Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers
A California rivalry marked by mutual respect and Lakers' historical dominance.
The Lakers–Warriors rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Unlike most sports rivalries between Northern and Southern California, there is more mutual respect present between both teams as opposed to fierce animosity. Geography plays a large role as both franchises are largely popular within the state; however, the Lakers have historically been extremely dominant in the series as they have won six of the seven playoff matchups against the Warriors, and have among the most championships in league history.
The Warriors had overcome years of playoff futility with the arrival of such players as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green during the 2010s, winning them four championships from 2015 to 2022. The Lakers had overcome their own struggles following the retirement of Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant, but rebuilt around strong free agent signings with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, leading them to win the 2020 NBA Finals. Both teams have met eight times in the postseason, combining for 38 division titles since both teams relocated to California in the early 1960s.
Prior to his signing with the Lakers, LeBron James had faced off against Stephen Curry and the Warriors in four straight NBA Finals appearances from when he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams combine for 24 championships between them. The Lakers lead the all time regular season series 267–178, and the postseason series 28–13.
Quick Facts
- Key eras
- Showtime vs. Run TMC, 2010s Western Conference Battles
Lore & Background
Both teams were introduced into the NBA during the late 1940s, the Warriors joining in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, while the Lakers joined in 1948 as the Minneapolis Lakers. Both franchises began a brief string of success by winning numerous championships by the end of the decade, and even leading into the 1950s. However, poor attendance began to plague both teams, leading to financial issues. Lakers' owner Bob Short relocated the Lakers to Los Angeles for the 1960 season.
Warriors owner Franklin Mieuli relocated the team to San Francisco for the 1962–63 season. The Warriors drafted Nate Thurmond and made an appearance in the 1964 NBA Finals. Wilt Chamberlain was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and later to the Lakers prior to the 1968 season. Both teams won championships in the 1970s: the Lakers in 1972 (led by Chamberlain and Jerry West), and the Warriors in 1975 (led by Rick Barry).
The Lakers rebuilt with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In the 1980s, the Lakers built the Showtime dynasty around Magic Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, and A.C. Green. The Warriors rebuilt around the Run TMC team (Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin) and coach George Karl. They met in the 1987 NBA Playoffs; the Lakers won 4–1, but Game 4 is remembered for Sleepy Floyd's playoff record of 29 points in a quarter and 39 in a half.
In the 1990s, the Lakers' dynasty faded as the Chicago Bulls dominated. The Warriors acquired Chris Webber and Latrell Sprewell but struggled after 1994. The Lakers signed Shaquille O'Neal in 1996 and drafted Kobe Bryant. The Lakers hired Phil Jackson after the 1998–99 season.
In the 2000s, the Lakers won three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. The Warriors reemerged around 2006 with Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and Baron Davis. The Lakers won two more championships in 2009 and 2010. The Warriors drafted Stephen Curry in 2009, Klay Thompson in 2011, and Draymond Green the following season, emerging as champions in the 2015 NBA Finals.
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