Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James takes a shot over Miami Heat's Kelly Olynyk during the second half in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Oct 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (PHOTO / AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers captured a record-tying 17th NBA Championship on Sunday with a 106-93 victory over the Miami Heat that sealed the best-of-seven title series 4-2, restoring the storied franchise to the top of the basketball world.
The Lakers’ victory tied them with the Boston Celtics for most NBA championships and capped an unprecedented season that resumed in July at a spectator-free campus at Disney World in Florida after a four-month COVID-19 shutdown.
Finals MVP LeBron James led the way for the Lakers, scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while spearheading a defensive masterclass that doused the Heat’s offense
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Finals MVP LeBron James led the way for the Lakers, scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while spearheading a defensive masterclass that doused the Heat’s offense.
The Lakers, who won their first title since 2010, also got a key contribution from Rajon Rondo as the veteran point guard delivered an early offensive burst that helped them to a 28-point halftime lead and the Heat never threatened again.
“It means a lot to represent this franchise,” said James, who joined the team in the summer of 2018 after they had missed the playoffs five seasons in a row.
“I told (Lakers president) Jeanie (Buss) when I came here that I was going to put this franchise back in the position where it belongs.
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James holds the MVP trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Oct. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (PHOTO / AP)
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“We just want our respect. Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect, coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect, our organization wants its respect, Lakers nation wants its respect,” he said.
“And I want my damn respect too.”
The championship win ends a more than 90-day stay for the Lakers inside the NBA’s bio-secure bubble.