Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious in the 2020 NBA Finals, there has been a constant buzz surrounding their championship win. However, amidst all the celebration and praise, there seems to be a lingering doubt in the minds of some critics who question the legitimacy of the Lakers’ title. Even years later, there are still those who speak about their latest championship as if it were somehow fake or not as challenging as other titles. But one insider, Zach Lowe, has had enough of this narrative and is ready to set the record straight.
The Lakers’ journey to the 2020 NBA Finals was certainly not an easy one. They had to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges along the way, including a global pandemic that forced the league to shut down for months. But despite all the odds, the Lakers persevered and emerged as the champions, proving their resilience and determination.
Yet, some critics still argue that the Lakers’ win should come with an asterisk, as it took place in the bubble without fans and in a shortened season. However, Lowe argues that this narrative is not only unfair but also disrespectful to the hard work and dedication of the Lakers’ players and staff.
Firstly, the argument that the bubble environment somehow made the championship less challenging is simply not true. In fact, it can be argued that it made the competition even tougher. The players were isolated from their families and loved ones for months, had to adjust to a new living and playing environment, and had to deal with the mental toll of being away from home. This added pressure and stress could have easily affected their performance on the court. Yet, the Lakers were able to rise above it all and come out on top.
Moreover, the Lakers had to navigate through a grueling playoff schedule, facing tough opponents like the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets. These teams were not easy to beat, and the Lakers had to bring their A-game every night to secure the win. They also had to deal with injuries to key players like Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo, which further tested their depth and resilience.
Furthermore, the argument that the season was shortened diminishes the Lakers’ accomplishment. Yes, the season was shortened due to the pandemic, but that does not take away from the fact that the Lakers had to play at an incredibly high level for the entire season. They finished with the best record in the Western Conference and were on pace to have one of the best regular seasons in franchise history before the shutdown. This shows that they were a dominant team, regardless of the season’s length.
But perhaps the most significant factor that makes the Lakers’ championship win legitimate is the fact that they had to overcome the Miami Heat in the Finals. The Heat were a formidable opponent, with a talented and well-coached team led by Jimmy Butler. They pushed the Lakers to their limits, and it took everything the Lakers had to come out on top. This was not an easy feat and should not be discredited.
In the end, the Lakers were crowned champions, and nothing can take away from that. They worked hard, faced adversity, and came out on top, proving that they deserve the title. So why is there still a narrative that their championship doesn’t count?
Perhaps it is because the Lakers have always been a polarizing team, with a large fan base and just as many haters. Or maybe it is because the Lakers are no strangers to success, and some people just can’t handle their continued dominance. But whatever the reason may be, it is time to put this narrative to rest.
The Lakers’ 2020 championship win was not easy, nor was it handed to them. They had to fight for it every step of the way, and they emerged as deserving champions. So let’s give credit where credit is due and stop trying to discredit their accomplishment. As Zach Lowe puts it, “The Lakers’ 2020 championship is real, and it counts. End of story.”
In conclusion, the Lakers’ 2020 championship win was a testament to their resilience, determination, and talent. They overcame numerous challenges and proved that they are a deserving champion. So let’s celebrate their victory and give them the credit they deserve. As for the critics, it’s time to let go of the false narrative and acknowledge the Lakers as the rightful champions of the 2020 NBA season.
