Legendary NBA Rivalries: A Decade-by-Decade Journey (1980s)
Legendary NBA Rivalries: A Decade-by-Decade Journey (1980s)
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Arguably the most famous rivalry in NBA history, the Celtics vs. Lakers of the 1980s, showcases a clash between two basketball titans. With Larry Bird leading the Celtics and Magic Johnson at the helm for the Lakers, their matchups in the Finals became legendary. Although these two franchises have won a combined 35 championships (Celtics – 18 & Lakers – 17) this rivalry wasn't just a battle for championships but also symbolic of contrasting styles and personalities, creating intense, unforgettable, and occasionally physical confrontations that defined the decade.
Key Players
Boston Celtics
Larry Bird: Known for his exceptional shooting, basketball IQ, and competitive spirit, Bird led the Celtics with his all-around game and determination.
Career Averages: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG
Best Statistical Season (1986-1987, MVP – 3rd): 28.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.8 SPG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Luka Dončić
· As I mentioned in The Greatest Statistical Fantasy Basketball Seasons of All-Time, The 3-time MVP and 3-time NBA champion was coming off three consecutive MVP seasons, but his 1986-1987 season was arguably his best yet.
Kevin McHale:
Career Averages: 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 BPG
Best Statistical Season (1986-1987, MVP – 4th): 26.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.2 BPG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Tim Duncan
· McHale won three NBA championships with the Celtics and is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all-time. Nicknamed “the Torture Chamber” for his exceptional footwork and post skills.
Robert Parish: As core members of Boston’s frontcourt, McHale’s post skills and Parish’s defensive presence were critical to the Celtics' success.
Career Averages: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.5 BPG
Best Statistical Season (1981-1982, MVP – 4th): 19.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2.4 BPG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Jonas Valančiūnas
· After four seasons with the Warriors, Parish was traded to the Celtics along with a draft pick that was used to select McHale. This duo joined Bird to form one of the greatest front lines in NBA history. Parish has played in an NBA record 1,611 games.
Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson: Renowned for his passing ability, leadership, and charisma, Magic orchestrated the Lakers' "Showtime" offense with flair and effectiveness.
Career Averages: 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, 7.2 RPG, 1.9 SPG
Best Statistical Season (1986-1987, MVP): 23.9 PPG, 12.2 APG, 6.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Luka Dončić
· Johnson has championship DNA. After winning the national championship with Michigan State in 1979, he was the first overall pick by the Lakers and went on to win five NBA championships. At 6’ 9”, Johnson was a forward in a point guard’s body, displaying unmatched vision and passing.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: One of the most dominant centers of all time, Kareem’s skyhook and leadership provided the Lakers with consistency and a powerful scoring force.
Career Averages: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.6 BPG
Best Statistical Season (1971-1972, MVP): 34.8 PPG, 16.6 RPG, 4.6 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Joel Embiid
· The 6-time MVP and 6-time NBA champion stood 7’ 2” and was perhaps best known for his unstoppable sky hook. Kareem certainly had championship DNA of his own, leading his Power Memorial High School team to 71 straight wins before winning three consecutive college national championships with UCLA.
Dynamics and Competitive Nature
The Celtics and Lakers clashed multiple times during the 1980s, predominantly in the NBA Finals, creating an intense rivalry fueled by their contrasting styles, geographic locations, rich histories, and the personal rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Magic said, “when the new schedule would come out each year, I’d grab it and circle the Boston games. To me, it was The Two and the other 80.” Bird echoed the feeling saying, “the first thing I would do every morning was look at the box scores to see what Magic did. I didn’t care about anything else.”
The Celtics emphasized physical play, teamwork, and mental toughness instilled under coach Red Auerbach's during the 50s and 60s, and later in the 80s, under Hall of Fame coach K.C. Jones.
The Lakers were known for their fast-paced, entertaining "Showtime" basketball under coach Pat Riley, leveraging athleticism and flair.
Notable Encounters
1984 NBA Finals: The Celtics and Lakers met for a memorable series filled with drama and physicality. The Celtics ultimately triumphed in seven games, highlighted by Bird’s clutch performances and intense games underscored by physical play and strategic battles. Bird would average 27 points and 14 rebounds per game, earning series MVP.
1985 NBA Finals: Despite Boston having the home court advantage and winning Game 1 in a 148-114 route, the Lakers sought revenge and succeeded, defeating the Celtics in six games to claim their first victory over Boston in the Finals. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played a crucial role, showcasing his timeless skills and veteran leadership. At 38 years old, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded his second Finals MVP, and first since 1971, averaging 25.7 points, 9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks over six games.
1987 NBA Finals: Another epic series that saw the Lakers emerge victorious, winning in six games. Magic Johnson delivered the iconic "junior skyhook" in Game 4, turning the tide and securing the Lakers’ dominance, underscoring his clutch credentials. Magic capped off his regular season MVP with a Finals MVP. Many consider the 1987 Lakers to not only be Magic’s best team, but one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Legacy and Influence
The Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry of the 1980s is essential in understanding the evolution of the NBA into a global phenomenon. It featured dramatic narratives, contrasting styles, and legendary talents, helping popularize basketball and its stars worldwide.
For the Celtics, the rivalry highlighted their grit and teamwork. Larry Bird’s leadership and legendary status were solidified during these battles.
For the Lakers, the "Showtime" style brought flair and excitement, with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s on-court chemistry driving their success.
This rivalry defined the 1980s, creating a platform for dramatic television broadcasts and fan engagement, which significantly contributed to the NBA's growth in popularity and commercial success. The battles between Bird and Magic remain a defining narrative of sports rivalry, encapsulating the beauty and intensity of professional basketball.
John Fritz - Bleav in Fantasy
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network
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