mobile app bar

LeBron James assures Lakers fans that they will be looking to repeat as 2021 NBA champions: “The road to back-to-back begins a week from now”

Samir Mehdi
Published

LeBron James assures Lakers fans that they will be looking to repeat as 2021 NBA champions: “The road to back-to-back begins a week from now”

LeBron James says that the road to winning back-to-back championships for the Los Angeles Lakers starts from a week from now. 

Due to the nature of this 2020-21 NBA season taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed that they wouldn’t unveil their 2020 championship banner until they could have fans in the stands. With over 2000 fans present in Staples Center last night, LeBron James and the Lakers decided to finally reveal their title banner. 

The Lakers are currently the 7th seed out West and looking at the way the Portland TrailBlazers and the Dallas Mavericks have been winning games, it seems as though the purple and gold will be locked into the play-in tournament. This would mean LeBron James and the defending champs will have to battle it out against Steph Curry’s Warriors to claim the 7th seed.

Also read: “Kobe Bryant wasn’t much of a sentimental guy”: Pau Gasol references late Lakers legend’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ ahead of Hall of Fame induction

The only way the Lakers will be able to climb the standings is if they go 3-0 following their win against the Rockets, and both Dallas and the Blazers lose both of their next two games. With the Blazers having won the season series, Damian Lillard and co will sit comfortably in the top 6 out West. 

LeBron James reassures fans that the Lakers will be looking to claim their second straight championship. 

During the unveiling of the title banners in the rafters, the reigning Finals MVP took center stage to reassure LakerNation that they’re ultimate goal is to win another championship; not to merely make it out of the play in tournament. 

“We said we would not reveal this banner until we had some guys in the seats. This is you guys’ moment. We love you and the road to back-to-back starts in about a week. Let’s get going.”

Also read: “Steph Curry could beat the Lakers”: Brian Windhorst sends warning to LeBron James and Anthony Davis about facing Warriors star in play in tournament

LeBron James has had an unfortunate run-in with the injury bug this season as he’s been continuously dealing with a right ankle sprain for a majority of the year. Reports surrounding his health have been confusing to say the least. 

On some days, scouts claim that he’s in the best shape of his life, jumping out of the gym. However, on other days, it’s been reported that he’s nowhere close to being a 100% ready to hit the floor. It was expected that he would suit up against the Knicks or the Rockets but he remained sidelined for both bouts. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

instagram-icon

Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

Share this article