Overview
#ChaseFor28 tracks the Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of their 28th championship (18th since moving to LA in 1960), which would break their tie with the Boston Celtics’ 17 titles (now 18 after 2024) for NBA supremacy. The hashtag emerged after the Lakers won their 17th title in the 2020 NBA Bubble, tying the Celtics. It documents the franchise’s post-LeBron championship window, front office chaos, and rivalry with the Celtics.
Origin: 2020 Bubble Championship
On October 11, 2020, the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals (Orlando bubble). LeBron James won his 4th title and 4th Finals MVP. The Lakers tied the Celtics at 17 championships, ending a 10-year drought (last title: 2010 vs. Celtics).
Post-game, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said: “The chase for 28 starts now.” #ChaseFor28 immediately trended, with fans celebrating the tie-breaking goal and LeBron’s legacy.
The Struggles (2021-2023)
The chase stalled dramatically:
2020-21: Lost in first round to Phoenix Suns (4-2), LeBron and Anthony Davis injured 2021-22: Missed playoffs entirely (33-49 record), Russell Westbrook disaster 2022-23: Lost in Western Conference Finals to Denver Nuggets (swept 4-0)
The hashtag shifted from optimism to frustration. Fans blamed:
- Russell Westbrook trade (2021): Gave up draft picks, chemistry disaster
- Rob Pelinka (GM): Poor roster construction, aging veteran signings
- Injuries: LeBron and AD couldn’t stay healthy
Lakers-Celtics Rivalry Reignited
The #ChaseFor28 narrative intensified when the Celtics won their 18th title in June 2024 (beat Dallas Mavericks), retaking sole possession of the all-time lead. Lakers fans’ responses:
- “We’re coming for you”: Renewed urgency
- Historical revisionism: “Boston’s titles in the 1960s don’t count (only 8 teams)”
- LeBron vs. Tatum: Next generation rivalry
The hashtag trends during every Lakers-Celtics regular season matchup, with historical comparisons and trash talk dominating timelines.
LeBron’s Twilight and Bronny
As LeBron ages (39 in 2023-24 season), #ChaseFor28 became intertwined with:
- LeBron’s scoring record: Passed Kareem (39,000+ points)
- Bronny James: Son drafted by Lakers (2024), historic father-son duo
- Retirement speculation: Will LeBron finish career without 6th title?
The hashtag debates: Can the Lakers win #28 before LeBron retires? Or will they rebuild post-LeBron?
The 2024-2025 Window
With Anthony Davis healthy, Austin Reaves emerging, and the Bronny storyline, #ChaseFor28 remains active. The Lakers’ 2024 playoff runs (if any) spike the hashtag, but the Celtics’ 18th title looms as motivation.
Celtics Fans’ Counter-Hashtag
Celtics fans use #ChaseFor18 (now #ChaseFor19 after 2024 title) to mock Lakers. The dueling hashtags reignite the NBA’s greatest rivalry, dormant since the 2008-2010 Finals matchups.
Sources
- 2020 Finals: https://www.nba.com/
- Lakers championship history: https://www.nba.com/
- Celtics 2024 title: https://www.nba.com/
- LeBron-Bronny duo: https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-draft-bronny-james-2024