“I Want My Damn Respect”: LeBron James Sends a Strong Message After Leading Lakers to NBA Championship

The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2019-20 NBA champions! After a season that was prolonged due to the lockdown, the Lakers have come out on top after beating the Heat in six games, to win their 17th title in franchise history. LeBron James was the star as he led the Lakers to yet another majestic display.

While receiving his Finals MVP, James spoke about being respected and the honor of playing for the purple and gold. He said, “I want my damn respect too.” He added, “It means a lot to represent this franchise. I told Jeanie [Buss] when I came here, I would put this franchise back in the position that it belongs.”

James ended with 28 points and shot an efficient 13/20 from the field. He also had 14 rebounds and 10 assists as he got his 11th triple-double, which is the most in Finals history.

LeBron James: Bringing home the Larry O’Brien

Right from the tip-off, the Lakers showed that they were not messing around. By the end of the first half, they were leading by a whopping 28 points. It looked like the contest was already over because the Lakers never took their foot off the pedal.

Some excellent defense and crucial performances from the whole team orchestrated this blowout. In the previous game, LeBron didn’t have much support from the rest of the team, but tonight, everyone played like they wanted to walk away with the title.

Anthony Davis wasn’t at his scoring best but still had 19 points. But he was dominant in the paint, grabbing 15 rebounds and getting two blocks. Rajon Rondo missed just three shots all game and ended with 19 points as well, including 3/4 from the three-point line.

The Lakers last won the title in 2010, and they have now welcomed another decade with a title. When James arrived in LA in 2018, he came with one goal in mind: to end this title drought. It might have taken him two seasons to do it, but he has now done it with style.

Despite turning 36 in a few months, Bron is still playing at an MVP level. Along with a DPOY-caliber AD, he will be aiming to help LA defend their title next season.