The History of the Rivalry
The Warriors vs Lakers rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the NBA. It dates back to the early days of the league when the Warriors were based in Philadelphia and the Lakers were in Minneapolis. The two teams faced off in the NBA Finals in 1947, with the Warriors winning the championship.
The rivalry really heated up in the 1960s and 1970s when the Lakers moved to Los Angeles and became one of the most dominant teams in the league. The Warriors, meanwhile, struggled to find success, but remained a thorn in the Lakers’ side, often spoiling their playoff hopes.
The rivalry reached its peak in the 1980s, when the Lakers and Warriors faced off in the playoffs five times in six years. The Lakers won four of those series, but the Warriors pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NBA history in 1987 when they beat the heavily-favored Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Modern Rivalry
The Warriors vs Lakers rivalry has continued into the modern era, with both teams becoming powerhouses in the Western Conference. The rivalry was reignited in 2015 when the Warriors won their first NBA championship in 40 years, beating the Cavaliers in the Finals. The following year, the Warriors set a new NBA record by winning 73 games in the regular season, only to lose to the Cavaliers in the Finals.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have undergone a rebuilding process in recent years, but have shown signs of improvement with the acquisition of superstar LeBron James in 2018. The Lakers and Warriors faced off in the playoffs in 2019, with the Warriors winning the series 4-2.
The Players
The Warriors and Lakers have both been home to some of the greatest players in NBA history. The Lakers have had legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, while the Warriors have had stars like Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, and Stephen Curry.
One of the most anticipated matchups in recent years has been between Curry and James, two of the biggest stars in the league. Curry’s long-range shooting and ball-handling skills have made him one of the most exciting players to watch, while James’ all-around game and ability to take over in big moments have made him one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Warriors and Lakers are both expected to be contenders in the Western Conference for years to come. The Warriors have a talented core of players, including Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, while the Lakers have James and rising stars like Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma.
As the two teams continue to battle it out on the court, the Warriors vs Lakers rivalry will remain one of the most exciting and intense matchups in the NBA.
