming off a 10-year drought. Both teams were expected to take their respective conferences by storm. However, both teams faced personal and organizational misfortune.
In the 1980s, the Lakers made some of the most historic trades in the NBA. During that time, the Lakers acquired Paul Pierce, James Worthy and Ray Allen from the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Seattle Supersonics. Despite the moves, the Lakers were unable to maintain their dominance. This was partly due to their organizational crisis.
The ’80s was a great time for the Lakers. The team was on the verge of a dynasty. With the arrival of Larry Bird, the Lakers were able to capitalize on their talents. Throughout the decade, the Lakers and the Celtics battled to become the best team in the league.
While the Lakers and the Celtics have both experienced a lull in their competition, there has been plenty of buzz about both teams’ upcoming seasons. Whether it’s Shaquille O’Neal joining the Celtics or the Lakers acquiring Kevin Garnett, the future holds a lot of promise. Whether it’s Shaq or Garnett, the Lakers and the Celtics have both been picked to make the playoffs in their conference.
Ultimately, the history of the Lakers and the Celtics shows that while the two teams are tied for the most championships, their rivalry has never been more entertaining.
