In my lifetime, it has to be the Lakers/Celtics rivalry of the 80's. Each team was consistently dominant within their conference and met for the trophy four times during the decade, with the Lakers taking three of them. There was so much bad blood between the opposing fan base, it took on a life of it's own. There's no rivalry that even compares in today's game, the disdain that Laker fans felt for Boston and Boston fans for LA was undescribable. To me, there is no other rivalry I've seen that could match it.
My favorite was the Bulls/Knicks of the early 90's, and second was Bulls/Pistons from late 80's. However, I have to admit that neither quite compared to the Lakers/Celtics.
lakers/kings has turned into an alright rivalry. of all time, my fav is bulls/pistons. nets/knicks is always an intense game too
Lakers vs. Celtics in the 80's I also liked the Heat vs. Knicks rivalry. The image of Van Gundy hanging on Zo's leg is a classic NBA moment.
Og summed it up. In the 80's Lakers/Celtics were basketball. That rivalry is the Yanks/Beantown rivalry of the NBA. No rivalry in the L will ever surpass that. Reggie Miller vs The Knicks gets my second vote. lol
Unquestionably, Lakers vs. Celtics was the greatest rivalry of all time. However, there are some interesting modern-day rivalries that are good too. Knicks vs. Heat was always fun to watch, as is Lakers vs. Kings. I think that a rivalry can be formed between two teams in any conditions, even if the players are best friends off the court, as long as both teams are fighting to win and are talented.
Lakers/Celtics is without question the greatest basketball rivalry ever, I miss it great deal. Lakers/Kings is a so-so rivalry that hasn't produced anything meaningful in terms of a victory for Sacramento.
I grew up on knicks vs bulls in the 90's, so of course that gets my vote but Knicks vs heat was always exciting because you Knew something big was going to happen that would change the entire complexion of a regular season game/ or playoffs. And of course Reggie vs the Knicks. The Patrick Ewing/John Starks era of the Knicks never won the chip but they provided the basketball world with alot of interesting moments especially in the playoffs.
Nets vs Knicks? It's not even a rivalry coz the Nets almost always dominate them. Although the addition of Starbury to the Knicks adds another reason for them to be tagged as rivals. I like the Bulls vs. Pacers rivalry. That Reggie push to get away and hit the three was classic.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting InNETSweTrust:</div><div class="quote_post">Nets vs Knicks? It's not even a rivalry coz the Nets almost always dominate them.</div> i wouldnt say dominate...the games are usually pretty intense and great games...didnt you see the last one? and the other meeting this year was a sick game, nets only won by 5. besides, one teams general superiority doesnt take away from a history of rivalry.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dj_premium_plus:</div><div class="quote_post">i wouldnt say dominate...the games are usually pretty intense and great games...didnt you see the last one? and the other meeting this year was a sick game, nets only won by 5. besides, one teams general superiority doesnt take away from a history of rivalry.</div> Yup I know. But still, Nets won almost all the games. Besides, Nets play an intense type of basketball and so does the Knicks but not so much this year.
dont think any will compare to lakers/celtics..but after that ...Bulls/Knicks early 90's present..kings/lakers i like that...meanwhile...if all cavs/magic games are going to be like the one the 25th lol...off da hook
Larry's Celtics vs. Magic's Lakers! Such a high level of talent and emotion. There'll never be anything like it again.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BigMemo:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry's Celtics vs. Magic's Lakers! Such a high level of talent and emotion. There'll never be anything like it again.</div>Never say never ever, it?s a spanish proverb.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BigMemo:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry's Celtics vs. Magic's Lakers! Such a high level of talent and emotion. There'll never be anything like it again.</div> Yeah that's mine to
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BigMemo:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry's Celtics vs. Magic's Lakers! Such a high level of talent and emotion. There'll never be anything like it again.</div> Yeah, that definetley gets my vote. But for more recent ones I liked the Heat/Knicks, Pacers/Knicks. I always liked those days to see Knicks in the playoffs, they make a good series and are fun to watch when they have a talented team, hopefully they'll make it back there this year. Also, Lakers/Kings.
