[06-05] Celtics-Lakers, Past and Present

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Posted by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar



Expect this year's Lakers-Celtics Finals to be a great one.
(Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images)

Yes, I Was a Celtics Fan
When I was in high school, my coach Jack Donahue really understood that the Celtics were playing the game a special way, so he always used them as examples as to how to play the game. My high school was only 12 blocks from the old Madison Square Garden and the teams used to practice at my high school when they were in town. I guess because of that my coach could finagle tickets to go see games, especially the doubleheaders. So during my four years of high school I must have seen the Celtics play a good 20 times.

The Celtics Style of Play
The Celtics philosophy was to let the open man get the ball and he’s supposed to take the high percentage shot. They didn’t have anyone score a whole lot of points, but they had five or six guys in double figures shooting the ball very efficiently. Bill Russell played great defense around the basket and really limited any layups that you might get. The combination of tough defense and efficient offense makes for winning basketball. I was able to learn those lessons early. I think by my going to UCLA and John Wooden emphasizing the same fundamentals, it was very easy for me to make that transition.

Meeting the Great Bill Russell and Other Basketball Legends
I was in the ninth grade, November or December of 1961. I went to the gym and the Celtics were there practicing. My coach introduced me to Red Auerbach, who introduced me to Bill Russell. They told me to go shag balls for someone who was shooting free throws. That someone turned out to be a rookie named John Havlicek. Also, when I was playing grade school ball, we played an All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden and I got to meet and know some of the Knicks like Willie Naulls, who eventually got traded to the Celtics. Because of all those connections I was a Celtic fan and really appreciated the way that they played the game.

Bill Russell, the Role Model
I heard a lot about Bill Russell because of the success of the Celtics and then because Bill had had certain things to say about human rights for black Americans. He had some very profound things to say and I admired what he had to say and listened to what he had to say. It made a lot of sense. He was about being proud and achievement. He represented achievement on the basketball court. We’re still friends today. He hosted a clinic in October which I took part in. He set a great example for young athletes. Here he was, someone who graduated from college and did such a great job in his college career, and went on to do the same thing in the professional ranks.

'74 Finals, Bucks vs. Celtics
That was a hard fought series. Unfortunately for our team Oscar had a nagging injury which limited his effectiveness and the Celtics won in seven. I’m pretty sure the outcome would have been different had Oscar been healthy, but that’s not going to change anything.

'84 Finals, Lakers vs. Celtics
The things I remember most about that series was that we gave away Game 2 in Boston Garden when Gerald Henderson stole the ball and tied the game up which the Celtics won in overtime. That game ended up being the decisive game. Game 4 included the infamous clothesline of Kurt Rambis by Kevin McHale. I thought it was a pretty cheap shot. Kurt had no chance of falling safely and he’s lucky that he wasn’t seriously hurt. It was the type of thing that angered our team, and probably provided a distraction looking back. It seems like that was a turning point and it affected us.

Then in Game 5, both teams had to battle the overly hot conditions in the old Boston Garden. Was it something that was done on purpose? I guess you would have to talk to the people who run the ventilation system at the old Boston Garden, but both teams had to play on the same court. It’s not like they didn’t have to deal with it.

'85 NBA Finals – The Highlight of My Career
I guess you could say that Game 1 was a wake up call for us, me in particular, when we lost big to Boston (148-114). For me it just pointed out that I had taken the wrong approach to dealing with the whole length of the playoffs and I needed to be in better condition. We had a three day gap and I was able to use the time and get sharp again in terms of being in shape and ready to run the court. For the rest of the series I did very well. When you go out there and everything is on the line and you’re not prepared, that is embarrassing to you as a professional. I felt like I had let my team down. They rely on me to do my job on a certain level and then here I am when everything is on the line and let them down. So I just made them a promise that if we didn’t play well, it wasn’t going to be because I wasn’t ready to play. Luckily I was able to turn it around.

