Back Blog

NBA: Most Titles Won by a Team

Blake RobertsBy Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 29 June 2023
Blake Roberts Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

Basketball ball and a cup

Which team has the NBA most titles? That’s the agenda for today, and in this blog, we will be looking at the teams that have managed to secure the most championship titles, including a look at how they went about getting these titles, and how close their competitors are to catching up. This information is accurate as of May 2023.

Teams with the Most NBA Championships

In this blog, we’ll reveal the most NBA championships team and take a closer look at the NBA teams with the most championships. These legendary franchises – the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs – have shaped the NBA’s history with their incredible achievements. Get ready to learn about the players, coaches, and strategies that propelled these teams to the top of the basketball world.

Most NBA Championships Team: LA Lakers – 17 Titles

The LA Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, have earned their spot as a top team with 17 championship titles. At the time of writing, this ties them in first place along with the Boston Celtics, who also hold 17 championship titles.

Founded in 1947, the Lakers have had numerous legendary players making their way onto the roster, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal. Under the coaching of Phil Jackson, the Lakers experienced great success in the late 90s and early 2000s, and they continue to be one of the most supported and successful teams in the NBA.

However, as the tied NBA all-time most championships won team, there’s going to be a bitter rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics in the next season, so there’s sure to be some exciting matches played on the court.

Kobe Bryant was a crucial player for the Lakers before his unfortunate passing. He was known for his incredible skills, dedication, and the five championships he brought to the team. His death severely impacted the team and basketball fans around the world. However, LeBron James has taken over the spotlight, leading the Lakers to their 17th championship in 2020.

Since 2020, however, the Lakers have failed to win a championship, although they – along with the Celtics – still lead by ten championships over the third-placed contender, the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers games are often worth betting on. If you’re interested in the best sites for NBA basketball betting online, make sure to check out our list of top sportsbooks, which are all safe places to bet.

Joint First: Boston Celtics – 17 Titles

The Boston Celtics, established in 1946, are another dominant force in the NBA, tied in first place with the Lakers with an impressive 17 championships under their belt. They’ve successfully built themselves around a winning culture and have been home to some of the greatest players in history, like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Paul Pierce.

The Celtics’ success is rooted in their ability to combine excellent teamwork and promote the growth of strong bonds among their players. It’s very rare to see their players falling out with one another, something that can’t always be said for other top NBA teams.

Their legendary coach, Red Auerbach, was known for his ability to bring out the best in his team. The Celtics’ winning streak in the 60s was a clear indication of Auerbach’s skill and the incredible talent the team has enjoyed throughout the years.

However, the fans also deserve some credit. Boston’s fan base is fiercely passionate and dedicated. The city’s rich sports history and the Celtics’ winning tradition have created a kind of undying loyalty among fans. From banners hanging in the TD Garden to the iconic shamrock logo, the Celtics’ fans have helped propel the team forward, helping them become one of the two teams with the most NBA championships.

Golden State Warriors – 7 Titles

The Golden State Warriors, first established in 1946, have made a significant impact in the NBA, winning seven championships. While this may seem dwarfed by the 17 championships won by the Lakers and the Celtics, seven championships is still a staggering achievement. The team has enjoyed some of the league’s best players, including Wilt Chamberlain, Chris Mullin, and Stephen Curry, to name a few.

However, in recent years, the Warriors have started to up their game even more. Much of this is, in part, thanks to the lineup they enjoy, which includes superstar NBA names like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But they’ve still not won a Championship since 2017-18.

The Warriors’ playing style is highly unique, and the team is known for their unselfish style of play, exceptional ball movement, and incredible accuracy while shooting. This team is definitely one to watch if you’re interested in basketball online betting.

Like the Lakers and the Celtics, the Warriors are also known for their strong fan base, affectionately called “Dub Nation.” The intense atmosphere at their home games is a showcase of the passion and support of their fans, and the crowd is really able to get the team going, especially when they’re behind and need that extra boost of motivation to get back into the game.

