The billboard in Los Angeles read, “In a year unlike anything, this win means everything.”
After six games against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers captured their 17th NBA title tying the Boston Celtics for the most all-time.
The win also secured LeBron James his fourth title in 10 tries.
In addition, this is his third title with his third different team.
James averaged 29.8 points per game, 11.8 assists per game and 8.5 rebounds per game.
In his second year in Miami, James won the title, similar to what he did in his return to Cleveland and now again in his second year in Los Angeles.
Earlier this season, James dubbed this season the year of the “Washed King” which referred to his 17th season.
James joins Sue Bird as players who earned their fourth championship in their 17th season.
Forward Anthony Davis became the first John Calipari-kid to win a championship.
He also posted the biggest Finals debut for the Lakers since Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
Davis averaged 25 ppg, 10.7 rpg to go along with 2 blocks per game and 1.3 steals per game.
This season was one of the most healthy for Davis which benefited the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
In addition, point guard Rajon Rondo became the first player to win a title with the Celtic and Laker franchises while the latter team was in Los Angeles.
Clyde Lovellette is the other player to win with both franchises but while the Lakers were in Minnesota.
Center Dwight Howard finally captured an elusive ring that adds to his Hall-of-Fame-caliber resumé.
Shooting guard Danny Green also won his third championship with his third different team and also secured back-to-back rings after winning last year in Toronto.
Former Golden State Warriors JaVale McGee and Quinn Cook also added more hardware to their collection after the former won two in the Bay Area while Cook won one.
Head coach Frank Vogel has also reached the pinnacle of the basketball world after beginning his career in the film room.
Owner Jeanie Buss also became the first female majority owner to win a championship.
The team openly admitted this championship run was for the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, who were killed in a helicopter crash in January that also claimed the lives of seven others.
The organization expressed interest in celebrating the championship with its fans during a parade when “it's safe.”
Comments