<< 1960-61 Los Angeles Lakers | 1962-63 Los Angeles Lakers >>

The 1961-62 NBA season saw the introduction of a ninth team into the league, as well as the beginning of the most famous rivalry in the sport’s history. The Los Angeles Lakers finally took the leap with the combination of Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, going 54-26.

On the Eastern side of things, the Boston Celtics breezed through a 60-20 regular season. All things were leading to a Lakers vs. Celtics finals, which happened after both skated by in their semifinals matchup.

There, Bill Russell and the Celtics came back from a 3-2 deficit to win the series in seven games, cementing their dynasty with a fourth consecutive championship.

Roster

NBA regular season statistics

NBA regular season schedule and results

NBA playoffs statistics

NBA playoffs schedule and results