Celtics fans chanting “Beat LA”
Allow me to set a stage for you. It’s 1982, and game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals is in Boston. The Sixers have a comfortable lead, and are very clearly going to be heading to the Finals, to take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Beat LA” is a chant that is used a ton, but here’s where it got it’s start.
Boston fans are recognized (sometimes) for being classy, and this was a classy moment for them. Rather than being angry at their team for being unable to take Philadelphia down, the crowd, realizing their defeat, showed support for the team that was about to knock them out of the playoffs.
Knowing the Finals would be played against Los Angeles, the crowd brought up a loud chant, screaming “Beat LA” and showing support for Philadelphia who beat Boston fair and square.
At the time, the Celtics/Sixers rivalry was just heating up, so it’s a huge moment for fans of Boston to be showing any support whatsoever for the Sixers, even if it was against the Lakers.
The Sixers would be unable to take the Lakers down this year, but would complete the task soon after.
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