LA & Boston

The ongoing NBA Finals featuring the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics is going down as one for the books. Two teams destined for greatness; two teams that have done it all; two teams that remain hungry for excellence; two teams that serve as pillars of the basketball world. The NBA is nothing without the Lakers and Celtics.

If you’re looking for basketball organizations that have stood tall through history, then the Lakers and Boston (not in any order) would be hands-down the top of mind mention. Where else can you see ballclubs dominate not only through short stretches of time but through the decades of the NBA’s history?

While still based in Minneapolis, the Lakers were the team to beat in the late 40s and 50s, winning five championships in 1949, 1950, 1952-1954. The Celtics then took over in the 60s, winning an amazing 11 championships in 1957, 1959-1966, and 1968-69. The Lakers played second fiddle in seven of these championships, but now based in Los Angeles. The 70s saw a slowdown of sorts with Boston good for two titles in 1974 & 1976, while the Lakers won a title in 1972. The 80s was all about the Lakers where they won five championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. But Boston wasn’t far behind with titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986. The period between 1989-1999 served as a break from either LA or Boston titles as Michael Jordan made his presence felt with Bulls. The new century opened with three straight titles for the Lakers from 2000-2002. After a 22-year silence, the Celtics won its 17th title in 2008, followed up by another Laker championship last year. Over-all, Boston leads all NBA teams with 17 championships, followed closely by the Lakers with 15.

No other team comes close to what both teams have achieved in the history of the sport. While #23 helped win six titles for Chicago, that was it and it looks like it will be awhile before they find another Michael Jordan-type savior.

The most amazing part about all these achievements is how both teams have won their championships with a set of key players and coaches. Bill Russell and Bob Cousy were a perfect combination for Boston in the 60s. John Havlicek and Larry Bird were not known to be the most athletic of players, but overcame this with their court smarts and big hearts. Boston will always be known to be a team of hardworking blue-collar players who played their guts out despite the lack of extreme skills and talents. Tom Heinsohn, Jojo White, Dave Cowens, Pail Silas and Don Nelson are some of the Celtics who typified this spirit. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have taken over these days with the rising Rajon Rondo stepping up. Their places in history will be determined by how far they can take Boston to more titles.

The Lakers were known to win big with dominating centers that featured George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal in three different “generations.” These teams were supported by solid backcourt players like Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Magic Johnson and Byron Scott. The Lakers of the 80s also re-defined the position of “role players” with the rise of Kurt Rambis, AC Green and Mychal Thompson. Their latest championship in 2009 featured minor switch in key players with the dominating play of Kobe Bryant. 

Coaches will always play the support role to their more famous players, but Boston and LA have contributed some of the best like Red Auerbach, Bill Russell (as playing coach), Pat Riley and now Phil Jackson.

As you watch games of the NBA Finals, take note that you’re not watching a battle between two teams of today. You’re witnessing history being written, featuring the two most dominant teams in NBA history.

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