In today’s NBA, many teams have had a chance to win the title. Teams like the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets have won their first-ever championships, while the Milwaukee Bucks ended a long wait to lift the trophy. Still, most teams in the league are yet to catch up.
The history of the NBA has mainly been dominated by two teams – the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams have won championships in recent years. The Lakers won the 2020 title in the COVID-19 “bubble”, and the Celtics returned to the top in 2024.
Here’s a simple guide to the teams with the most NBA titles:
1. Boston Celtics – 18 Championships
Championship Years:
1957, 1959–1966, 1968–1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008, 2024
Boston has won the most NBA titles, now standing at 18 after their 2024 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Most of their success came during the 1960s, where they won 9 titles in 10 years. The team stayed strong in the 70s and found new life in the 80s with Larry Bird.
After some poor seasons in the 1990s, they returned to the top in 2008, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. More recently, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown helped Boston lift their 18th banner in 2024.
2. Los Angeles Lakers – 17 Championships
Championship Years:
1949, 1950, 1952–1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987–1988, 2000–2002, 2009–2010, 2020
The Lakers have won 17 championships, placing them just behind Boston. Their success has come across many decades – from early titles in the 1950s to the flashy “Showtime” era of the 1980s with Magic Johnson.
Kobe Bryant led them to five more titles between 2000 and 2010. LeBron James and Anthony Davis won the team’s 17th title in 2020. Though the Celtics now have more championships, the Lakers remain one of the most iconic teams in basketball.
3. Golden State Warriors – 7 Championships
Championship Years:
1947, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017–2018, 2022
Golden State won titles early in their history but went 40 years without one until 2015. With stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, they became a dominant team again, winning four titles between 2015 and 2022.
4. Chicago Bulls – 6 Championships
Championship Years:
1991–1993, 1996–1998
All of Chicago’s titles came during the 1990s, thanks to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They won six titles in eight years and became the face of the NBA. After Jordan retired, the Bulls have not won another title, though they came close in the early 2010s before Derrick Rose’s injury.
5. San Antonio Spurs – 5 Championships
Championship Years:
1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014
The Spurs have been one of the most consistent teams in NBA history. Led by Tim Duncan and coached by Gregg Popovich, they won all five titles between 1999 and 2014. With stars like Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili, they built a winning team based on strong fundamentals.
Tied 6th: Detroit Pistons – 3 Championships
Championship Years:
1989, 1990, 2004
The Pistons were known for their tough defence. They won back-to-back titles in the late 80s and added another in 2004 by defeating a star-filled Lakers team.
Tied 6th: Miami Heat – 3 Championships
Championship Years:
2006, 2012, 2013
The Heat won their first title in 2006 with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. Later, LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh helped them win two more in 2012 and 2013. They have reached the Finals since but haven’t added another title.
Tied 6th: Philadelphia 76ers – 3 Championships
Championship Years:
1955 (as Syracuse Nationals), 1967, 1983
The 76ers’ last championship came in 1983 with Julius Erving and Moses Malone. They were also successful earlier in their history with stars like Wilt Chamberlain.
These records show that while the NBA has become more competitive, a few teams still lead in total championships. Boston and the Lakers remain ahead of the pack, while newer champions continue to shape the league’s future.
