Current and former players alike were thrilled LeBron James and the Lakers won the 2019-20 NBA title.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame some long odds and some emotionally draining tragedies to take down the Miami Heat in six games to win the 2019-20 NBA title. Sensing the gravity and historical impact of what just happened, players from around the league took the time to congratulate LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the Lakers.
Jamal Crawford, who saw time with the Brooklyn Nets this season, congratulated both the Heat for a tough playoff run and the Lakers for sealing the deal.
NBA players, media react to Lakers winning title
https://twitter.com/JCrossover/status/1315476931794489347
Milwaukee Bucks superstar and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo congratulated his brother Kostas, who spent most of the postseason on LA’s bench.
Congratulations @Kostas_ante13 I’m so freaking proud!! You are a NBA champ for life ❤️❤️❤️ Way to represent our family and our countries. pic.twitter.com/abqBFoWqsc
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) October 12, 2020
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul realized what a historic accomplishment this was for the Lakers.
Historic season for so many reasons!! Congratulations on an incomparable finish and another championship for my brother @KingJames!!! @NBA @TheNBPA
— Chris Paul (@CP3) October 12, 2020
Dwyane Wade might be a Miami Heat legend, but he was just as concerned with giving LeBron his due after the game.
Big Big Congrts to @KingJames His legacy is still being written.....
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 12, 2020
Former Laker Pau Gasol noted that the specter of Kobe Bryant is looming over this win, as he made sure that Kobe and Gianna’s influence on this title wasn’t forgotten.
This one is for you brother, for you Gianna, for Vanessa, for Natalia, for Bianka and for Capri. 🐍🖤
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) October 12, 2020
Congratulations to the entire @Lakers team, @JeanieBuss and the Lakers family for winning the 17th championship!! 👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/glYG421whq
Former NBA guard Baron Davis did the same, claiming that this title was won for Kobe.
That’s for Kobe!! @kobebryant we love you!! #LAUNFD
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) October 12, 2020
Memphis Grizzlies Rookie of the Year Ja Morant summed up his feelings by tweeting out “Kobe” with a snake emoji.
https://twitter.com/JaMorant/status/1315474981116170240
James Worthy won three championships in his day, and he was thrilled to see the Lakers get their first in more than a decade.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/ujaat61tRN
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) October 12, 2020
Former Lakers superstar and executive Magic Johnson noted the Lakers tied the Boston Celtics in total titles with 17.
The @Lakers are now tied with our heated rivals the Celtics with 17 NBA World Championships! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 12, 2020
“Undisputed” host and Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, known for his Laker fandom, couldn’t wait to join the rest of the fans celebrating this historic title.
https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe/status/1315489825873514496
While LeBron and Davis getting rings are worth celebrating, Complex made sure we didn’t forget another future Hall of Famer in Dwight Howard picked up his first ring.
https://twitter.com/ComplexSports/status/1315497656169496576
Los Angeles Sparks guard Te’a Cooper, who is engaged to Howard, took the time to soak in the Lakers’ title.
Can’t tell me I ain’t win #golakers pic.twitter.com/PwPU5soaRH
— Tc2 (@TeaCooper2) October 12, 2020
Former President Barack Obama not only showed his appreciation for the Lakers and Seattle Storm winning titles but also took note of all the work done to combat social injustice in the NBA bubble.
Congrats to the @Lakers and @Seattlestorm on their championship wins! Proud of all the NBA and WNBA teams and players who've been using their platforms to take a stand for racial justice and encourage civic participation this season.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 12, 2020
Even in the storied history of this franchise, this title stands out as one of the most impressive and difficult to earn given the circumstances.