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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James fulfilled the promise he made to team owner Jeanie Buss when he first moved to Hollywood last season.
The King led the Lakers back to the top of the heap on Sunday, helping his team clinch its 17th NBA title with a 106-93 victory in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.
Shortly after accepting his fourth Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy, James recalled the time he made a bold declaration to the revered Lakers owner.
“I told Jeannie (Buss) when I got here, I’m going to put this franchise back where it belongs.” – LeBron James
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) October 12, 2020
LeBron James certainly did just that. He tallied 28 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in the series-clinching win.
His promise certainly did not come instantly, as the Purple and Gold did not even make it to the playoffs in LeBron’s first year with the team. The now four-time NBA champion was limited to just 55 games in the 2018-19 campaign due to a groin injury.
The arrival of Anthony Davis last summer and the addition of battle-tested veterans certainly aided James’ cause in bringing LA back where it belongs.
The once impenetrable dynasty fell into rough times in recent years, but those dark days are now over. There are certainly plenty of narratives in LA’s 17th NBA title in franchise history.
They are now tied with bitter rivals Boston Celtics for the most championships in the league. LeBron and Co. also arguably won in the most challenging season ever, which was almost canceled twice due to the pandemic and social unrest.
Aside from living up to his promise to Jeanie Buss, LeBron also gave the most fitting tribute to late Lakers great Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away last January.