"Bye bye Lakers" - Celtics legend Cedric Maxwell trolls Showtime Stars of rival franchise after 18th title 

When the Boston Celtics won a record 18th NBA title on Monday, it was obviously expected that their biggest rivals, the LA Lakers, would catch some strays. It seems like the trolling started as soon as the celebrations began in Boston’s locker room.

Former Boston legend and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell didn’t hold back in making fun of the Showtime Lakers. Longtime NBA analyst Rachel Nichols interviewed the former NBA Finals MVP, as the celebrations continued in the Celtics locker room. Maxwell said:

“I am so proud of what these guys accomplished today. Let me say this before I go. Bye Bye Lakers. Bye-bye Lakers. James Worthy, goodnight. Magic, bye bye. Worthy, Cooper, Byron Scott, all of you, goodbye.”

Nichols also asked Maxwell about how it felt to finally win a title after 16 years since the last championship in 2008. He responded:

“Tatum said it was worth it. He says it was worth the wait. He was able to get it, get it done; one of the youngest players to have it done. Brad Stevens has his team right now set to be back in the mix for next couple of years.”

Cedric Maxwell might not be too far from the truth. Boston’s young squad means it has a high chance of repeating or even building the latest Celtics dynasty in the near future.

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Lakers legend Magic Johnson “hated” Celtics’ title triumph

Nobody personifies the Boston-LA rivalry more than Lakers legend Magic Johnson and Boston’s Larry Bird. As long as the two teams were tied at 17 titles, nobody had bragging rights, but the tide has now shifted in Boston’s favor, and Magic didn’t like it at all, as he playfully tweeted:

“I hate that the Celtics officially have more championships than us now”

The five-time champion proceeded to give Boston the deserved flowers on the dominating run it accomplished in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The team lost just three games in the entire playoffs.

Magic credited General Manager Brad Stevens' astute skills at being able to land Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the 2023 offseason. He also acknowledged the great improvement shown by Boston coach Joe Mazzulla in his second season with the team.

As per Magic Johnson, the 2024 NBA Finals eventually came down to the Celtics' depth, something the Dallas Mavericks were simply unable to match.

For now, Magic needs to keep calm and endure the trolls directed toward him from former Boston rivals such as Cedric Maxwell. If and when the LA Lakers win their next title, he should have his say.