Pat Riley, a legendary figure in NBA history, recently opened up on ‘The OGs’ show, about the challenges the Los Angeles Lakers faced during the 1960s, particularly their six consecutive NBA Finals losses to the Boston Celtics. Reflecting on that tumultuous era, Riley shed light on the psychological toll and the monumental effort required to overcome such a legacy.
“We inherited the six consecutive losses, my great friend Jerry West and Elgin Baylor and they lost to the Celtics.”
“Can you even imagine, your nature, Mike, your nature or LeBron or Dwyane or Chris losing six times in the Finals?
“You would all go psycho somewhere you know. I mean you’d probably spend the rest of your life in the Bahamas at Tahiti bar or something like that. But It’s hard, it’s so hard to win.”
“So that rivalry was created and it was left to us in the 80s to settle, it the albatross was shifted from the 60s to the 80s to beat the Celtics and we beat them two out of three times.”
Speaking about the Lakers’ struggles in the 1960s, Riley highlighted the weight carried by players like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. The string of losses to Boston created a monumental obstacle for the Lakers franchise. Despite having legendary talent, the Lakers fell short year after year against Bill Russell’s dynasty, leaving a psychological scar on the team and its fanbase.
Under Riley’s leadership, the Lakers faced the Celtics in three Finals during the 1980s, winning two of those matchups. These victories were critical not just for securing championships but for changing the narrative of the Lakers’ futility against Boston. The Lakers’ triumphs in 1985 and 1987 were cathartic moments for the franchise, exorcising the ghosts of the ’60s. For Riley, these rivalries—be it Lakers-Celtics in the ’80s or Heat-Celtics in the 2010s—are about more than just basketball
Though Riley wasn’t part of the 1960s Lakers, he became a central figure in the franchise’s history. As a player, he won a championship with the Lakers in 1972. After transitioning to coaching, Riley became synonymous with the Showtime Lakers, leading them to four titles during the 1980s. Later, Riley found success with the Miami Heat, winning a title as head coach in 2006 and overseeing two more championships as team president.
His reflections on the Lakers’ past highlight the resilience required to overcome historical setbacks and his role in shaping two of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. For Riley, rivalries aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about legacy, respect, and the enduring fight to rise above challenges.
The Lakers Lost 6 Straight Finals From 1959 To 1969 To The Celtics
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics defined the NBA in the 1960s, with the Celtics dominating the decade. The Lakers, led by legends Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, made six NBA Finals appearances against the Celtics during this period, but they fell short each time. Here is a breakdown of their Finals matchups and the outcomes:
1959 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-0
This was the first Finals meeting between the Lakers and the Celtics, though the Lakers were still based in Minneapolis. Boston, led by Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, swept the Lakers in four games. This marked the beginning of Boston’s dynasty and set the stage for future clashes.
1962 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-3
The rivalry intensified as the Lakers, now based in Los Angeles, pushed the Celtics to seven games. Jerry West and Elgin Baylor shined, with Baylor famously scoring 61 points in Game 5. However, Boston triumphed in a double-overtime thriller in Game 7, securing the championship.
1963 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-2
The Celtics, led by Bill Russell and Sam Jones, defeated the Lakers in six games. Despite strong performances from Baylor and West, Boston’s depth and defense proved too much for Los Angeles.
1965 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-1
The Lakers struggled in this series as Boston dominated with Bill Russell’s rebounding and defense. Jerry West played well, but without Baylor, who was injured, the Lakers couldn’t keep up, losing in five games.
1966 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-3
In a tightly contested series, the Lakers once again pushed the Celtics to seven games. However, Boston’s experience and Bill Russell’s leadership prevailed in the decisive game. This marked the Celtics’ eighth consecutive championship.
1968 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-2
The Lakers had high hopes with the addition of Wilt Chamberlain, but the Celtics remained dominant. Boston took control of the series in Game 6, clinching another championship with Bill Russell continuing his reign as a defensive force.
1969 NBA Finals: Celtics win 4-3
This was perhaps the most heartbreaking loss for the Lakers. With Chamberlain, West, and Baylor, they were favored to win, but the Celtics stunned them in Game 7, led by Russell in his final NBA game. West became the first (and only) Finals MVP from the losing team.
The Celtics’ dominance over the Lakers during the 1960s left a lasting mark on NBA history. It wasn’t until the 1980s, under Magic Johnson and Pat Riley, that the Lakers finally overcame their Finals struggles against Boston.
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