Having played the series in Milwaukee and then the series the year before that we had given away, it was very important that we played well and live up to our potential. I was very thrilled to be a catalyst in that. But it wasn’t just some kind of one man show. James Worthy and Earvin were extraordinary that series. We had a great team effort, guys coming off the bench, everything. Everybody really wanted it and worked hard to make us successful.

I think that was the highlight of my career just because of the significance of finally beating the Celtics for me personally and for the Laker franchise. That I was the key element in that winning the MVP, it really was a special time for me.

Game 4, 1987 Finals: Magic’s “junior, junior, junior” skyhook game
I worked with Earvin on his hook shot previous to that the whole season, maybe even longer than that. Earvin got to post up a lot of smaller guards and it was the perfect shot for him to use. So I worked with him to get his mechanics right. On that play it was pick and roll and once Earvin got loose, Robert Parish came off of me to block the lane and Earvin threw a hook shot over them. If the shot hadn’t gone in I was pretty sure I had the rebound. No one was boxing me out. I had a free run to the basket. But Earvin dropped it and the rest is history.

The Significance of Lakers-Celtics in the Finals in 2008
The historical success of both the Lakers and Celtics makes it an interesting series for anybody that has studied the game and knows about its history. It’s a little bit of added interest and it’s something that the fans seem to get into.

Keys for Game 1
Which team is able to establish its style? This is a different Laker team that the Celtics faced during the regular season since they did not have Pau Gasol in their two previous meetings and the Celtics were up and down. I don’t expect it to be too much different, though. Gasol’s presence will make a difference and if Kobe is able to continue doing what he’s been able to do, to involve everyone and make sure that our offense flows and everyone gets to touch the ball, the Lakers can be very effective.

The Importance of Experience
The team that has enjoyed success as a group, they more or less understand how to go to that place more so than teams that don’t win regularly. I think that more than anything else is the most important aspect of that.

Any Lakers-Celtics Grudges? Nah
A lot of years have passed since the classic Laker-Celtic Finals matchups of the ’80s and though we battled each other on the basketball court throughout the years, we’re all friendly now. It was an intense rivalry, but basketball is a brotherhood. I have great respect for them as professionals. They played hard and they played well. They were a credit to the game, so it’s nothing to bear grudges over.


Jun 2, 2008 7:07 PM EDT
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  The Lakers Comeback
May 23, 2008
Posted by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar



Kobe can get shots no matter what kind of defense is being played.
(Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images)

I thought the Spurs prepared very well for the game and it showed in their ability to inhibit the Lakers through the first three quarters and build a 20-point lead at one point. But the Lakers made some pretty good adjustments and were able to get back in the game for the last quarter based on their ability to find the open guy, the energy of the Lakers bench players, and the fact that the Spurs went cold and the Lakers increased their defensive pressure. I think the fact that the Spurs had played a tough game on Sunday also has to be accounted for as well.

The Role of Kobe Bryant
Kobe only had two points in the first half, but he was just trying to do what the Spurs were allowing him to do. When he had good shots he took them and if not he passed the ball. Even though he didn’t get a lot of good shots in the first half, though, he was able to set up his teammates with five assists. Then in the second half, he started to assert himself more. Kobe is a great finisher. He’s one guy that if you’re offense is having a problem, he can get shots no matter what kind of defense is being played. In the second half, that’s what he did, putting up 25 points.

Game 2 Adjustments for the Lakers
On Thursday at practice coach made a point of saying that they weren’t patient enough with their offense, which is why they didn’t shoot particularly well. The open shots that they had they passed up and the ones that they tried to get weren’t there. So for Game 2 they have to be more patient and understand where their opportunities are.

There was also talk coming into the series about the Lakers potential deficiency on the boards after having been outrebounded by Utah in the last round. However, I don’t think that San Antonio has demonstrated a great rebounding advantage. The Lakers should be able to hold their own when it comes to rebounding.

Game 2 Adjustments for the Spurs
The Spurs are going to have to figure out how to be more consistent on offense. When they needed baskets in the third quarter, they really had a hard time once the Lakers figured out what they were doing offensively. And of course they need a better game from Manu Ginobili.

