The Lakers have a lengthy history with the Golden State Warriors as both franchises relocated to California during the early 1960s. Geography does play a minor role in the rivalry; however there exists more respect between both teams and fans alike, unlike the Dodgers–Giants rivalry of MLB, or the 49ers–Rams rivalry of the NFL in which both teams express fierce animosity against one another. The rivalry began to sprout during the 1970s as the two teams would meet six times in the postseason from 1967 to 1991. Both teams fluctuated in success at varying times, however; the Lakers recent rise following the signing of LeBron James contributed heavily to adding a level of competition between both sides as James had previously faced the Warriors in four straight finals as a member of the Cavaliers. Both teams have met seven times in the postseason, combining for 38 division titles since both teams relocated to California in the early 1960s. The Lakers lead the all time regular season series 262–173, and the postseason series 25–11.
The Lakers have a lengthy history with the Golden State Warriors as both franchises relocated to California during the early 1960s Geography does play a minor role in the rivalry; however there exists more respect between both teams and fans alike unlike the Dodgers–Giants rivalry of MLB or the 49ers–Rams rivalry of the NFL in which both teams express fierce animosity against one another The rivalry began to sprout during the 1970s as the two teams would meet six times in the postseason from 1967 to 1991 Both teams fluctuated in success at varying times however; the Lakers recent rise following the signing of LeBron James contributed heavily to adding a level of competition between both sides as James had previously faced the Warriors in four straight finals as a member of the Cavaliers Both teams have met seven times in the postseason combining for 38 division titles since both teams relocated to California in the early 1960s The Lakers lead the all time regular season series 262–173 and the postseason series 25–11