Sorry, AP; L.A. Lakers only have 11* rings in modern era

[Reality Czech]

The AP's lead story says that "the Los Angeles Lakers won their 16th title."  First off, 5 of those titles were in Minnesota, so the article should add that qualifier. 

Secondly and more importantly, those 5 Minnesota titles were before the advent of the 24-second clock, which is the defining change that ushered in the modern era of basketball. Unless we're going to start counting the multiple titles of older groups like the "Original Celtics" from the 1920s (yeah, they played in New York, but by the AP standards, we can lump those titles in, too), the gap is more accurately counted 17-11, with Boston is still the runaway home of NBA greatness. (Glad the Crawfords weren't reffing in the 60s...)   

[Green Hell]

I know people like to say this but it only matters what the media and the fans say and if the common acceptance is that the Lakers have 16 rings, you're going to look like the stuckup Boston fan who argues against what is an accepted fact. The Lakers are now within 1 title of tying our franchise record. Just something we're gonna have to deal with.

[Reality Czech]

I have no problem going against common acceptance of what people who aren't paying close enough attention; why should we let their ignorance or indifference set the narrative? 

I guess if the Spurs move to Dallas, their fans can start crowing about how many championships their franchise won in the past 12 years.  Forget that; let the Laker lovers spout their numbers, and I'll the 18-17 pre-shot clock scores in their face along with the titles Boston has versus L.A. And then I'll get started on the Crawfords.   

[freshinthehouse]

It's still the same franchise, regardless of where it was playing when it won.

The Lakers have 16 NBA championships.  The Celtics have 17.  Saying anything to the contrary is just silly.

[greenhead85]

Unfortunately for the LAL fans, they get somewhat confused and irrational when I ask most of them if they will still root for the Lakers if suddenly that franchise moves to another city. All will remain to follow only the pro-basketball team of that city and not the franchise. They are the most unloyal fans.

So in essence, yes, they only have 11 rings. They're only rooting for the team because it is based in LA. I wouldn't be surprised if they all become LA Clippers fans once the Lakers leave the city they share with.

[NoraG1]

It's still the same franchise, regardless of where it was playing when it won.

The Lakers have 16 NBA championships.  The Celtics have 17.  Saying anything to the contrary is just silly.

Not the same city though which makes those 1st five very different imo.

[KCattheStripe]

It's still the same franchise, regardless of where it was playing when it won.

The Lakers have 16 NBA championships.  The Celtics have 17.  Saying anything to the contrary is just silly.

Tell that to the Thunder.

[BuckFoston24]

If youre going to go that far should we bring up the number of championships Boston won with like 10 teams in the league?  Or when the defending NBA Champ was AUTOMATICALLY seeded into their respective conference finals?  GROW UP

[pinoycelticsfan]

If youre going to go that far should we bring up the number of championships Boston won with like 10 teams in the league?  Or when the defending NBA Champ was AUTOMATICALLY seeded into their respective conference finals?  GROW UP

Dude, 10 teams = more talent concentrated in one team = harder to beat any single team

[BuckFoston24]

or try having the celtics being the most stacked team in a league without parity and being able to win a championship and then skip two rounds of the playoffs and rest while the rest of the teams battle it out.  get out of denial boston fans.   YOU LOST.

[aporel#18]

It's still the same franchise, regardless of where it was playing when it won.

The Lakers have 16 NBA championships.  The Celtics have 17.  Saying anything to the contrary is just silly.

Not silly at all. The Lakers count on 4 NBA titles won by the Minneapolis Lakers and then, a BAA title from the 1948-1949 season. The first NBA finals were played in 1950, and that season started in 1949, when the BAA and NBL merged and created the NBA. That's not silly.

You can then add 4 titles from Minneapolis days, so they have 15 titles, and that's a lot. And if you consider that all the Lakers have in recognition to that team from Minneapolis is a banner hoisted in 2002, you could argue they don't pay a lot of respect to them, while claiming for their championships. I doubt a lot of Faker fans know who were those Mikan, Mikkelsen et al.

So they have 15 titles, congratulations to Lakers and Fakers, anyway, it doesn't matter a lot how many titles, the most important is the next one. Hopefully the Celtics can keep their core and add some youth, length and muscles mixed with skills, and of course, the "we" approach to the game.

I hope Doc stays, and guides our team to #18 and #19. I'll be ready to change my nick after each championship. The Celtics have more banners, but they also have won them playing as a team, and that's what make them a special club.

this is a sad day, don't attack other members, and don't play the blame game. We love the Celtics, and they will regroup, reload, come back better and stronger. Don't doubt that.

Go Celtics!!

[BuckFoston24]

^Laker fans dont know who George Mikan is?

LOL

[aporel#18]

^Laker fans dont know who George Mikan is?

LOL

He passed away in 2005, no more questions needed. Laker fans should know that, and I'm sure they do. I don't know about faker trolls.