The 2019-2020 season was full of misery and agony for an NBA fan. 

First, we lost one of the greatest men to have ever run the league in David Stern on the first day of the new year, the league got disrupted because of the coronavirus outbreak, and of course, the legendary Kobe Bryant lost with life in a horrible helicopter crash along with his baby girl Gianna and seven other people.

The team Bryant had played religiously for 20 straight years, the Los Angeles Lakers had held a massive ceremony to bid their idol adieu. Some of the biggest names of the business including Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal gave some heartwarming speeches. However, Lakers fans knew that the farewell wasn’t complete unless they won the title this season.

Jump to nine months later, the Lakers not only finished the regular season being the best team in the Western Conference, they are now the NBA Champions as well.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to win the record-tying 17th title in the history of the franchise. James who won his fourth title in 17 years, also became the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals.

One of the most loved yet highly criticised players of all time, LeBron James spoke directly to all those who don’t acknowledge his greatness when he said: 

“Coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect, the organisation want their respect, Laker nation want their respect… I want my damn respect, too.”

People might say that this championship was the easiest for the Lakers, that the Bubble made it simpler, that the long break before the Playoffs gave them enough time to heal, but what about the losses they incurred that can't be returned?

Yes, we’re talking about Kobe Bryant. He was the royalty of LA. He was the past, present and future of the city. He was supposed to live his life and love the people around him, especially this team.

We wish he was here today. To see what his team had done. He'd be proud. He'd be the happiest person in the building. He'd be at peace, even if it meant cheering for his team from the sidelines.

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