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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
LeBron James’ 2020 iconic win is considered the toughest championship win in the NBA. And yet, some discredited it arguing that the bubble season is different from usual. The debate resurfaced recently when King James’ best friend dragged Stephen Curry into the firing line.
Ever since James’ successful run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Steph-Bron rivalry took shape. Fans and experts in the league often carried out comparisons between the two superstars both on and off the court. Importantly, they had won only 3 rings each until James’ bubble win. It caused a stir in the NBA world when the Akron Hammer overtook Steph with the bubble ring.
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LeBron James’ best friend drags Stephen Curry into the heated debate
During the 2020 bubble ring era, the players didn’t have to travel between home and away games. Every game was played in the same location. It saved a lot of time and energy, and most importantly, the players had enough rest. On the other hand, the players went through immense mental agony away from family. While everyone brought up their own analogies for the debate, LeBron James‘ best friend Rich Paul dragged in Stephen Curry.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Appearing in the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, Paul discussed various affairs of the league. Eventually, he got into the Lakers bubble ring debate. While he defended his Bron’s 2020 ring, some members in the panel were against it. Subsequently, he brought in the Stephen Curry angle. He asked the panel, “If Steph wins the bubble, do you discredit?” When everyone said, “No,” a particular pannelist said, “We still going say bubble ring.”
Paul further went on to talk about how Bron survived the bubble for 90-odd days away from family. He also credited the Lakers’ maturity during the bubble that fetched them the ring.
Despite the noise around the bubble ring debate, James considered it as his toughest ring.
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What does LeBron James feel about the 2020 championship ring?
After falling short several times in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors in the past, LeBron James won his 4th ring in the 2020 bubble.
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via Getty
Los Angeles, CA, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) puts on his NBA Championship ring during an on court ceremony at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
While many discredited the ring, James considered it as extremely difficult. He said, “Probably the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as far as a professional… extremely tough.” He expressed this during the training camp ahead of the 2021-22 season.
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Where do you stand on the bubble ring debate? Let us know in the comments.
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