Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies (Trailer)

Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies centres on one of the most famous rivalries in NBA history. During the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics between them accumulated thirteen NBA Finals appearances and won eight titles. Running for five hours and divided into three segments, the film features a host of legendary players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.

The documentary also includes interviews with coaches Pat Riley, K. C. Jones, and Paul Westhead. Narration is provided by actors Ice Cube and Donnie Wahlberg, who grew up in Los Angeles and Boston respectively, and each developed a deep loyalty to their home team. Acknowledging this, the filmmakers use the narrators’ partisan perspectives to offer a more balanced and engaging account for fans of both teams. The narrators alternate throughout the series, each covering their favoured team.

Directed by Jim Podhoretz, the documentary premiered as part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.