Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers Rivalry

The NBA has been a stage for epic rivalries that have defined eras. One such compelling rivalry is the clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. From historic matchups to iconic moments, this rivalry has transcended generations, creating a narrative that continues to shape the NBA landscape.

Origins of Lakers vs 76ers Rivalry

The rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers traces its roots back to 1950. Back then, the Lakers team was based in Minneapolis, meanwhile the Philadelphia 76ers were actually based in Syracuse, New York and were called the Syracuse Nationals.

The Lakers, under the leadership of future Hall of Famers such as George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Vern Mikkelsen, and Slater Martin were a force in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Nationals, were guided by the brilliance of Dolph Schayes and player-coach Al Cervi.

The pinnacle of their clashes occurred in the NBA Finals, with two memorable encounters in 1950 and 1954. The Lakers emerged victorious in both years, securing a 4-2 triumph each time, with Geroge Mikan dominating.

One of the most iconic moments occurred in a thrilling Game 1 of 1950 NBA Finals, when Lakers bench player, Bob "Tiger" Harrison hit a first-ever known buzzer-beater in NBA Finals history. Harrison's audacious one-handed, almost 30-feet hail-mary shot went through the basket like butter and is one of the most unforgettable moments in basketball history.

Lakers vs 76ers: Early '80s Finals Trilogy

In the early 1980s, the NBA witnessed a thrilling trilogy between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers, each team boasting a lineup of legendary future hall of fame players.

The Lakers, led by the dynamic trio of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamal Wilkes, faced off against a formidable Sixers lineup featuring the legendary “Dr. J” Julius Erving, Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones and Daryl Dawkins. This trilogy was defined by epic encounters and unforgettable moments.

The 1980 Finals kicked off with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominating the first two games. In Game 3, Julius Erving made history by sinking the first ever three-pointer in NBA Finals history. Despite the Lakers taking a 2-1 lead, Abdul-Jabbar’s stellar performances couldn't secure a comfortable advantage. The Lakers led 2-1 in the Finals, but then came the iconic moment in Game 4.

The legendary Julius Erving made an iconic "baseline move,” a gravity-defying scoop lay-up shot that left spectators in the stadium and fans around the world in sheer disbelief. Erving literally glided along the baseline and hit his scoop shot with finesse. It was absolute poetry in motion. Philadelphia ended up winning the game, tying the 1980 Finals series 2-2.

The drama unfolded in Game 5 as the Lakers emerged victorious, but Abdul-Jabbar’s ankle injury added a twist. In Game 6, with Abdul-Jabbar sidelined, Lakers coach Paul Westhead made a bold move by asking rookie Magic Johnson to play center for the first time in his career. The point guard turned-center rose to the occasion, delivering a dominant performance with 42 points. Magic Johnsons' unprecedented performances secured the victory, and the Lakers claimed the series 4-2.

In 1982, the Lakers vs 76ers met again in the Finals. Both had almost the same rosters and the rivalry intensified. Despite the familiarity, the Showtime Lakers clinched victory in another six-game series.

However, the narrative took a decisive turn in the 1982 offseason when the Sixers signed reigning NBA MVP Moses Malone. Already a two-time finalist in the past three years, the addition of the reigning MVP made the 76ers almost unbeatable. They romped through the regular season and the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for a Finals rematch against the Lakers.

In the earlier two Finals, in 1980 and 1982, the 76ers lost in six games. However, this time in 1983 things were different. Moses Malone's impressive performances, especially in facing off against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at center position, led to a dominant 4-0 sweep by the 76ers. This marked the end of the trilogy between the 76ers and the Lakers in the early 1980s.

2001 NBA Finals: Iverson vs Shaq/Kobe

After the iconic 1983 Finals showdown between 76ers and Lakers, the two franchises didn't meet in significant championship games for almost two decades. Instead, their encounters were mainly limited to regular season clashes and inter-conference battles. In the 80s, matchups between Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson provided entertaining moments, although the early 90s lacked the same level of excitement.

However, as the late 90s arrived, the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in LA vs Allen Iverson’s 76ers reignited the LA vs Philly rivalry. The on-court rivalry between Iverson and Kobe, in particular, added a personal and compelling dimension to these matchups, making them especially exciting for fans. Eventually the year 2001 arrived when both the Lakers and 76ers were pitted against each other once again!

The 2001 NBA Finals marked a historic reunion between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers after an 18-year hiatus. The formidable Lakers, led by the dominant duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, entered the championship series as the overwhelming favorites.

Having swept through the entire Western Conference and not losing a game leading up to the Finals, the Lakers were considered a powerhouse on a quest for back-to-back championships under the guidance of coach Phil Jackson.

The 76ers, led by “The Answer” Allen Iverson, showcased what is the meaning of “heart over height.” Despite the Lakers taking a commanding lead in early stages of the game, Iverson began an extraordinary takeover in the second quarter, scoring an astounding 30 points in the first half alone.

The game eventually went into overtime, where Iverson hit a step-back jumper over Lakers' guard Tyronn Lue, and following the shot, Iverson famously stepped over Lue. Iverson's 48-point masterpiece propelled the 76ers to a stunning victory, giving them a 1-0 lead.

However, this Game 1 loss proved to be the only loss the Lakers endured in the entire 2001 playoffs. The Lakers, fueled by the dominant force of Shaq and the scoring prowess of Kobe, regrouped and tore through the Philadelphia defenses. Iverson found himself constantly double or triple-teamed, a defensive strategy that limited his impact in the following games. The Lakers ultimately won the 2001 Finals in five games.

The Lakers-76ers rivalry, spanning decades and defined by iconic moments and fierce competition, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of NBA history. From the early battles in the 1950s to the epic showdowns in the 1980s and the memorable clash in the 2001 NBA Finals, these two franchises have left an indelible mark on the league.

The rivalries featured basketball legends, iconic plays, and unforgettable performances that have become ingrained in the collective memory of fans. As the final buzzer sounds on this storied rivalry, it leaves behind a legacy of passion, intensity, and a shared commitment to the pursuit of excellence on the hardwood. The Lakers and the 76ers, through their battles, have not only shaped the NBA's narrative but have also contributed to the enduring allure and drama that make basketball a sport like no other.