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When it comes to the greatest NBA franchise only two teams have a viable case: the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
On Wednesday’s “First Take,” ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo made their respective arguments for which is best; with Russo taking the side of the Celtics and Stephen A. being partial to the Lakers.
When you think about the history of the Lakers you think, obviously, Magic-Kareem and you think the Kobe crew… When you think about the history of the Celtics you think: [Bob] Cousy and [Bill] Russell, you then think Russell, then you think [Dave] Cowens and [John] Havlicek — they won two, then you think [Larry] Bird and his crew — they won three times, then you think of [Paul] Pierce, [Ray] Allen and [Kevin] Garnett they went to two Finals and won a championship and now you think of [Jayson] Tatum. So you’ve got five or six entries of the Celtics and only a couple of the Lakers.
And then finally, Steve… head-to-head what’s the number in the Finals? Head-to-head Boston’s beaten them 9-of-12 times. … You’re gonna put the Lakers ahead of the Boston Celtics? That’s not fair.
Best franchise of all time: Celtics or Lakers? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/taWIRyxZdq
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 19, 2024
The Celtics’ recent banner has reignited the ongoing debate online now that they have 18 championships.
And as “Mad Dog” also pointed out, four of the Lakers‘ 17 championships came when the team was in Minneapolis before moving to LA in 1960.
So where do you fall on the Lakers-Celtics rivalry?