After Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat took a close Game 5 to extend the NBA Finals by another game, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to an early lead in Game 6 and never looked back. The Lakers' 106-93 win led to Los Angeles' 17th title, its first since 2010.
NBA players took to social media to celebrate the title and praise James, who captured his fourth Finals win and fourth Finals MVP award, becoming the first player to be named Finals MVP for three different teams.
While praises for James poured in, he thanked Laker fans for their support during an unprecedented season.
"Without y'all's strength and loyalty, it wouldn't have been possible." -@KingJames to the Lakers Faithful pic.twitter.com/CgDZbvS7eM
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 12, 2020
Congrats to my brother @KingJames on winning his 4th championship. Not bad for a washed up old guy! pic.twitter.com/mm0fylMbS7
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) October 12, 2020
The Lakers' Game 6 performance was so strong, it even earned a nod from Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who won two titles alongside James in Miami. Marcus Morris Sr., who finished the season with the rival LA Clippers, also celebrated the win for his twin brother.
The Lakers played like everyone thought they would. This was pure dominance tonite!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 12, 2020
Let's get it @Keefmorris bring it home for the family!
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) October 12, 2020
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
Though James was recognized as the Finals MVP, many players took notice of Rajon Rondo, claiming he was the difference in the series on his way to his second title.
Rondo was the difference in this series.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 12, 2020
Rondo's aggressiveness has allowed the Lakers to all relax and get comfortable.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 12, 2020
Rondo showing why vets are so important to winning!!!! #nbachampions
— ETwaun Moore (@ETwaun55) October 12, 2020
Others noted that the team's first title in a decade comes nine months after Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi were killed in a helicopter crash.
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
kobe 🐍
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 12, 2020
It was only right for the Lakers to win the championship this year!!! That was for Kobe 💛💜
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) October 12, 2020
only right! congrats to the lakeshow!!! #kobe 🖤
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) October 12, 2020
🐍🏆.
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 12, 2020
A year in which the world seems more divided than ever, we extend our sincere congratulations to our longtime rivals, @Lakers. Way to win it for Kobe & Gianna. 💜🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/UoQsdBwDaD
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) October 12, 2020
