William Felton Russell was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Russell practicing a free throw at USF, c. 1953–56
Russell during his college career at USF
The NBA Finals is the annual championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Eastern and Western Conference champions play a best-of-seven-game series to determine the league champion. The team that wins the series is awarded the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, which replaced the original Walter A. Brown Trophy in 1977, though under the same name.
The 1980s saw a renewal in the rivalry between the Boston Celtics (green) and the Los Angeles Lakers (gold), combining to win eight titles.
Michael Jordan cemented himself as the greatest player of all time, winning six NBA championships with Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson.
Kobe Bryant was a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers that won five NBA championships from 2000 to 2010.