The LA Lakers are searching for their next new title. One analyst says it is finally time for debate to end about their last one.
With 17 titles hoisted in the rafters, the LA Lakers dream of a new dynasty. Their last title came in 2020, and Jeanie Buss has admitted errors were made that prevented the team from building on their success.
A failure to follow up their 2020 title has only served to fuel those who wish to denigrate it.
The 2020 NBA Championship was won inside the ‘Bubble’ due to Covid restrictions, which prevented the Lakers from properly celebrating the win with their fans.
In a recent interview, NBA executive Daryl Morey suggested that many view the Lakers’ achievement with an ‘asterisk’, and not a proper title.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesZach Lowe defends Lakers ‘unique’ title
NBA analyst Zach Lowe has had enough of the sniping at the LA Lakers’ title, and says the criticism is unjust.
Referring to Morey’s comments, he said: “He says the champion will forever be marked by an asterisk. All of this has to stop.”
Lowe says the hot takes could just be a topic of conversation because it is the LA Lakers and LeBron James.
He said: “If any other team and any other superstar had won that title, there would be none of this crap.
“Every team went there under the same circumstances, every team, same challenges, same circumstances, same hotels, same travel circumstances. One team won.
“And yet we continue to hear this… I think it’s totally legit. It’s different. That kind of makes it cool to me.
“It’s a real title. Stop disparaging it, everybody, it’s a real title.”
He added that if another player in their mid-30s like LeBron James was at the time, led the team to the title, it would be celebrated as feel-good story for a plucky veteran.
In more defense of the Lakers
Zach Lowe was not the only one to hit out at Daryl Morey’s gossiping about the LA Lakers title win.
Kendrick Perkins urged Morey to get his own house in order, blasting the Philadelphia 76ers’ embarrassing season, with star player Joel Embiid yet to play in an NBA Finals during his career.
Former Lakers assistant Phil Handy blasted Morey, taking a jab at the team Morey was running at the time, the Houston Rockets.
“Every team came into the bubble to compete and win. If Houston would have beat us and won it, I’m sure they wouldn’t be saying it wasn’t real.”