Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time
Ohio State vs. Michigan (Football) or Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball)
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Is there a more electrifying sight than the vibrant clash of purple-and-gold against the historic green-and-white, or the heart-pounding intensity of scarlet-and-gray battling maize-and-blue under the chill of an autumn sky? Between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics' storied rivalry on the hardwood and the Ohio State versus Michigan gridiron lore, this battle spans across courts and fields, diving deeply into the spirit and culture of American sports. What’s really at stake? A question of supremacy — not merely in championships, but in the very essence of rivalry itself. Which saga resonates more with your vision of legendary sports battles — the finesse and strategy of basketball or the gritty, relentless drama of football?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Ohio State vs. Michigan (Football) over Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) when it comes to the greatest Sports Rivalries of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Ohio State vs. Michigan (Football) 61.5% of the time over Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball).
Across all battles:
Ohio State vs. Michigan (Football) win rate: 59.7%
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) win rate: 54.1%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time league?
The top spot in the Greatest Sports Rivalries league currently belongs to the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry. You can see how all the rivalries stack up on the GOAT List.
What makes the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry so iconic?
Fans love the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry because it's steeped in decades of NBA history, featuring numerous Hall of Famers and some of the most memorable Finals matchups. The intensity on the court and the coast-to-coast cultural clash between L.A. and Boston add to its legend.
Why is the Ohio State vs. Michigan football rivalry leading over the Lakers vs. Celtics in the Greatest Sports Rivalries league?
Right now, the Ohio State vs. Michigan football rivalry is edging out Lakers vs. Celtics primarily because of the intense fan passion and regional pride that characterizes college football. Fans deeply connected to their college roots often bring an unmatched zeal to their votes!