2024 NBA Finals - Game ThreeStephen A. Smith adds fuel to fire in ‘greatest franchise’ debate after Celtics’ title

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shared his opinion on the debate of the greatest NBA franchise of all time. The Boston Celtics won their 18th championship on Monday by beating the Dallas Mavericks 4-1, surpassing the LA Lakers as the franchise with the most titles in league history.

Despite the Celtics taking the top spot, Smith doesn’t think that makes them the best organization in the history of the NBA. Instead, he picked the Lakers for the fact that they have more finals appearances than the Celtics, meaning they’ve been under the spotlight for more time.

“Not so fast,” Smith said. “Magic Johnson, never fear, your boy Stephen A. is here. I understand that they have 18 championships to the Lakers’ 17 championships, I get that. But I also know that this is feeding off a 16-year drought.

“OK, and I would remind everybody out there that the Boston Celtics, even with the great Bill Russell, the great Bob Cousy, John Havlicek and all of these guys, Sam Jones, the list goes on and on. I will remind you that the Boston Celtics have 23 NBA Finals appearances.