A Great Laker comeback From My Day
The Lakers comeback on Wednesday night had me reflecting on a great comeback we had when I was a member of the Lakers. We were playing Seattle in the playoffs and were down 18 points at the half because we had shot the ball very poorly and Seattle had a great shooting first half. But Coach Riley seemed to think that we could come back and that’s just what happened.

Andrew Bynum’s Surgery
The last time that I spoke to Andrew he was thinking about getting more opinions on what to do about his knee. Seeing now that he had the surgery, I guess that was the best option presented to him. I’m sure the Lakers and the Laker fans will be glad to see him back at full strength next season.

The Greatness of Charlie Parker
Stepping away from basketball for a minute, I’ve been reading a book titled, “Chasing the Bird: Functional harmony in Charlie Parker’s bebop themes” by Juha Henriksson. I haven’t finished it yet but it’s great because it kind of talks about what he meant to the art form of jazz in his own personal speak. It’s pretty interesting stuff. As far as great jazz musicians go, “Bird” ranks at the very top. And if you want to enjoy a great listen of Bird’s, there was a disc that was just released of he and Dizzy Gillespie from June of 1945. It’s an incredible find and definitely worth your time if you love jazz.  
May 23, 2008 9:39 AM EDT
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  Returning to My Hometown
May 16, 2008
Posted by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

I'm back in my hometown of New York City at the NBA Store to promote the audio version of my recent book "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance." I've essentially been a historian my whole life and having the NBA back me in trying to explain the history of the NBA is a great moment. It’s nice that the NBA considers it vital to teach people about the history of the game.

The Impact of the Harlem Rens on Today's Basketball
Youth today take the NBA for granted. There are a lot of things that they don’t understand about professional basketball and how much of a battle it was to get the NBA on par with the other major sports in America. The Harlem Renaissance is important to people who want to know about basketball because the best team that played prior to the 1940s was the Harlem Rens and they have been forgotten. They were the first professional champions of basketball and haven’t gotten any recognition. They’re the best (and most dominant) team you never heard of.

The Father of Black Basketball: Bob Douglas
Who was Bob Douglas? Bob Douglas was a West Indian immigrant who fell in love with basketball and wanted to make basketball his statement, so he wanted to have the best team. He started a team in Harlem called the Spartan Braves and at a certain point he needed a place to play, so he made a deal with the guy who owned the Renaissance Casino using that as a homecourt. He changed the name of the team and from that point on played an incredible brand of basketball that eventually saw them winning the very first professional championship.

Comparing the Harlem Rens and Harlem Globetrotters
There is certainly a lineage with the Rens and today’s game. The Rens played the game very seriously. You have a contrast in ways to play the game, especially if you compare the Rens and Harlem Globetrotters. The Rens did not think it was about them being entertainers. They wanted to be serious professional athletes and they played the game with a very intense focus. It wasn’t about trying to entertain people in the crowd.

The Relationship Between Joe Lapchick and the Rens
Joe Lapchick did not understand why there was all the hatred associated with basketball or with sports. He didn’t see the point in it. Actually, Lapchick would often embrace Chuck “Tarzan” Cooper, the star center of the Rens, before a game. Sports is supposed to make us all equal and let us know who can do what. By treating the Rens as their equals and their competitors and showing them the respect that competitors show each other, I think that really helped people see that the Rens were a great team and deserved the respect that they earned.

My Admiration for Jazz Great Miles Davis
I first met Miles during the summer while I was between my junior and senior year at UCLA. He used to work out at the YMCA on 135th Street. I saw him one day up there and he had seen me play because I had been doing very well with UCLA and knew who I was. I just started talking with him and he wanted to show me some film of his favorite boxer, Johnny Bratton, a welterweight in the early ’50s, a smaller version Sugar Ray Robinson. So Miles took me to his house and started running some film of his favorite boxer. Miles was a pretty intense guy and he didn’t suffer fools, so the fact that he was willing to show me the respect of acknowledging what I had achieved really meant a lot to me.

