Proof that the Lakers only have nine NBA championships

Since there's been so much talk of the renewed Celtics-Lakers rivalry lately, I thought I'd stir up the pot a bit by addressing that age-old question ... a question that Boston fans always throw in the LA fans' collective faces whenever they try to lay claim to the title of greatest franchise in NBA history:

Should the LOS ANGELES Lakers count the Minneapolis championships in their overall total?

It's a question that's been argued over and over ad nauseum; while the C's lay claim to 16 championship banners, the Lakers are not that far behind (especially thanks to the recent Shaq/Kobe glory days) with 14 ... that is, if you count the Lakers' early days (en.wikipedia.org) when they were situated amongst the placid lakes - get it? - of Minnesota.

Same name, different cities. So, should the geographical divide necessitate a division between the Lakers' title lineage? Should the current Lakers franchise cut down their recognized titles into the single digits (which would pale in comparison to the Celtics' championship total that is beyond dispute)? Ah, therein lies the rub ...

Well now, once and for all, I provide an end to this metaphorical dick-measuring contest ... in the form of the official NBA Store catalog (nbastore.com).

An odd place for a history lesson, I know, but check out the description for the Winning Streak Champions Banner, from page 12 of the print version (store.nba.com):

Commemorate the rich heritage of your favorite team with this 24" x 36" wool and acrylic team color banner displaying a dynasty of champions.

And now, the photographic evidence:

Image from nba.imageg.net

That banner looks a little sparse, doesn't it? Where's 1949? Where's 1950? What about '52 or '53? Yeah, that banner is definitely pretty bare ... it certainly doesn't measure up to this one (store.nba.com); nope, like comparing apples and oranges (or like a crate of apples with an orange rind, ZING).

So there you have it, an official tally from an official NBA publication ... Final score: Los Angeles 9, Boston 16.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, La-La Land, but that's just the way the purple-and-gold cookie crumbles.