The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are two of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Both teams have a rich history, with a combined 17 championships and countless legendary players. But it’s not just their individual successes that make them so fascinating to fans; it’s the intense rivalry that has developed between the two teams over the years.
The Early Years: Lakers Dominate
The Lakers and Warriors first met in the playoffs in 1967, with the Lakers winning the series 4-2. From that point on, the Lakers dominated the rivalry for the next few decades. They won five championships in the ’80s, largely thanks to the efforts of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Warriors, on the other hand, struggled during this time, with just two playoff appearances in the ’80s.
The Rise of the Warriors
The Warriors’ fortunes began to change in the 2000s, with the arrival of players like Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson. They made the playoffs in 2007 for the first time in 13 years, and then again in 2013. But it wasn’t until the arrival of Steve Kerr as head coach and the addition of Kevin Durant to the roster that the Warriors truly became a dominant force in the league. They won championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and were runners-up in 2016 and 2019.
The LeBron Factor
In 2018, the Lakers made a big move by signing LeBron James to a four-year contract. This put them in direct competition with the Warriors, who had just won back-to-back championships. The rivalry was reignited, with many fans looking forward to seeing LeBron and the Lakers take on Steph Curry and the Warriors. Unfortunately, injuries plagued both teams during the 2018-2019 season, and neither made the playoffs.
The Present Day
As of the 2019-2020 season, the Lakers and Warriors are once again at different points in their respective journeys. The Lakers have once again become a powerhouse, with LeBron leading the way and Anthony Davis joining him in Los Angeles. The Warriors, on the other hand, have struggled with injuries and the departure of Durant. But even as they rebuild, the rivalry between the two teams remains as strong as ever. Fans of both teams eagerly anticipate the next time the Lakers and Warriors meet on the court.
The Future of the Rivalry
As long as the Lakers and Warriors continue to remain competitive, their rivalry will endure. The addition of LeBron to the Lakers has added a new dimension to the feud, and the Warriors will surely be looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the league in the coming years. Whether you’re a fan of the Lakers, the Warriors, or just great basketball, there’s no denying that the rivalry between these two teams is one of the most exciting in the NBA.
