Lakers bring historical 17th NBA title to LA
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals by a score of 106-93.
Los Angeles’ 17th championship ties the Lakers franchise with the Boston Celtics for most all-time NBA championships. But wait it gets better.
Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss became the first female NBA owner to hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy— a privilege inherited from her father, the late Dr. Jerry Buss. But wait, there’s more.
The Lakers were playing for more than just a championship during the NBA Finals. After Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in January, the Lakers dedicated their season to the “Black Mamba,” often donning special all-black uniforms throughout the season.
“Our ball club got as close as it could possibly be when that happened [Bryant’s death],” LeBron James said in a postgame interview.
Rightfully so. At the beginning of the Finals, and throughout the playoffs for that matter, the Lakers cruised past teams with their explosive offense and relentless, stifling defense. However, Jimmy Butler wrecked havoc in Games 3 and 5 and willed his team past the heavily favored Los Angeles team.
However, James wasn’t about to let a few losses get in the way of earning his fourth NBA championship and the Lakers’ first championship since 2010.
“It’s probably been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as far as a professional,” James told ESPN, “but I’m here for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to win a championship.”
Yes, James played brilliantly, however, he couldn’t have won without the help of Anthony Davis. Though James earned Finals MVP for the fourth time in his career, Davis made a strong case for the award by turning in an impressive 25 points, 10 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, per Yahoo Sports.
James’ “big brother” relationship with Davis allowed the young star to flourish under the bright lights, a concept that wasn’t attainable while playing in New Orleans. Most importantly, their relationship was selfless and absent of jealousy— similar to a relationship that Davis owned with Bryant.
As the clock wound down the final seconds of Game 6, the ESPN cameras caught an emotional Davis, crying on the Lakers’ bench. Davis, who essentially became Bryant’s protégé during their stint with Team USA during the 2012 London Olympics, also shared his thoughts on winning the championship for his fallen mentor.
“He was a big brother to all of us,” Davis said, “I know he’s looking down on us proud ”