The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are two of the most iconic teams in American professional basketball. Both teams have a rich history and incredible legacies, with 17 championships each. The Lakers have had legendary players such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson, while the Celtics had Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Bob Cousy. Both teams have also had successful coaches such as Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach. Ultimately, determining which team has the better legacy is a matter of personal preference, but the Lakers and Celtics will always be two of the most respected franchises in the NBA.
Lakers vs. Celtics: Which Team Has the Better Legacy?
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are without a doubt two of the most iconic teams in American professional basketball. Their longstanding rivalry has extended beyond the court and has become a part of the NBA’s fabric. Fans and basketball experts have long debated which team has the better legacy, and it is a topic that remains unresolved. In this article, we will explore the rich history of both franchises and compare and contrast each team’s legacy.
Franchise History
The Lakers were founded in 1946 as the Detroit Gems and after moving to Minnesota, they adopted the Lakers name. It was in 1960 when they relocated to Los Angeles, and this decade became their golden years. The team won a total of 10 championships during the 1980s and early 2000s, cementing themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the NBA. They have a total of 17 NBA championships, which ties them with the Celtics for the most in the league’s history.
The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, were founded in 1946 and, like the Lakers, underwent several relocated before settling in Boston. The franchise has an incredible legacy, winning 17 NBA championships over the years, tying them with the Lakers for the most championships in the NBA. The Celtics have had many legendary players in their roster, including Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Bob Cousy, among others.
Rivalry
The Lakers-Celtics rivalry is one of the most impressive features of American basketball. Both teams have faced each other in the NBA Finals a total of 12 times, with the Lakers winning 5 of them and the Celtics taking the other 7. The two teams have faced each other in many memorable games, including the 1984 Finals, where the Celtics took the championship after a grueling seven-game matchup. That series featured some of the most iconic plays in NBA history, and it cemented the rivalry between the two teams for decades to come.
Star Players
Both the Lakers and the Celtics have had some of the most talented and iconic players in NBA history. The Lakers have had the likes of Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, among many others. The Celtics have also had their share of legends, such as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, and Bob Cousy. The Lakers are also known for acquiring some of the most successful players from other teams, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Pau Gasol. The Celtics, meanwhile, have a reputation for developing and nurturing their talents, as seen with players like Kevin McHale and Paul Pierce.
Management and Coaching
Both the Lakers and Celtics have had some of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Phil Jackson, who coached the Lakers to five championships, including three in a row from 2000-2002, is widely considered as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Pat Riley, who led the team to four championships in the 1980s, is also widely respected in the basketball community. The Celtics, meanwhile, have had incredible coaches such as Red Auerbach, who coached the team to nine championships, and Doc Rivers, who coached the team to one championship in 2008.
Both franchises have had their notable executives, such as Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. Buss helped take the Lakers to a new level of success, while Ainge is known for playing a vital role in the team’s rebuilding process in the 2000s.
Conclusion
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have rich histories and incredible legacies that will forever be a part of NBA history. Determining which team has the better legacy is a topic that has no concrete answer, and it ultimately boils down to a matter of personal preference. Lakers fans will argue that their 17 championships make them the superior team, while Celtics fans will say that their team’s style of play and reputation for playing as a team make them the better choice. Nonetheless, the Lakers and Celtics will always be two of the most iconic and respected franchises in the NBA, and basketball fans can’t deny their contributions to the sport.