Lakers Gone Before C's: 1st Time Since...?

[Neurotic Guy]

This is a joyous moment in time.  It may be shortlived, but since it's been so long since this has occurred it deserves to be cherished and savored.

The Celtics have not been alive in the playoffs while the Lakers are gone since, I believe, 1986.

Of course I am not counting the championship in 07-08 since the C's season and the Lakers' season ended at the same moment. 

We have not had the experience of Celtics can still win it and Lakers can't in a very long time.  The C's are obviously in the midst of a very tough series, and of course the Lakers loss will not impact the C's player's intensity and desire to win.   But as a Celtics fan and Laker hater, I have a back-pocket smile on my face over the next few days or next few weeks (hopefully) as the C's strive for another banner.

We know that 17 remains safe for at least another year. 

[Who]

1992 -- The Lakers lost in the first round the first two years after Magic departed + this was Larry's final year when they beat the Pacers in the first round.

[RMO]

2005.  Celtics lost to Indiana in the first round.  lakers were a lottery team.

[GreenFaith1819]

IMO, I think Banner 17 (and possibly 18) will remain safe for quite sometime to come.

I could see how teams played LA this year - more and more teams just weren't in awe of them. Throw in the age issue (wow - LA's players age, too).

Next year? Whoever they have will be even older still, and OKC and MEM haven't even reached their primes, yet.

And of course DAL will be around for another year or two.

I feel no remorse in expecting that LA will have maybe half the Lean Years that Boston had, and it will be good for them.

[Q_FBE]

Lakers struggle to make the playoffs next year and the team gets blown up. Heck they might be the third place team in LA if Sacremento relocates to Anaheim.

I am glad to see that punkass team get the beating they deserved.

[17wasEZ]

1992 was the last year that I can remember.  It was Bird's last year. The C's lost to Cleveland in the East Semis in 7.  The Lakers lost to Portland in the 1st round. That was also months after Magic retired.

Celtics should have won that series. They were up 2-1 and I believe down 2 very late in the 4th game. Bird drove for a layup, created contact, and essentially missed a layup. No foul was called. The writing seemed to be on the wall that he wasn't getting Superstar calls anymore in my opinion.