Lakers In A Close-Out Opportuntiy
It is always difficult to close a series out because the other team gets to a point of serious desperation. If they’re a good team they’ll do everything they can to keep from being eliminated. So I would expect that the Lakers will have a tough game in Utah trying to close out the Jazz. I think the Lakers can win this series. It might go seven games but they’re in a good position.  
May 16, 2008 1:10 PM EDT
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  Lakers-Jazz Analysis & Career Playoff Games Record
May 12, 2008
Posted by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar



Robert Horry tied Kareem's NBA record on Sunday by playing in the 237th playoff game of his career. (Murphy/Dunn/NBAE/Getty Images)

On the Lakers Game 4 Performance

They got themselves in a tough situation on the road and they got a little intimidated by the crowd and being away from home, just not wanting to be there and fight their way in an uphill battle. But that’s what it’s like when you’re on the road. It surprised me because they’ve played Utah pretty tough this season. In fact they were one of the few teams to beat Utah in Utah this year. I thought that would not be a factor. For example, if they shot their free throws like they shot them in the first half, they win the game. It was amazing how the crowd affected their performance across the board.

What the Lakers Need to Do to Win Game 5

I expect the Lakers to put their Game 4 performance behind them and come out and play hard and intelligently like they usually do. The goal is to try to win one here and set themselves up to, even if they can’t win in Game 6, make sure that they return to Los Angeles for Game 7 if it’s necessary.

Jordan Farmar’s Struggles

I think Jordan’s problem is he’s having a very difficult time defensively. Deron Williams is a very difficult assignment for him.Deron is stronger than Jordan and just as quick. He’s got serious upper body strength and he just blows by Jordan. It’s a real problem.

The Second Round Homecourt Advantage

The homecourt advantage is something that some people rely on. Teams that are able to focus and win on the road are dominant teams. Maybe it has something to do with the parity that the NBA has tried to foster.

Jerry Sloan, the Player

I got to see Jerry Sloan play against Oscar Robertson. We were in the same division with them when Jerry was with the Bulls. Just the physical battle that he had with Oscar, those were classics. Jerry was a hard nosed guy and he saw Oscar as a challenge. Every time he had an opportunity he went out there and gave Oscar his best.

It was something worth watching. Oscar had success against everybody. No one could stop him. But Oscar would acknowledge that Jerry was one of the people who never ever said die. Jerry is that kind of guy. He brings it all on the court. I have a lot of respect for Jerry.

The Difference in Coaching Styles of Sloan and Phil Jackson

They are totally opposite, as opposite as they are in personality. Jerry is just a hard nosed guy who understands the fundamentals of the game and teaches his team how to win. It doesn’t strike me that he is into a whole lot of X’s and O’s. His offense is pretty simple and it’s all about his team executing the offense. Phil’s X’s and O’s strategy is a little bit more involved. I have never seen Jerry coach on a daily basis so it’s hard for me to assess how he does it, but I think Phil’s approach is more involved and has a lot of strategy. He spends a lot of time working on the triangle. Phil feels that if they run the offense efficiently and with everybody doing what they should be doing, it sets them up to play good defense and give them an opportunity to dominate the other team.

Byron Scott’s Coaching Success

Byron has done a great job everywhere he’s gone. He was doing a fantastic job in New Jersey and they fired him. I didn’t get that. I am glad he got the opportunity in New Orleans. The team has responded. Nobody gave him what would be considered a bunch of All-Stars but he’s got them operating on the same page and getting it done. That to me is all the credit to Byron. He certainly earned his Coach of the Year Award. I didn’t see or hear anything while he was playing to lead me to believe that he would become a coach, but when I was with the Clippers in 2000 and Byron was with the Kings I got a chance to go sit with him for a minute the couple times that we played them. He was enjoying himself and Coach Adelman thought he was a great addition to his staff. At that point I thought that Byron would have some future in coaching and when he got his opportunity he did a great job with it.

