Lakers vs. Celtics: Rivalry Renewed

Here at the Unpossiblog we value the storylines that make the NBA turn, and there is no greater tale than the continuing rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.


During the 1960's the Celtics dominated with Hall of Famers like Bill Russell and Bob Cousy leading the way, beating the Lakers in the NBA Finals 6 times. The intense rivalry between the two teams would be capped by an unlikely NBA Championship for the aging Celtics in 1969, when they pulled off a game 7 victory over a Lakers squad loaded with stars like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor.

The rivalry would continue in the 1980's with the emergence of Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird as the stars of the NBA. The two men would use their fierce competitive drive to bring the NBA to new heights.

The Lakers had "Showtime", and were the most exciting team in the league with players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper running alongside Magic. In contrast, the Celtics were seen as a hard working, gritty team with players like Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Dennis Johnson.


The contrast in styles only helped to fuel the rivalry, re-igniting the passions of fans on both sides. Boston fans chanted "Beat LA" at every opportune moment, while LA fans responded with their chants of "Boston Sucks". The two sides created a plethora of legendary moments, including Magic Johnson's game winning baby hook, McHale's foul on Kurt Rambis, and the infamous "Heat Game" in the Boston Garden.

In total, the Celtics and Lakers met in the NBA Finals 3 times during the 1980's, with the Lakers walking away with 2 victories to the Celtic's 1. Following the retirement of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the early 90's the rivalry went into hibernation, waiting for a time when the Lakers and Celtics would both be strong enough to re-ignite the competition between the two clubs.

That time is now. Thanks to the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to play alongside Paul Pierce, the Celtics are looking like the best team in the Eastern Conference. On the left coast, the continued emergence of Andrew Bynum has finally given Kobe Bryant enough help to make some real noise for the first time in the post-Shaquille O'Neal era. While the Lakers aren't currently seen as title contenders they are performing well enough to make the other powers in the league stop and take notice.

On Sunday, December 30th the Celtics will meet the Lakers in LA on part of their first major road trip out west. There is a lot riding on the game for both teams. Throughout the young season the Celtics have been plagued by claims that their 24-3 record has been padded by weak opponents, with many claiming that they couldn't be seen as a legitimate title contender until they show that they can win against the teams in the stronger Western Conference. Their second meeting with the now red-hot Lakers gives them an opportunity to prove to the rest of the league that they are for real.

The Lakers, on the other hand, are riding a 4 game winning streak, including Friday night's big win over one of last season's Western Conference Finalists, the Utah Jazz. The Lakers also have a little bit of revenge on their mind after losing 107-94 when the two clubs met in Boston on November 23rd.

Of course, we can't forget about the eerie fact that Lakers coach Phil Jackson is on the verge of breaking the regular season win record of legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach. A win over Boston Sunday night would give Jackson the lead. Would fate allow it to happen any other way?
While the regular season win record isn't an NBA championship there is no doubt that it will give both sides a little something extra to play for. If that translates to anything close to the level of competition these two sides have displayed in the past fans league-wide will be in for a real treat.

For the fans of both the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers the game will provide a nostalgic return to the glory days of the NBA. Two teams destined to be linked together throughout history will add another chapter to their story Sunday night. There is no doubt that the ghosts of the past will be in attendance to watch a rivalry renewed.

Update: The Celtics just defeated the Jazz in Utah 104-98. They now have to fly to LA for the second game of the back to back against the Lakers. This game will really be a great test of the Celtics mental and physical endurance.

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Tags: Kevin Garnett,Boston Celtics,Los Angeles LakersRay Allen,Paul Pierce,Andrew BynumLakers Celtics Rivalry,Magic Johnson,NBA Championship