The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have one of the most storied rivalries in all of sports. Dating back to the early days of the NBA, these two teams have always had a fierce competition and a deep-seated dislike for each other. And even though they may not be in the same division or conference, whenever these two teams face off, it feels like a playoff game.
This intense rivalry can be traced back to the 1960s when the Celtics, led by the legendary Bill Russell, dominated the league and won 11 championships in 13 years. The Lakers, then based in Minneapolis, were one of the few teams that could challenge the Celtics’ dominance. This created a fierce competition between the two teams, and it only intensified when the Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960.
Since then, the Lakers and Celtics have faced each other in the NBA Finals a record 12 times, with the Celtics holding a slight edge with nine championships to the Lakers’ three. This historic rivalry has produced some of the most iconic moments in NBA history, from Magic Johnson’s baby hook shot in 1987 to Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game in 2006.
But even in the regular season, when the stakes may not be as high, the Lakers and Celtics still bring out the best in each other. And that was evident in their recent matchup on January 20th, which ended in a 139-107 victory for the Celtics. After the game, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown spoke about the intense atmosphere and the playoff-like intensity of the game.
“It’s always a playoff-type atmosphere when we play the Lakers,” Brown said. “It’s a historic rivalry, and both teams always bring their best. You can feel the intensity from the opening tip to the final buzzer.”
And Brown is absolutely right. Every time these two teams face off, it feels like a must-watch event. The energy in the arena is palpable, and the players on both sides are always fired up and ready to compete. It’s a testament to the history and tradition of these two franchises and the passion of their fan bases.
But this rivalry isn’t just about the past. Both the Lakers and Celtics are currently in a position to make a deep playoff run this season. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have the best record in the Western Conference, while the Celtics, led by Brown and fellow All-Star Jayson Tatum, are third in the Eastern Conference.
With both teams playing at such a high level, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where they meet once again in the NBA Finals. And if that happens, it will only add to the legacy of this historic rivalry.
But even if they don’t meet in the Finals, the Lakers and Celtics will always have a special place in the hearts of basketball fans. Their rivalry is a reminder of the passion and intensity that the game of basketball can bring out in people. And for that, we should all be grateful.
In the end, it’s clear that the Lakers and Celtics just don’t like each other, and that’s okay. It’s what makes this rivalry so special and enduring. So let’s sit back and enjoy the show whenever these two teams face off, because you never know when the next iconic moment will happen.
