After ten years of going without a championship, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again returned to their rightful championship status. Jeanie Buss, owner of the Lakers, took to the mic on Sunday after the Lakers began celebrating to give her gratitude to the team.

“I am so proud of you both on and off the court,” she said to the team, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. “You've done Los Angeles proud with your hard work, your professionalism and your dedication. You have written your own inspiring chapter in the great Laker history.

Prior to the postponement of the season due to COVID-19, Los Angeles had endured a devastating point in their season with the loss of Laker legend Kobe Bryant. With the loss of the beloved Hall of Famer in mind, Buss affirmed a message that was strong on Laker fans' minds as she reflected on the loss of the Black Mamba.

“To Laker Nation. We have been through a heartbreaking tragedy with the loss of our beloved Kobe Bryant and Gianna. Let this trophy serve as a reminder of when we come together, believe in each other, incredible things can happen.”

Buss took over ownership of the franchise along with her siblings after the passing of her father Jerry Buss. After taking over in 2013, Buss and the front office have found beauty and pain through trial and error with the Lakers franchise, even being removed from the playoffs for six seasons.

After signing LeBron James and trading for Anthony Davis in the past two years, the Lakers were finally put into contention status once more; it only took them a year to achieve that goal with their new duo.