LeBron Leads Another Team To Glory, Strengthening Case As Greatest Ever

LeBron James Leads Another Team To Glory, Strengthening His Case As The Greatest Ever https://t.co/QWCiJLip2W

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 12, 2020

After nearly a full calendar year, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers closed the chapter on a memorable 2019-20 season by hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. While this 355-day journey was filled with just as much grief and uncertainty as joy and anticipation, this storybook conclusion was fitting.

Over the last 10 months, the NBA – along with the nation as a whole – has been through a whirlwind. The coronavirus pandemic, death of a sports icon, and fight for racial justice took a large toll on the NBA community. There were multiple points in which the resumption of the season (and playoffs) was in question. Electing to continue in Orlando with a safe and well-devised plan, the league gave its teams a chance to pursue a title instead of scrapping all of the work that went into the first 60 games.

It culminated in the Lakers achieving their 17th banner, 10 years after Kobe Bryant led them to an emotional Finals victory over the Boston Celtics. James lifting this organization back to the top, in the wake of a tragedy that took Bryant’s life, is a special moment everyone can appreciate. Throughout the Lakers’ down years, Bryant promised the fanbase that management would right the ship and have the purple and gold back to where it’s been for practically every decade. Nobody envisioned it would be under these circumstances, with Bryant’s long-time friend and rival leading the way, and without the Black Mamba here to witness it.

But, Kobe was right. The only thing missing was the Staples Center setting, with he and his daughter Gianna celebrating in the front row. There is nothing James would love to have more than a handshake and hug from the guy that welcomed him into Los Angeles with open arms in 2018, after years of cross-conference battles.