Celtics vs. Lakers by the numbers: Most championships, MVP winners & more key stats to know in rivalry debate

There are several rivalries in the NBA but Celtics vs. Lakers is the rivalry that defines the league.

Boston and LA are two of the most decorated franchises in all sports and have gone head-to-head with a championship on the line a dozen times, including six meetings in the 1960s and three additional meetings in the 1980s.

With Boston on the cusp of the 2024 NBA title, the rivalry with LA is again relevant because the Celtics could again become the sole holder of the NBA's record for most championships with 18, breaking a tie with the Lakers that lasted nearly four years.

Given Boston and LA's standing as the most decorated franchises in NBA history, the Celtics' Finals appearance is a great opportunity to revisit where each team stands regarding accolades — both team and individual.

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NBA championships

The Celtics and Lakers are tied with 17 championships. Boston has a chance to break a four-year tie with LA, which won its 17th NBA championship in 2020 during the NBA Restart at the Walt Disney Resort.

Celtics NBA Finals wins

The Celtics have won more than half of their 17 NBA titles against the Lakers, including six head-to-head wins in the 1960s. Led by Bill Russell, Boston won 11 of its 17 championships between 1957 and 1969.

• 2008: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-2
• 1986: Celtics def. Rockets, 4-2
• 1984: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-3
• 1981: Celtics def. Rockets, 4-2
• 1976: Celtics def. Suns, 4-2
• 1974: Celtics def. Bucks, 4-3
• 1969: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-3
• 1968: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-2
• 1966: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-3
• 1965: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-1
• 1964: Celtics def. Warriors, 4-1
• 1963: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-2
• 1962: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-3
• 1961: Celtics def Hawks, 4-1
• 1960: Celtics def. Hawks, 4-0
• 1959: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-0
• 1957: Celtics def. Hawks, 4-3

Lakers NBA Finals wins

The Lakers have won three of their 17 NBA title against the Celtics, including two titles in three years during the 1980s. It is worth noting that the franchise won five championships before relocating to Los Angeles.

• 2020: Lakers def. Heat, 4-2
• 2010: Lakers def. Celtics, 4-3
• 2009: Lakers def. Magic, 4-1
• 2002: Lakers def. Nets, 4-0
• 2001: Lakers def. 76ers, 4-1
• 2000: Lakers def. Pacers, 4-2
• 1988: Lakers def. Pistons, 4-3
• 1987: Lakers def. Celtics, 4-2
• 1985: Lakers def. Celtics, 4-2
• 1982: Lakers def. 76ers, 4-2
• 1980: Lakers def. 76ers, 4-2
• 1972: Lakers def. Knicks, 4-2
• 1954: Lakers def. Nationals, 4-2*
• 1953: Lakers def. Knicks, 4-1*
• 1952: Lakers def. Knicks, 4-3*
• 1950: Lakers def. Nationals, 4-2*
• 1949: Lakers def. Capitols, 4-2*

*Titles won when franchise was located in Minneapolis.

Lakers vs. Celtics: NBA Finals head-to-head

The Celtics and Lakers have met 12 times in the NBA Finals. Boston holds a 9-3 record over LA in the Finals, though the Lakers won the most recent head-to-head meeting in 2010.

In 1969, Jerry West was named the first-ever NBA Finals MVP, doing so in a losing effort to the Celtics. West is still the only member of a losing team to earn the honor.

Hall of Fame players

Celtics

38 players who have donned the Celtics uniform have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The players in bold also played for the Lakers.

Lakers

31 different Lakers players have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The players in bold also played for the Celtics.

NBA MVP award winners

Both teams have had four different MVP award winners, though Boston's players won a combined 10 times. Bill Russell earned the honor five times and Larry Bird was named MVP three consecutive years in the 1980s.

The Lakers have had a pair of three-time winners in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson while Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal each won the award once.

Celtics

Lakers

All-NBA First Team selections

11 different Lakers players have earned All-NBA First Team honors compared to nine for the Celtics. 

Boston has a total of 35 All-NBA First Team selections among nine players while Lakers players have combined to earn All-NBA First Team honors 63 times, including 40 selections between Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Jerry West.

Celtics

Lakers

NBA All-Star selections

John Havlicek and Bob Cousy are Boston's most decorated All-Stars with 13 selections apiece. Kobe Bryant's 18 All-Star selections are the third-most all-time and Jerry West is not far behind with 14 selections.

Celtics

Lakers