Robert Horry: Big shots, Hall of Fame chances and Breaking My Playoff Record of Games Played

Robert has been around because he understands how the game evolves over the 48 minutes. He knows how to do the right thing at the right time. He always seems to be at the right place at the right time to help his team win. He has had many standout shots in his career, but the one that stands out for me came against the Kings in Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals because of how fortunate he was on that play. Vlade Divac could have controlled that rebound but he just took it and threw it out of the paint and it went right to Robert Horry. If he tries to control that rebound and smothers it, Robert Horry doesn’t get that chance. So I attribute that one to Vlade Divac not understanding what he needed to do. Some of the other ones like when he was with Houston show that when the game comes to him he does good things with his opportunities. He seems to thrive on rare opportunities. Every time he gets it he does something great with it. He’s got to be a fan favorite for it.

As far as the Hall of Fame goes, you have to look at the whole career. His career in the playoffs has been remarkable. You look at the regular season, you might come to a different conclusion, but you can’t take away his success.

Robert is on the verge of passing my mark for the most games played in the playoffs. But we’re talking about two different eras. When I first started playing, if you won the world championship you only played in three rounds of playoffs. So it was an opportunity for him and he’s made the best of it.


May 12, 2008 11:59 PM EDT
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  MVP Reflections and More
May 8, 2008
Posted by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar


Kareem and Lakers owner Jerry Buss celebrate after finally defeating the Celtics in the Finals (1985).
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

MVP Reflections: My First Ever, My First in L.A., and My Last

Winning my first MVP in 1971, my second year with the Milwaukee Bucks, was a great honor of course. I liked the fact that it went along with us winning the world championship and having done it while playing with Oscar made me feel great. During that season, I had to play a couple of games against Wilt Chamberlain, who was the standard prior to me for excellence in pivot play. I was able to outplay him – 40.2 PPG in five games including a 50-point game – and that to me was an indication that I had possibly arrived.

Prior to the 1975-76 season I was traded to the Lakers. I was very fortunate to win my fourth MVP award that year, because the team didn't do well. We finished 40-42 and missed the playoffs. But I had such a great year statistically, that's why I won it.

In 1980, when I won my last regular season MVP, that was also the year that a rookie named Magic Johnson burst onto the scene. When we got Earvin we had somebody that could run the team offense. Jack McKinney did a great job of understanding Earvin's unique ability to play the game and to devise an offense that worked for all of the people that we had on the team.

Having won six total regular season MVPs, do I think that another player will achieve that number? It’s always possible, but it’s going to take a dominant player to do it. There have been a lot of great players to not win it.

Thoughts on Kobe’s First MVP:

Kobe has had the ability to score so prolifically that people at times have knocked him. But winning that award helps put everything in perspective and shows that he's been a leader and team player in addition to being so brilliant at what he does.

Fisher’s Return to Utah:

Friday is the one year anniversary to the day of what Derek went through during last year’s playoffs with this daughter’s medical troubles and his emotional return for Game 2 of the Jazz’ Western Conference Semifinal series with the Warriors. I thought Derek made quite a statement both as a professional athlete and as a parent that day. He was able to do both with an outstanding degree of determination and focus. When he returned to Utah this season as a member of the Lakers, I was surprised by the reception he received from the crowd and didn't understand it. Maybe the people up there in Utah have some issues that I'm not aware of.

What Derek Fisher Means to the Lakers:

Derek has meant quality leadership for the Lakers. He runs the offense with a steady hand out there. He keeps the younger players from just flying off the edge emotionally, keeps them steady, and keeps them focused. His excellent play on the court aside, I think he is very valuable to the team just because of his leadership qualities. Derek has made everybody focus on how we need to win instead of getting into useless details. He's enabled the team to recognize the difference between those useless details and what is important to succeed.

My Most Memorable Moment:

For our franchise and for me personally, beating the Celtics in 1985 was a very special moment. I was fortunate enough to be the MVP in that series. That to me had a whole lot of emotional value to it, which some people might not understand. The Lakers were 0-8 against the Celtics in championship play up until that point, but we finally had the better team. By me being a key reason for the Lakers to finally break through was even more special.

永远的风之子

凯尔特人对湖人，你发到奥运区干嘛？！s:30

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