Lakers Video: 2019-20 Championship Banner Unveiled Before Win Against Rockets
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers overcame several different obstacles en route to their 2019-20 NBA Championship. From landing in China in the midst of a controversial tweet to the death of Kobe Bryant, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and finally, to the Orlando bubble, the Lakers had arguably the roughest road to a title in NBA history.

It was a dominant playoff run, to say the least as Los Angeles stomped through the Western Conference, winning each series in five games before ultimately beating the Miami Heat in six games of the 2020 NBA Finals to capture the franchise’s 17th championship. While the players received their rings on Opening Night of the 2020-21 season, the team decided to wait to hoist the championship banner until they had fans in attendance at Staples Center.

However, the wait to raise their banner came to an end as the Lakers finally got to see the last piece of their historic championship go up in the rafters before their game against the Houston Rockets in a nice ceremony.

It was a highly anticipated moment for Lakers Nation that did not disappoint and it was good to see the Lakers players and staff revel in the moment. LeBron James and Anthony Davis each said a few words to commemorate the occasion, with each of the team captains mentioning that the road to defend their title starts next week.

Despite all the injuries and lack of continuity and chemistry, Los Angeles is still considered to be one of the favorites to come away with the 2021 NBA Championship. Although James and Davis are still nursing ankle and groin injuries, respectively, the superstar tandem should be able to suit up this weekend for what will amount to be tune-up games.

The current season has not been easy by any stretch and although the Purple and Gold will likely enter the 2021 NBA Playoffs as a lower seed, they have every right in the world to feel confident about their chances of repeating.

James on banner ceremony: ‘better late than never’

After the banner ceremony, James took to Instagram to celebrate the night and again alert Lakers fans of the journey ahead to defend the title:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames)

The Lakers’ title hopes depend on James’ health, so hopefully he is nearing a return and will be back to his normal self sooner rather than later.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Devontae Cacok: Process With Lakers Has Been ‘All Over The Place’

Devontae Cacok has gotten a very unusual experience as a two-way player for the Los Angeles Lakers the last two seasons…

Lakers News: Montrezl Harrell Paid Tribute To Kobe & Gianna Bryant

On the anniversary of the memorial and Celebration of Life ceremony held at Staples Center for Kobe and Gianna…

Lakers News: LeBron James Passes Derek Fisher For Most Playoff Games In NBA History

Since LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2018, he has broken records and passed new…

Zach LaVine Says He’s ‘Always Been A Big Fan’ Of Lakers

This offseason will be a very important one for the Los Angeles Lakers if they want to get back into championship…