Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
Here’s a brief timeline of notable events between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers:
1960s – 1980s: The Lakers and the 76ers competed in several NBA Finals matchups during this period, featuring legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain (for both teams), Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and later, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the Lakers, and Julius Erving (Dr. J) for the 76ers.
1980 NBA Finals (1980): The Lakers defeated the 76ers in six games to win the NBA Championship. Magic Johnson famously played center in Game 6, scoring 42 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
2001 NBA Finals (2001): The Lakers faced the 76ers led by Allen Iverson. The Lakers won the series 4-1, with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant leading the team to their second consecutive championship.
Recent Years: Both teams have seen ups and downs. The Lakers have had periods of rebuilding and resurgence with stars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, while the 76ers have rebuilt around talents like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
2020s: The rivalry continues to evolve as both teams aim for playoff contention and championships in the modern NBA landscape.
This timeline highlights some of the significant moments in the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, two storied franchises in NBA history.