Take a look at their seven championship wins, and the MVP who led them to victory, below:

Championship Finals MVP
1946-47 BAA Championship N/A (MVP did not exist at the time)
1955-56 NBA Championship Paul Arizin
1974-75 NBA Championship Rick Barry
2014-15 NBA Championship Andre Iguodala
2015-16 NBA Championship LeBron James
2016-17 NBA Championship Kevin Durant
2017-18 NBA Championship Kevin Durant

Chicago Bulls – 6 Titles

The Chicago Bulls is a highly successful NBA team, having won six championships, many of which were won during the 1990s. Michael Jordan is regarded as the sport’s greatest player and led them to many victories with his exceptional talent and competitive playing style. Scottie Pippen was also an important player who provided vital support to the team.

When it comes to the most NBA championship teams, the Bulls are currently ranked fourth. While six championship titles is nothing to scoff at, they do have quite a way to go to catch up with the likes of the Lakers and the Celtics. However, they’re steadily improving, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the number of winning championships rise in the future.

Under coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls used the triangle offense, a strategy that helped them get the most out of their star players. This was a unique strategy that worked very well for them, and alongside this, the team is also known for having a very dynamic roster and innovative tactics.

This was especially apparent during the 1995-96 season, when they set an NBA record with 72 regular season wins. In fact, the Bulls are known for their staggering six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, which included two three-peats. Fans of the Bulls, called the “Bulls Nation,” are incredibly loyal, and while the team enjoyed their golden years’ in the 1990s, they’ve stayed loyal to this day.

San Antonio Spurs – 5 Titles

The San Antonio Spurs, with five championships to their name, have earned a reputation for consistent success in the NBA. The Spurs’ winning attitude can be traced back to the Big Three era, when Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili played alongside one another for the team. Together, they formed a dynamic trio that dominated the league for over a decade, and this legacy is still widely remembered today.

Coach Gregg Popovich played a crucial role in the Spurs’ success, with many experts stating that his ability to instill a sense of discipline, teamwork, and strong fundamentals was one of the key factors behind the Spurs’ ability to become one of the best teams in the NBA.

Other Notable Teams – Heat, 76ers, Pistons

Several other NBA teams have made their mark on the league, winning multiple championships. Among these noteworthy franchises are the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons, each with three titles to their name.

The Miami Heat, founded in 1988, enjoyed their first championship win in the 2006 NBA Finals. However, it was the “Big Three” era, featuring LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, that really cemented the Heat’s legacy with back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

Another team with three championship titles under their belt is the Philadelphia 76ers, who have been playing since 1946. Like most of the teams we’ve covered on this page, they’ve had some big-name stars on their roster, including the likes of Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Allen Iverson. Their most recent championship came in 1983.

Lastly, the Detroit Pistons, founded in 1941, have had their fair share of championship glory. Their “Bad Boys” era during the late 80s and early 90s was characterized by a tough, physical style of play. The team’s roster featured players like Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. One of their biggest feats was when they claimed back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990. Their third championship came in 2004.

Frequently Asked Questions

In terms of the NBA most titles list, we've shown you the top five, and a few other teams worth noting. There's a staggering difference between the top-two teams, the Lakers and the Celtics, who both hold 17 titles each, and the other contenders, and it's unlikely they'll be surpassed soon. Below, we'll finish off with a look at some FAQs about teams with the most NBA championships.

Which team has the most NBA titles?

The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics are neck and neck, each with an impressive 17 championships. These two teams have been incredibly strong teams in the NBA, and it's all up for grabs in terms of who can reach 18 titles first!

How did the Golden State Warriors reach 7 championships?

The Warriors have had a rich history, with outstanding players and coaching staff. Their success can be attributed to a combination of teamwork, strategy, and talent. With several key players over the years, they've made an unforgettable name for themselves in the NBA.

What factors contributed to the Chicago Bulls' 6 championships?

The Bulls saw their success skyrocket during the 90s, largely due to the on-court talents of Michael Jordan. Combined with the coaching of Phil Jackson and a strong supporting cast, they established a legacy that has left an ever-lasting mark on the NBA.

How did the San Antonio Spurs win 5 NBA championships?

The Spurs owe their success to a blend of skilled players, strong coaching, and a winning culture. However, many have pointed out that the team's incredibly dedicated fan base is also responsible for the team's success, helping them navigate through tough periods and giving them encouragement when needed.

What other NBA teams have won a notable number of championship titles?

In addition to the four NBA franchises we covered, three other teams are worth talking about: the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers. All these other notable teams have won three championship titles, which places them directly behind the top five teams we focused on.
You liked this article? Share it with your friends!