Best of Enemies: Lakers-Celtics rivalry documentary arrives

A new 30 for 30 titled Best of Enemies will feature the LA-Boston rivalry.

The storied Los Angeles Lakers-Boston Celtics rivalry will be getting the ESPN treatment as the newest installment of the 30 for 30 series airs tonight.

This particular era in the Lakers-Celtics rivalry is so big instead of just a 45 minute documentary. Accordingly, the rivalry gets a two night six hour (with commercials) mini-series.

Much like the critically acclaimed OJ Made in America mini-series from last summer.

It’s also a time where for Lakers fans who had to watch the disappointing playoff failures of the Lakers against the Celtics in the 1960’s got redemption for their patience and heartbreak.  The Lakers of the 80’s redefined how America saw Los Angeles.

With the Lakers’ “Showtime” offense, the Fabulous Forum, and celebrities in front row seats, the Lakers defined the city as the land of glitz and glamour.  Hopefully the documentary covers the reality of those Lakers teams.

That they were led by Pat Riley  kid from the hard scrabble part of Schenectady, New York whose NBA career fizzled and a chance opportunity brought him from the announcers booth to the coaching world.

Or that despite his mega watt smile, Earvin Johnson, the son of a Ford  auto worker was not just a basketball prodigy by chance. But a hard working tenacious player who learned his craft on the playgrounds in Michigan.

I hope the documentary shows the greatness of all those players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Michael Cooper, and the rest.  Celebrated champions and not just “team Hollywood.”

But the best of that Lakers era.

Next: 3 Reasons LA Should Love Dennis Smith Jr.

If you’re a fan of the Lakers or basketball in general this documentary will be must watch television and ode to the greatness of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.