Doc calls Lakers "best franchise in sports history"
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| Photo: Varon Panganiban |
"The risk is all mine," Rivers, 51, said. "To go to an organization that hasn't won but [two] playoff series in their entire history, in a town where the other team is the best franchise in sports history – that's risk.
This quote could simply be Rivers exaggerating in trying to make his point about the challenge he faces. He could also honestly feel that the Lakers are the best or Rivers may be trying to ingratiate himself to the team he has to share an arena with. However he meant it, looking at the quote gives one a "yeesh" feeling. It's one of those quotes where even Rivers himself might look back at and say, "Ouch, might have been better off not saying that."
Rivers is starting his Clipper coaching career after nine years with a team in Boston that has the most titles in NBA history with 17, one more than the Lakers. The championships alone are enough to make a case that the Celtics are a better NBA franchise than the Lakers, let alone in sports period.
Sure, the Lakers always seem to either be winning titles or right in the hunt for them every decade professional basketball has been played, but best team in sports history?
Pretty sure the New York Yankees and their 27 championships might have something to say about that quote. How about the Montreal Canadians and their 24 titles?
The quote could have been a subtle shot at Rivers' former team after their less-than-amicable split this offseason and even if it wasn't, it's just not a good look. Rivers knows about the rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics better than most, having faced them twice in the NBA finals. If Rivers wants to win back some of the fans he lost in taking his talents to the west coast, complimenting your former team's biggest foe may not be the best path to take.
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