Fan Debate: Which Franchise is Better the Lakers or the Celtics

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the NBA's most storied franchises. A recent Yahoo! Sports Grudge on Facebook debated which one was a better franchise the Lakers or Celtics. I voted for the Celtics based on championship appearances, total championships won, and championship record against each other. However, most voters voted for the Lakers and they won the debate. Looking at NBA history are the Lakers truly the better franchise?

Championship Appearances

The Boston Celtics have appeared in 21 championship series. The Celtics have won 17 and lost four. Since the debate is on which franchise and just mentioned the Lakers we will combine the Minneapolis years with the Los Angeles years. The Lakers have appeared in 30 championships. They have won 16 championships. The advantage in championship appearances goes to the Lakers franchise.

Total Championships

The Boston Celtics have won 17 compared to the Lakers 16 championships. The Boston Celtics have also won a higher percentage of championships then the Lakers. The advantage goes to the Boston Celtics. However, the Lakers could challenge for the NBA Finals again soon, another title would tie and two titles would surpass. Los Angeles has been the better team than the Boston Celtics recently so this advantage could go away soon. Right now the advantage goes to the Boston franchise.

Head to Head Championships

The Lakers and the Celtics have met in the NBA Finals 12 times. The Boston Celtics have won 75% of those championships and hold a commanding advantage. However, Los Angeles has won three of the last four series the tow franchises have met. Los Angeles is the defending NBA Champions. They beat the Celtics last season four games to three. However, the advantage goes to the Boston Celtics with their large lead.

Conclusion

Combined the Lakers and the Celtics have appeared in 51 NBA Finals and have won 33 championships. Debates to which team is better is easy to start up. Lately, the Los Angeles Lakers have been performing better than the Celtics in the finals. Los Angeles has appeared in the last three finals. The Lakers have won more recent head to head battles. However, franchises are judged by a complete body of work. The complete body of work makes the Boston Celtics my choice for the better franchise. Based on recent history, the Lakers are currently a better franchise. Looking at the results of the Grudge Judge it appears most fans went with recent history.

Sources:

NBA.com

Grudge Judge