Los Angeles Lakers: Biggest enemies of the 1970s

Continuing our biggest enemies series, we dive in and take a look at the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest enemies of the 1970’s.

Throughout their storied history, the Los Angeles Lakers have had fierce battles against some of the best teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  The 1970’s proved no different as the Lakers started the 70’s by chasing the elusive first title in Los Angeles, went through a rebuilding process, and then found themselves trying to reinsert themselves into the elite of the NBA.

The Lakers playoff battles throughout the 70’s were fierce and contentious affairs and unlike the 60’s where their greatest rivals were the Boston Celtics, in the 70’s Lakers found themselves in battles with the new rising teams of the NBA.

Whether it was a battle between the Big Apple and Hollywood, battles underneath the basket between Wilt and Kareem, or the fast break offense against tenacious defense.  The Lakers faced many challenges during the 70’s that color their rich history.

This list tries to summarize the challengers and challenges the Lakers faced throughout the decade during the changing landscape of the NBA.