There is no rivalry in the NBA more historic than the one between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. The two franchises are the most successful in NBA history, both being tied at 18 NBA championships across their history.
Both the Lakers and Celtics have boasted some of the greatest players in NBA history, who have led them to many championships. But in the last 52 years, one franchise has been more successful than the other.
Since 1970, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 12 NBA championships, including 5 in the 1980s alone. Whereas, the Boston Celtics have only won 6 NBA championships during the same period.
The Celtics’ most successful period came during Bill Russell’s career in the 1950s and 1960s. As for the Lakers, they have had multiple dynasties built on the backs of some of the NBA’s all-time greats.
NBA fans responded in the comments, mostly recognizing how much more dominant the Lakers have been compared to the Celtics.
The Lakers have also had more incredible talents play for them during the 52-year span where they matched the Boston Celtics. But some pointed out how using 1970 as the starting point was a little biased.
Jesus nobody gonna acknowledge how much better of teams LA has had since Magic-Bird era
too bad two of the lakers rings have asterisks
Ofc they put 1970
Minneapolis Lakers? LAsucKERS…
Lmao
Since 1970 lol. Very arbitrary
Let’s not forget their 2 next superstars died
And bill Russell won 11 of those celtics sucks
I truly believe that Lakers are the greatest team of NBA’s history
Jordan really dominated the 90’s, crazy.
I see no rivalry
Since 70. OK. Before doesn’t matter. And why don’t you put the font of Lakers years a little bigger and Celtics some smaller? Give it a try
Why not do it since inception. Cutting the 60’s lol
Now show when Bill Russell won 11 out of 13.
Pretty sure a couple of Celtics superstars died young.
Celtics: 1 title on colour TV
Naw put the whole history !!!
Lakers suck
Lakers won 8 since I was born in 84 .. we bleed
The Celtics won NBA championships in 1974 and 1976, their last before the Larry Bird era. After Bird’s arrival, along with the formation of the big three with Robert Parish and Kevin McHale, the Celtics became perennial title contenders in the 1980s, winning 3 NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
The Celtics’ last championship took them 22 years before their previous one when the big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen led the Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008.
As for the Lakers, their only championship in the 70s came behind Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, with the former winning Finals MVP. Their success in the 1980s was thanks to the Showtime era, led by Magic Johnson.
Johnson recently revealed that the Lakers, who won NBA championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988, were always pushed by their coach Pat Riley to always strive for success and continue to fight for championships.
The Lakers’ next dynasty came in the 2000s, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, who led the Lakers to what would be the last three-peat in the NBA today.
Kobe Bryant would stick around and help the Lakers win 2 more NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. The Lakers’ most recent championship came 2 years ago in 2020 when LeBron James led the Lakers to success in the Orlando Bubble.
The Celtics could pull one back on the Lakers this year, and take the lead in the battle for most NBA championships by winning the title this year.
The Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA and could win it all. Whereas the Lakers missed the playoffs altogether. Regardless of what happens, there is no denying the magnitude of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.
