Iâll admit it: I didnât believe the NBA Bubble would work. I thought if the NBA brought together hundreds of healthy, young, rich athletes and told them they couldnât see their families, side chicks, entourages and friends for a few months and they could only eat in their hotel rooms and play basketball, everything would fall apart in about a week. But it didnât! The Bubble worked! If anything, the Bubble seemed to make many players more hyper-focused. And now the Bubble is over because the LA Lakers have won the NBA Finals. The Lakers beat the Miami Heat in Game 6. This is LeBron Jamesâ first NBA Championship with the Lakers, and fourth ring overall. GOATs gonna GOAT.
The Los Angeles Lakers are NBA champions, defeating the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, winning the best-of-seven series four games to two. It’s the 17th title for the franchise, tying the Lakers with the Boston Celtics for the most all time in NBA history.
This was the Lakers’ first NBA Finals appearance since 2010, when the late Kobe Bryant won his fifth and final NBA title. Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, died in a helicopter crash January 26.
It’s the fourth championship for LeBron James, in his 10th NBA Finals. James previously won two titles with the Heat (2012 and 2013) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016). On Sunday, he became the NBA’s all-time leader in playoff games played, at 260. He finished the night with a triple-double: 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. He was named NBA Finals MVP, the fourth time he has received this honor. James is the first player in NBA history to earn NBA Finals MVP with three different teams. Only Michael Jordan has more NBA Finals MVP awards, with six.
“For me to be a part of such a historical franchise is an unbelievable feeling, not only for myself but for my teammates, for the organization, for the coaches, for the trainers, everybody that’s here,” James said on the court. “We just want our respect. (Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager) Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect. (Lakers head) coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect. Our organization wants their respect. Laker Nation wants their respect. And I want my damn respect, too.”
This capped an NBA season — which ends just outside of Orlando, Florida — unlike any other, as widespread protests over racial injustice fanned out across the US during the coronavirus pandemic and with a contentious presidential election just weeks away. While leading his team to a title, James has been a leader among the sport’s most influential players in setting an agenda during the social justice movement.
TMZ reports that the Lakers Org. is already talking with California and LA County/City officials about how best to celebrate at home. Thereâs some talk about a car parade, which just sounds like regular LA traffic? But the Lakers definitely want to hold a big event, theyâll just work with local and state authorities on what kind of gathering, parade or party they can throw.
Kobe Bryantâs widow Vanessa Bryant made a statement after the win, and many Lakers referenced Kobeâs passing earlier this year. They really wanted to bring home another title for him, LeBron included.
Congrats to the @Lakers and @Seattlestorm on their championship wins! Proud of all the NBA and WNBA teams and players who've been using their platforms to take a stand for racial justice and encourage civic participation this season.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 12, 2020
âThis historic 2020 NBA championship belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers!â pic.twitter.com/LVmDZ3BB6s
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 12, 2020
âWithout yâallâs strength and loyalty, it wouldnât have been possible.â –@KingJames to the Lakers Faithful pic.twitter.com/CgDZbvS7eM
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 12, 2020
Photos & videos courtesy of social media.
As a Celtics fan I was contractually obligated to root against the Lakers. But it’s still nice that they won one for Kobe. Don’t like them being tied with the Celtics for most titles now though. I guess here’s to hoping the Celtics bring home Banner 18 next year so it doesn’t stay that way.
Also a Celtics fan, plus my husband hates LeBron with a passion. But I can’t help but be happy for them this year – such a great way to honor Kobe.
Plus, I’m loving that LeBron is using his platform to encourage people to vote.
So I can appreciate a Lakers victory this year. But next year, I’m rooting for Banner 18 to come home to Boston.
LeBron has really exceeded the mountainous expectations he had thrust on him a a kid coming into the NBA. Not only has he excelled on the court he has been a real leader off of it as well. From being homeless to being King of the NBA and helping others along the way. What a ride
I was routing for the Lakers only because Trump called LeBron James names — Trump seems to call any person of color or woman with more influence, power and intellegence than Trump either nasty, monster, ugly, low IQ etc. To me, it’s a badge of honor, and a perfect reflection of what Trump thinks of himself.