King James led LA Lakers are the 2020 NBA Champions

The Los Angeles Lakers became the 2020 NBA champions after defeating Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, winning four games in the best of seven series. 

The Lakers have now won their 17th title, equaling Boston Celtics for the most all-time in the history of NBA. 

Lakers were a part of the NBA finals for the first time since 2010, surprisingly the last time when the late Kobe Bryant won his fifth and final NBA title. Bryant along with his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash on January 26. 

It was also the fourth NBA final triumph for LeBron James, who has been a part of ten NBA finals, including eight consecutive with the Heat and Cavaliers from 2011 through 2018.

King James also became the NBA’s all-time leader in playoff games played. He was phenomenal in the last game as he managed a triple-double (28 points), 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

There was one more honor that the legend received for the fourth time, the NBA Finals MVP. He is the first player in the entire history to earn NBA Finals MVP with three different teams. Now, he is only behind Michael Jordan, who has six NBA Finals MVP awards. 

After the game, James had some emotional words on the court to share. He said, “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. 

We just want our respect. (Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager), Rob wants his respect. (Lakers head) coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect. Lakers nation want their respect. And I want my damn respect, too.” he opined.

While leading from the front, James did not only win a title but was also one of the sport’s most influential players during the social justice movement, “Black Lives Matter.” After the season resumed from the halt during the pandemic, almost all players including coaches and referees joined him, kneeling during the national anthem. 

Featured image credits- scmp.com