Lakers vs Celtics
The greatest rivalry in NBA history: Celtics vs. Lakers.
The Celtics–Lakers rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics and the Lakers are the two most storied franchises in the NBA, and the rivalry has been called the greatest in the league. The teams have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with their first such meeting being in 1959. They would both go on to dominate the league in the 1960s and 1980s, facing each other in the Finals six times in the 1960s (with the Celtics winning all six), three times in the 1980s (with the Lakers winning two out of three), and, more recently, in 2008 (Celtics victory) and 2010 (Lakers victory). The teams also won 3 of the 10 titles of the 1970s (the Lakers in 1972, the Celtics in 1974 and 1976), but they did not face each other in the NBA Finals during that decade.
- Total NBA Finals Meetings
- 12
- Celtics Championships vs Lakers
- 9 - 3 (as of last major rivalry peak)
- Lakers Total Championships
- 17
- Celtics Total Championships
- 18
Lore & Background
The rivalry began in the 1950s when the Minneapolis Lakers and Boston Celtics first met in the 1959 NBA Finals, which the Celtics swept 4–0. In the 1960s, after the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, the two teams met six times in the Finals (1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969), with the Celtics winning all six. The 1969 Finals saw Jerry West named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team. The rivalry cooled in the 1970s as the teams won championships but never faced each other in the Finals. It was reignited in the 1980s due to the personal rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, with the Lakers winning two of three Finals meetings (1985 and 1987) and the Celtics winning in 1984. The rivalry intensified again in 2008 and 2010, with the Celtics winning in 2008 and the Lakers in 2010.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Forum was thick with humidity and the roar of ten thousand screaming fans. On one side, the sea of green in Boston's jerseys felt like an invading army; on the other, the purple and gold of Los Angeles shimmered under the bright lights. Magic Johnson dribbled slowly at the top of the key, his eyes locked on the rim before elevating into the iconic baby hook that would seal Game 6 of the 1987 Finals.
Reader's Guide
The Celtics and Lakers are the two most successful franchises in NBA history, with the Celtics holding 18 championships and the Lakers 17 (12 in Los Angeles and 5 in Minneapolis). As of the end of the 2023–24 season, Boston is the only team with a winning overall record against the Lakers. The rivalry is primarily known for their 12 Finals meetings, but the teams remain strong rivals to this day.
Did You Know?
- The Celtics and Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals.
- The first Finals meeting between the teams was in 1959, when the Celtics swept the Minneapolis Lakers 4–0.
- The Celtics won all six Finals meetings in the 1960s.
- The Lakers won two of three Finals meetings in the 1980s.
- Jerry West was named Finals MVP in 1969 despite being on the losing team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main rivals in the Lakers vs Celtics feud?
The rivalry pits the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics, representing the two most successful franchises in NBA history with a combined 34 championships. This clash symbolizes a cultural battle between Hollywood's glamour and New England's blue-collar discipline.
How many times have these teams met in the NBA Finals?
The Lakers and Celtics have faced each other in the NBA Finals exactly 12 times throughout their storied history. In those matchups, the Celtics hold a significant edge with nine victories compared to the Lakers' three wins during the rivalry's peak eras.
Which legendary players defined the early era of this rivalry?
The mid-20th century was dominated by Bill Russell leading the Celtics against Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor for the Lakers. This period established the foundation for their intense competition through sheer athletic dominance and defensive mastery.
Who were the key stars during the 1980s resurgence of this feud?
The rivalry rekindled in the 1980s with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar representing the Lakers against Larry Bird for the Celtics. Their contrasting styles and personal chemistry created one of the most memorable chapters in professional sports history.
Why is the Lakers vs Celtics rivalry considered so important?
This feud is viewed as the defining narrative of modern basketball because it showcases a clash between two distinct regional identities and winning traditions. It transcends simple competition to become a cultural phenomenon that spans decades of dominance for both organizations.
More in Great Rivalries & Feuds
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Lakers universe
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