The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are two of the most iconic teams in the history of the NBA. They have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the early days of the league. This intense rivalry has been fueled by the competitive nature of both teams and their desire to be the best.
From the days of Bill Russell and Jerry West to the current superstars like LeBron James and Jayson Tatum, the Lakers and Celtics have always been at the forefront of the NBA. And even though they are in different conferences, their matchups always have a playoff-like atmosphere.
Recently, Celtics’ guard Jaylen Brown spoke about the intense rivalry between the two teams. He stated that the Lakers and Celtics just don’t like each other, and this has been the case since the beginning of time. This statement holds a lot of truth, as the rivalry between these two teams goes beyond just basketball.
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics can be traced back to the 1960s when they met in the NBA Finals six times in a row. The Celtics, led by Bill Russell, dominated the Lakers and won all six of those Finals matchups. This created a sense of animosity between the two teams, with the Lakers vowing to get revenge.
In the 1980s, the rivalry was renewed as the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, faced off against the Celtics, led by Larry Bird. The two teams met in the NBA Finals three times in that decade, with the Lakers winning two out of three. This only added fuel to the fire of the rivalry between the two teams.
Even when the Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960, the rivalry with the Celtics remained. The two teams continued to meet in the NBA Finals, with the Lakers finally getting their revenge in 1985 by defeating the Celtics in six games.
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics has also been fueled by the individual matchups between their star players. From Magic vs. Bird to Kobe Bryant vs. Paul Pierce, these matchups have always been highly anticipated and have added to the intensity of the rivalry.
But it’s not just the players who fuel this rivalry. The fans of both teams are also heavily involved. The Lakers and Celtics have two of the most passionate fan bases in the NBA, and when their teams face off, the atmosphere in the arena is electric. The fans are just as invested in the rivalry as the players, and this only adds to the intensity of the matchups.
Even in the regular season, when the stakes are not as high, the games between the Lakers and Celtics are always highly competitive. Both teams bring their A-game, and the level of intensity is similar to that of a playoff game. This is why Jaylen Brown believes that their regular-season matchups feel like playoff games.
The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics has also transcended the basketball court. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans all over the world invested in the outcome of their matchups. The Lakers and Celtics are not just teams; they represent two cities, two cultures, and two ways of life.
In recent years, the rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics has taken a backseat as both teams have struggled to find success. But with the Lakers now led by LeBron James and the Celtics by Jayson Tatum, the rivalry is once again heating up. The two teams met in the 2020 NBA Finals, with the Lakers coming out on top and winning their 17th championship.
As the Lakers and Celtics continue to battle it out on the court, one thing is for sure – the rivalry between these two teams will never die. It is deeply ingrained in the history of the NBA and will continue to be a source of excitement and entertainment for fans all over the world.
In conclusion, the Lakers and Celtics have a long-standing rivalry that is fueled by their competitive nature and desire to be the best. From the early days of the NBA to the present, these two teams have always been at the forefront of the league. And even though they may not like each other, their rivalry has brought out the best in both teams and has created some of the most memorable moments in NBA history. So, let’s sit back and enjoy the intense matchups between the Lakers and Celtics, as this is what makes the NBA so special.
