5 Greatest Rivals of the Los Angeles Lakers

5 Greatest Rivals of the Los Angeles Lakers

By Zach Fetaru

Who Are The Los Angeles Lakers' Biggest Rivals ?

Los Angeles Lakers v San Antonio Spurs
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein

Believe it or not, winning 16 NBA Championships and 31 Western Conference titles can make you a lot of enemies over time. Due to their longevity of success at the mountaintop, the Los Angeles Lakers have developed rivalries with many teams in their conference, as well as opposition across the country. While the Lakers serve as a top rival to many teams, only a select few are considered true rivals of the purple and gold. These are the top five.

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Last Playoff Matchup – 2001 NBA Finals

Magic Johnson celebrates w/teammates 80' Finals
Getty Images Sport - Jim Cummins

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Last Playoff Matchup – 2001 NBA Finals

Magic Johnson celebrates w/teammates 80' Finals
Getty Images Sport - Jim Cummins

In the 1980s, the Dr. J-led 76ers battled the Showtime Lakers in three NBA Finals. The first matchup featured Magic Johnson’s star-making performance in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, while the final battle in 1983 resulted in a Sixers’ sweep. In 2001, Allen Iverson led Philly against the most-dominant playoff team of all time, as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to a 4-1 victory, earning their second of three consecutive titles.

4. Utah Jazz: Last Playoff Matchup – 2010 Western Conference Semifinals

Los Angeles Lakers v Utah Jazz
Getty Images Sport - Andy Hayt

4. Utah Jazz: Last Playoff Matchup – 2010 Western Conference Semifinals

Los Angeles Lakers v Utah Jazz
Getty Images Sport - Andy Hayt

Boasting one of the league’s best home-court advantages, the Utah Jazz have made no exceptions for the Lakers by being as hostile an environment as possible. The two teams have met in the playoffs six times, with the Lakers holding a 4-2 advantage. More importantly, the winner of each series has also gone on to represent the West in the Finals every time. Despite recent struggles, when the two teams come together, it always proves to be intense.

3. San Antonio Spurs: Last Playoff Matchup – 2013 Western Conference First Round

San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers - Game 6
Getty Images Sport - Stephen Dunn

3. San Antonio Spurs: Last Playoff Matchup – 2013 Western Conference First Round

San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers - Game 6
Getty Images Sport - Stephen Dunn

Since 1999, the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs have won five titles apiece, which coincided with the arrivals of Bryant and Tim Duncan. Head-to-head during that time, the Lakers have won four of seven series, with their 2004 matchup being the most memorable thanks largely to Derek Fisher’s 0.4 miracle shot. Today, there is very little hostility between the two overlapping dynasties, as respect for one another has taken over the relationship.

2. Portland Trail Blazers: Last Playoff Matchup – 2002 Western Conference First Round

2000 NBA Western Conference Finals: Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers
Getty Images Sport - Tom Hauck

2. Portland Trail Blazers: Last Playoff Matchup – 2002 Western Conference First Round

2000 NBA Western Conference Finals: Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers
Getty Images Sport - Tom Hauck

Since the 1970s, the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers have battled for supremacy, often meeting in crucial matchups to determine the West. The most notable matchup was a classic seven-game series in 2000. The Lakers used a miraculous comeback to defeat the Blazers, which sent each team in opposite trajectories. Portland has always proven to be a hostile environment for the Lakers, creating a playoff-like feel every time they visit.

1. Boston Celtics: Last Playoff Matchup – 2010 NBA Finals

1987 NBA Finals Game Six: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein

1. Boston Celtics: Last Playoff Matchup – 2010 NBA Finals

1987 NBA Finals Game Six: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Getty Images Sport - Andrew D. Bernstein

As if it could have been anyone else? The Boston Celtics and Lakers have met in the Finals a record 12 times, with the Celtics holding a 9-3 advantage. However, the Lakers have won three of the last four finals, including the 2010 edition. While the rivalry has gone dormant due to recent struggles for both, it’s only a matter of time before these teams lockup again, adding another chapter to the league’s most storied rivalry.

Zach Fetaru is a Los Angeles Lakers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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