The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most storied rivalries in sports. Their battle for NBA supremacy has spanned decades, fueling debate over which franchise reigns supreme.
The Celtics hold the record for the most NBA championships with 18, while the Lakers sit just behind them with 17. Fans from both sides fiercely defend their team’s place in history, making this rivalry one of the most passionate in sports.
Whenever these teams face off, it’s a must-watch matchup. With the Lakers visiting Boston this weekend, many are eager to see how the latest chapter of this historic feud unfolds.
Jayson Tatum Doesn’t See the Los Angeles Lakers as Rivals
Despite the long-standing history between the teams, Jayson Tatum doesn’t view the Lakers as true rivals. After the Celtics’ recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers, he explained his perspective to reporters.
Jayson Tatum on the Celtics-Lakers rivalry:
"From my time in the league, I wouldn't look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice. The teams that we've played over and over again in the playoffs, Philly would be one of them, and there [are] other teams as well.
“But you… pic.twitter.com/cpHYQGAd07
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 7, 2025
“From my time in the league, I wouldn’t look at the Lakers as rivals; we only play them twice. The teams that we’ve played over and over again in the playoffs, Philly would be one of them, and there are other teams as well.”
“But you respect and understand the history…What it means to the game of basketball and the NBA, and it’s an honor to be a part of that.”
Tatum acknowledges the Celtics-Lakers history, even if he doesn’t feel the rivalry personally. Since he entered the NBA in 2017, the Celtics and Lakers haven’t met in the Finals, which has likely shaped his view.
A Look Back at the Celtics-Lakers Rivalry
This rivalry dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when both franchises were dominant forces. Their first NBA Finals meeting came in 1959, while their most recent Finals clash was in 2010.
Some of the greatest players in NBA history have battled in Celtics-Lakers matchups, including Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Magic Johnson, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and many more.
The two teams have squared off 12 times in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning nine of those series.
Most recently, the Lakers defeated the Celtics on Jan. 23, 2025, meaning Boston will be looking to even the score this weekend.
The next era of this rivalry is taking shape, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Derrick White set to take center stage.
Who will come out on top in this weekend’s marquee matchup?