The NBA has watched many powerful teams come and go, but a special few show what true greatness looks like. Championships define legacies. Fans often count the banners hanging from the rafters. While many teams have tasted success, only a select few have dominated consistently enough to collect double-digit titles. The game of basketball is what it is today because of these historic rivalries and modern powerhouses.
The Celtics and Lakers Rivalry at the Top
For decades, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers each boasted 17 titles. That changed in 2024, when the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals and claimed their 18th championship. They now have the all-time lead.
Bill Russell’s leadership and defensive brilliance powered the Boston Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons in the 1950s and ’60s. Larry Bird’s battles with Magic Johnson continued the legacy in the 1980s, and later, the Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen era brought home the 2008 title. The 2024 win just proved that the franchise can adapt and thrive across generations.
The Lakers are just behind with 17 championships. The early years of the NBA saw the Lakers grab five titles in Minneapolis. After moving to Los Angeles, they captured 12 more. These include the “Showtime” era with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980s, the Kobe Bryant–Shaquille O’Neal three-peat from 2000 to 2002, and Kobe’s back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2010. LeBron James and Anthony Davis added the most recent title in 2020, keeping the Lakers firmly in the running as one of the sport’s greatest franchises.
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Golden State Warriors: The Modern Powerhouse
With a remarkable seven championship victories, the Golden State Warriors hold the third position on the all-time list. While they claimed their first titles in the 1940s and 1950s as the Philadelphia Warriors, their modern success has redefined how basketball is played.
The Warriors became the poster team for the three-point revolution, led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, and guided by coach Steve Kerr. Their run from 2015 to 2022 produced four championships, highlighted by Curry’s game-changing shooting and the addition of Kevin Durant for back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Their opening odds are currently sitting at +2500 for the title.
Chicago Bulls: The Dynasty of the ’90s
The Chicago Bulls hold six championships, all won within a single decade during the Michael Jordan era. From 1991 to 1998, Jordan, alongside Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson, built an iconic dynasty.
The Bulls’ dominance was not just about Jordan’s scoring but also his relentless competitiveness. His first three-peat from 1991 to 1993 was interrupted by a brief retirement, only for him to return and lead the team to another three-peat from 1996 to 1998. With odds for the 2025-26 title at +5000, the Bulls are not top-tier contenders this year.
San Antonio Spurs: Consistency Over Decades
The San Antonio Spurs boast five championships, all under coach Gregg Popovich and with Tim Duncan at the core. The Spurs emphasize teamwork and unselfish play.
Their titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014 highlighted their ability to transition through eras. The team seamlessly moved from the Duncan-David Robinson duo to the Duncan-Tony Parker-Manu Ginóbili trio, eventually embracing a more modern style with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge in 2014. With title odds around +6000 to +8000, the Spurs are long shots this year.
Miami Heat: Building a Championship Culture
The Miami Heat have three championships, beginning with their 2006 victory, solidifying their standing as an elite league franchise. Led by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, the Heat’s first championship announced their arrival as contenders.
Their biggest leap came during the “Big Three” era, when LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh powered Miami to four straight Finals appearances, winning titles in 2012 and 2013. However, this team is a definite long shot, with odds ranging from +5000 to +12,500, depending on the sportsbook.
Detroit Pistons: Grit and Defense
The Detroit Pistons have three titles, one in 1989, the second in 1990, and their most recent in 2004. They’ve always been rooted in defense and toughness. In the late 1980s’s the Pistons were known as the “Bad Boys” and were led by Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, and Dennis Rodman, who won back-to-back championships by outworking more talented opponents and embracing a physical style.
In 2004, a new generation of Pistons defeated the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, shocking the basketball world. This year, the Pistons are sitting at long-shot odds, +3300 to +4000, for the NBA title.
Philadelphia 76ers: From Wilt to Dr. J to Moses
The Philadelphia 76ers have three championships, earned in 1955 (as the Syracuse Nationals), 1967, and 1983. Each title is tied to a different era and a different superstar.
The Sixers’ 1967 championship, thanks to Wilt Chamberlain’s sheer dominance, finally broke Boston’s hold on the league. In 1983, Julius Erving and Moses Malone led Philadelphia to a championship sweep over the Lakers. Despite the Sixers’ iconic history, they’re long shots this year, with odds around +3300 to +3600.
Houston Rockets: Hakeem’s Back-to-Back Titles
The Houston Rockets have two championships, won in 1994 and 1995, with Hakeem Olajuwon at the center of it all. During Michael Jordan’s first retirement, Olajuwon dominated the league, showcasing footwork and skill that set him apart as one of the greatest big men ever.
After landing Kevin Durant’s contract in mid‑2025, the Rockets’ championship odds jumped from around 18/1 to +750, making them one of the top contenders behind the Thunder.
Frankie Wilde – is a content writer at various gambling sites. Also, he is a passionate traveler and a great cook. Frankie shares informative articles with the world.
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