YouTube Gold: Three Legends

TL;DR

In the 1960s, the NBA featured three legendary teams: the Celtics, Lakers, and Wilt Chamberlain's squad. Jerry West and Elgin Baylor led the Lakers but struggled against Bill Russell's Celtics until Chamberlain joined them in 1968, paving the way for future success.

Key points

The 1960s featured three great NBA teams: Celtics, Lakers, Chamberlain's team.
Jerry West and Elgin Baylor led the Lakers but faced challenges from the Celtics.
Wilt Chamberlain joined the Lakers in 1968, changing the team's fortunes.

Mentioned in this story

Jerry WestElgin BaylorWilt ChamberlainBill Russell

Boston CelticsLos Angeles LakersPhiladelphia 76ers

Dec. 20, 1968: Laker coach Bill Van Breda Kolf, left, applauds play against the Warriors. From left, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Bill Hewitt, and Keith Erickson. Photo was taken during the fourth quarter with Lakers ahead by 32 points. Final score was 133-101. This photo appeared in the Dec. 22, 1969 Los Angeles Times. (Photo by Art Rogers/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) In the 1960’s, there were three great teams in the NBA: the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, and whoever Wilt Chamberlain was playing for at the time. The Celtics were built around Bill Russell, while the Lakers were crafted around Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. The Lakers never won a championship during Russell’s time in Boston, and this haunted West for life. Even after establishing himself as Boston’s Red Auerbach’s equal as a GM, he could not step foot in Boston Garden. In the new Prime documentary about him, Jerry West: The Logo, West reveals that he was going to go to a game at Boston with his son, but he was physically incapable of doing it. In the 60s, as you’ll see here, West and Baylor were a great combo, but they could not typically overcome Chamberlain’s sheer size and athleticism. Well, no one could. Russell could manage him, but he could not control him. He took a little away here, a bit there, and his teammates were typically superior, but overcome Chamberlain? It was not possible. In 1968, Chamberlain requested a trade from the , and ended up with Baylor, West, and the Lakers. The Celtics were aging, and people generally thought they were ready to fall. But Russell wasn’t ready to let go, and he won his 11th and final championship. West and the Lakers would finally win one in 1972, but Baylor would retire early in the season. Almost as soon as he did, L.A. went on an epic 33-game win streak and were basically unbeatable. * to find Blue Healer Auctions* || **

Q&A

What teams dominated the NBA in the 1960s?

The three dominant teams in the 1960s NBA were the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and the team Wilt Chamberlain was playing for at the time.

Why did Jerry West struggle to visit Boston Garden?

Jerry West struggled to visit Boston Garden due to the emotional weight of never winning a championship against Bill Russell's Celtics during his playing career.

What impact did Wilt Chamberlain have on the Lakers after his trade in 1968?

Wilt Chamberlain's trade to the Lakers in 1968 significantly boosted the team's performance, ultimately leading them to win a championship in 1972.