Cedric Maxwell, a Boston Celtics legend, couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at the Los Angeles Lakers following the Celtics’ 18th NBA title win.

Speaking to Rachel Nichols after the game, Maxwell celebrated the achievement while aiming some pointed comments at the Celtics’ historic rivals:

“I am so proud of what these guys accomplished today. Let me say this before I go. Bye-bye Lakers. Bye-bye Fakers. James Worthy.

Good night. Magic. Bye-bye. Worthy. Cooper. Byron Scott. All of you. Bye.”

When asked if winning their first title since 2008 was worth the wait, Maxwell enthusiastically responded:

“Tatum said it was worth it. He said it was worth the wait. He was able to get it done. One of the youngest players to have it done. Brad Stevens has his team right now set to be back in the mix for the next couple of years. So, they’re not through by a long shot.”

Maxwell’s comments harkened back to the intense Celtics-Lakers rivalry of the 1980s, a period when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird frequently clashed in the NBA Finals. The two teams met three times in the Finals during that decade, with the Lakers winning twice and the Celtics once.

The rivalry defined an era of basketball, with the Lakers and Celtics combining for eight championships in the 1980s—five for the Lakers and three for the Celtics.

The Celtics’ latest triumph gives them 18 NBA titles, breaking the tie with the Lakers, who have 17 championships. The Lakers had last won in 2020, matching the Celtics’ title count at the time.

Maxwell’s playful taunts reflect the deep-rooted competition and mutual respect between the two storied franchises. His comments also highlight the pride and significance of the Celtics’ recent victory, not only for the current team but also for the franchise’s rich history.

The Celtics’ 18th title reinforces their legacy as one of the most successful teams in NBA history, with Tatum, Brown, and their teammates poised to keep the Celtics competitive for years to come.

Maxwell’s comments encapsulated the joy and triumph felt by the Celtics’ community, while also reigniting the friendly rivalry that has been a cornerstone of NBA lore for decades.

The Celtics Can Extend Their Lead On The Lakers
The Boston Celtics’ recent triumph in securing their 18th NBA title marks not just a significant milestone, but potentially the beginning of a new era of dominance. With key players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum locked in for the long term, the Celtics are poised to extend their lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the race for NBA supremacy.

Jaylen Brown has committed to a five-year deal, and Jayson Tatum is expected to sign a similar extension soon. This ensures that the Celtics’ dynamic duo, who have been pivotal in their recent success, will remain the core of the team for years to come.

Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis is under contract for two more years, and Jrue Holiday has secured a four-year extension. Derrick White is also likely to get an extension, solidifying the team’s foundation.

This roster continuity is critical. The Celtics were the most dominant team this season, boasting the league’s top offense and the second-best defense. Their net rating was the fourth highest in NBA history, underscoring their efficiency and effectiveness on both ends of the court. Such dominance is indicative of a team that can build a dynasty, and with their current squad, the Celtics are well-positioned to continue this success.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a state of flux. They are currently without a head coach and have struggled to maintain consistent success in recent years, managing only one top-seven finish in the Western Conference over the past 12 years. That lone successful season in 2020 culminated in a championship, but the team has since struggled to replicate that form.

The Lakers face the daunting task of a massive roster revamp to navigate the highly competitive Western Conference. Additionally, they need to find a new head coach who can lead the team back to glory. This period of rebuilding could provide the Celtics with a window of opportunity to extend their lead in the championship count.

As the Celtics build on their current success, the gap between them and the Lakers could widen significantly. With a stable and talented roster, the Celtics have the potential to dominate the league for the next several years, while the Lakers work to reestablish themselves as contenders. This period could see Boston solidify its place at the top, leaving the Lakers trailing in the championship race.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.