The NBA’s Greatest Franchise: Lakers or Celtics?

Although the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers all have a history of great players and several Championships they are no match for the amazing history of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. Combined, the Lakers and Celtics have 33 NBA Championships, 52 Conference titles, and 30 retired numbers. Both teams have been spoiled with success, but who is truly the NBA’s greatest franchise?

Team Success:

Boston Celtics- 17 NBA Championships, 21 Conference titles, and 21 Division titles.

Lakers- 16 NBA Championships, 31 Conference titles, and 23 Division titles.

Edge: Tie

Star Power:

Boston Celtics’ Greatest Players- Bill Russell, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce, Kevin McHale, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Robert Parish

Los Angeles Lakers’ Greatest Players- Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and James Worthy

Edge: Los Angeles Lakers

Better Coaching History:

Boston Celtics Greatest Coaches- Bill Russell, Doc Rivers, K.C. Jones, Tom Heinsohn, and Red Auerbach. These five coaches have 16 NBA Championships combined for the Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles Lakers Greatest Coaches- Fred Schaus, Bill Sharman, John Kundla, Pat Riley, and Phil Jackson. These five coaches have 15 NBA Championships combined for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Edge: Boston Celtics

Future Success:

Nobody can know what the future will hold, but the Boston Celtics are currently a playoff team with two fantastic players in Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. They are one of the best teams in the eastern conference and nobody would be shocked if they made the Eastern Conference Finals next season. Meanwhile the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the worst teams in the NBA… but they still have a bright future. Their team is full of young talent like D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle. But people would still be flabbergasted if they made, or even came close to the NBA playoffs.

Edge: Boston Celtics

Both of these teams have had amazing success, and the Los Angeles Lakers have a better history of star players, but the Boston Celtics have had a better history of coaches and they have a brighter future. The Boston Celtics truly are the greatest franchise in NBA history.