Exploring the Epic Lakers vs Warriors Rivalry: History Head-to-Head Battles and More
The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors remains a fascinating chapter in NBA history. This intense competition has evolved through the decades and is celebrated for its storied battles, featuring legendary players and unforgettable matches.
History of the Lakers vs Warriors Rivalry
The roots of this rivalry trace back to the origins of both franchises. The Warriors began as the Philadelphia Warriors, while the Lakers started as the Minneapolis Lakers. The Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, followed by the Warriors moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962, eventually adopting the name Golden State.
Key Historical Moments
- In the 1973 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers defeated the Warriors 4-1 to advance to the NBA Finals.
- During the 1980s, the Lakers dominated with stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, while the Warriors rebuilt with players such as Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin.
- The two teams faced off in the playoffs again in 1987, with the Lakers winning the series 4-1.
- In the late 1990s, the Warriors struggled to maintain competitiveness, frequently changing coaches.
- The 2010s saw the Warriors rise to prominence, winning four championships from 2015 to 2022 with stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
Regular Season Head-to-Head Record
Across 442 regular-season matchups, the Lakers have won 265 games, giving them a winning percentage of 60%. The Warriors, on the other hand, have secured victory in 177 games, with a percentage of 40%.
| Season | Lakers Wins | Warriors Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 3 | 1 |
In their historical battles as the Minneapolis Lakers and Philadelphia Warriors, they competed in 91 games, with the Lakers winning 51 and the Warriors winning 40. Their first encounter took place on November 28, 1947, when the Lakers won 88-67.
Playoff Head-to-Head Record
In postseason play, the Lakers and Warriors have faced off 41 times, with Los Angeles claiming 28 victories compared to 13 for Golden State. The latest playoff meeting occurred in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, where the Lakers won the series 4-2. Their first playoff meeting was in 1967, where the Warriors swept the Lakers in three games.
Upcoming Matchup
The Lakers will host the Warriors in the 2025-26 season opener on October 21, 2025. Both teams will be eager to start the season on a strong note following their long-standing rivalry.
As the Lakers and Warriors prepare to clash, fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in this historic rivalry.
