After a three month delay to the NBA season due to COVID-19, Sunday night, Oct. 11, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed their 17th NBA championship, tying the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history. The combination of talent, size and chemistry was what brought home a record tying amount of championships to LA.

After cruising through the first three rounds of the NBA playoffs, none of the competition was quite as tight for the Lakers as the championship, when they matched up against a veteran coach in Eric Spoelstra and a tough core of players led by Jimmy Butler. Due to the complications from COVID-19, the NBA finals were forced to be held in Orlando in a ‘bubble’ customized to keep the players safe, with no fans allowed to be there live. There was a huge question as to how much of a factor this would be on the outcome of the series with no home court advantage. In a six game series, the Lakers ended their six season playoff drought with a newly acquired superstar Anthony Davis and the four time finals MVP LeBron James.

Although there was some doubt as to whether the Lakers would be able to find their rhythm this season after the three month delay, and no crowd in LA to fill the stadium, James led the way in helping his team win their first finals in 10 years. James averaged 29.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and a Finals MVP in his 10th NBA finals appearance. After 17 years in the NBA, James showed no signs of slowing down and helped his team in every way to the title.

After the tragic death of an old Laker superstar Kobe Bryant, several NBA players stated that the loss was just another motivator for them to secure this title. James spoke out as to what it was like to play for the Lakers this season and bring home a championship for Bryant’s team.

“To continue his legacy not only for this year but as long as we can play the game we love,” said James.

After being the favorites to win the championship from the beginning of the 2019-2020 season, the Lakers were only asking for the chance to finish their title run during the time of the pandemic. After coming back to finish the season and going 19-10 in the Orlando bubble, James was asked how it felt to win a championship with no fans or family in attendance.

“It don’t matter where it is when you win a championship,” said James. “The bubble, Miami, Golden State, it doesn’t matter. When you get to this point, it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.”

The joy of a championship was existent through more than just James. From fans, to family, to fellow Lakers, they all could not have been happier to have won their 17th championship.