After winning the 2020 NBA Championship, the Los Angeles Lakers franchise has won a whopping 17 titles over the course of their team’s history. But, while the Lakers have been one of the most dominant NBA teams of all time, there are other franchises right up there with them. In fact, the Boston Celtics managed to win an insane eight straight titles in the late ‘50s and ‘60s. Not to mention, they’re currently tied with the Lakers for most championships of all time.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls were the most impressive squad in the ‘90s, the San Antonio Spurs completely dominated the 2000s, and the Golden State Warriors have dominated the past five years.. After discussing the top six teams with the most NFL Super Bowls earlier this week, it is now time to discuss the top five teams with the most NBA Championship rings of all time.. Don’t be confused – we’re not saying any of these teams are ‘the best’, or playing favorites. Everyone has their own opinions on the best teams. We’re simply stating statistics – if you feel attacked by that, well, maybe look at your own team.
Boston Celtics (17)
The Boston Celtics have not won an NBA Championship since 2008, but they were absolutely unbeatable in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. During the Bill Russell era, the Celtics won 11 rings in 13 years (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969). The team then won titles in 1974 and 1976 before winning three during the Larry Bird years (1981, 1984, and 1986).
Los Angeles Lakers (17)
The Los Angeles Lakers are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most NBA Championships of all time. They won four rings in the late ‘40s/early ‘50s (1949, 1950, 1952, and 1954) before not winning any in the ‘60s. They then managed to win one title in the ‘70s (1972) and a whopping five in the ‘80s (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). During the Kobe Bryant era, the Lakers won five titles (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010), before winning their most recent with LeBron James in 2020.
Chicago Bulls (6)
During the Michael Jordan era, the Chicago Bulls managed to win six NBA Championships. In fact, all six titles came in the ‘90s. They first won three in a row in 1991, 1992, and 1993, before Jordan decided to leave the Bulls in order to play baseball. He then returned to the team and they won three more, in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Golden State Warriors (6)
Despite winning NBA Championships in 1947, 1956, and 1975, the Golden State Warriors were essentially the laughing stock of the NBA. However, once coach Steve Kerr and superstar Stephen Curry joined the team, the Warriors became an NBA powerhouse. The team won their fourth ring in 2015 before winning back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
San Antonio Spurs (5)
Surprisingly, the San Antonio Spurs didn’t win their first NBA title until 1999. But, during the Tim Duncan years, the Spurs managed to win another five titles, including the 1999 title (2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014, respectively). Following their fifth title, Duncan decided to retire from the game of basketball altogether. In fact, the Spurs have not been back to the NBA Finals since Duncan’s retirement.