3. Baylor Goes for 61 Points (1962)
When the Lakers were getting absolutely dominated by the Bill Russell Celtics throughout the 1960s, it had to be something psychological about the rivalry that kept the Lakers from winning a title. After all, when they were trotting out all-time greats like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, it seems impossible that Los Angeles would be unable to win at least one title, but that’s the way things played out for the Lakers.
Even still, the talent on those Lakers team led to one of their greatest moments in team history and undoubtedly one of the greatest moments for the Lakers in the rivalry. In Game 5 of the 1962 Finals (another classic series between the two franchises) Baylor went off and set a then playoff scoring record as he amassed 61 points.
Mind you, Baylor put up his 61 points before the institution of the three-point line, which only makes his outburst even more incredible. Had that led to Baylor and the Lakers actually winning the series and toppling the Celtics in what became a decade of domination for Boston, this moment would have been better. Even still, Baylor’s 61 points lives on over five decades later as a great moment in the history of the franchise and the rivalry.
Next: No. 2 The Logo Wins It