In 2020, the LA Lakers won the NBA title, their 17th and the first since 2010. Founded in 1947 in Minneapolis, the Lakers were initially a member of the National Basketball League and won the 1948 NBL championship, before joining the NBA and winning five out of the next six championships. In 1960, the team relocated to LA, going to the finals six times in ten years, losing the title each time. In the 1970s, star player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won MVP several times but was unable to lead the team to victory. The 1980s and 1990s saw stars such as Magic Johnson, Shaquillle O’Neal and Kobe Bryant solidify the Lakers as a top team. Between 2000 and 2002, the Lakers won three consecutive titles, as well as winning in 2009 and 2010. However, for the last decade, the Lakers have struggled to regain their former glory.
This run of poor performance changed with the introduction of Anthony Davis and LeBron James leading the team to victory in 2020. Playing his 260th play-off game, passing Derek Fisher for the most of all time, James scored 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists to clinch his fourth title with three teams. James also earned his fourth NBA Finals MVP. Davis added 19 points and 15 rebounds.
Following their performance, there has been plenty of money wagered by those betting online who feel the Lakers will repeat. The main driver for this prediction has been James’ performance in 2020, with a Finals MVP to top it. But how exactly did he manage this?
Performance in the 2020 Season
James has had a stunning performance this season. From a total of 67 games, he has averaged 25.3 points per game, 7.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists. His effective field goal percentage sits at 55-percent, his player efficiency rating at 25.5 and his win share is 9.8. He is also a team player. His play style is supportive of others on the team and he does not try to hog the glory to the detriment of the final score. Whilst the finals showcased his talents and skills, showing how Lebron won the Finals MVP award, the stats for the players throughout the season shows that others are also given the opportunity to score.
Commitment to the Game
James has never missed a play-off game in his career. He prides himself on full commitment to his team and the game, and you can see that he is fully immersed in the moment when playing. He is also open to his fellow players. Whilst often seen as the shining star, James is happy to provide the support required to ensure a win.
Respected On, And Off, the Court
James’ accomplishments on the court are easy to see, but he is also an inspiration. He inspires his team and the new generation of players. In 2003, he was the Cleveland Cavaliers overall first pick at just 18-years old, and since then has dominated the game. He’s also been influential off the court, convincing the NBA to turn stadiums into polling stations, opened schools and become a prominent anti-racism campaigner.
Physical Fitness
It is rumored that James spends upwards of $1-million on maintaining his body; nutrition, training, cutting edge therapies, staff and therapists. Even at the age of 35, his body and mind is how Lebron still dominates. He is third on the list of NBA’s all-time scorers on 34,241 points and shows no signs of slowing down.
However, it would be remiss to suggest that the success of the Lakers victory was all down to one man. It was a team effort. The number of assists and support he shows his teammates is how Lebron demonstrates that this is a team effort. The inclusion of Anthony Davis on the team has contributed greatly to the Lakers success in the 2020 season. Davis had more points per game than James and a higher win share. James, however, is on track to rival the GOAT (greatest of all time) Michael Jordan, based on his 2020 season.
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