LeBron James’ Former Teammate and 3-Time Champion Details Why 2020 Bubble Title Was Hardest: “Went Through Hell”

LeBron James and Danny Green played on the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 championship-winning bubble team.

LeBron James’ Former Teammate and 3-Time Champion Details Why 2020 Bubble Title Was Hardest: “Went Through Hell”

Danny Green and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

Whenever LeBron James is talked about in the GOAT debate, his critics point out how the 2020 bubble championship he and his Los Angeles Lakers won was not a real battle against the odds.

That run was in the closed environment the NBA created to shield its players from COVID-19, while also making sure they had enough basketball to provide fans some entertainment.

There were no away fans to deal with or travel from between arenas. On top of that, it was reported that many players were not particularly happy to spend that entire time in the bubble. Since they were not allowed to have their loved ones close, players struggled psychologically.

Critics felt that these circumstances made it unlike any of the other championships in the league’s history and that it was easier for a motivated team to win it all. However, someone who has won titles under ‘normal’ circumstances, and was a part of that Lakers team disagrees.

It was like Groundhog Day, you see the same thing, same people every day. I’ve been in the league long enough… As much as we thought we were getting a lot of rest, it was a lot of wear and tear on the body… It was a tough task playing every other day… And trying to avoid other teams, which also made it awkward.

Danny Green told Bleacher Report

Green has won two championships with other teams and knows how different the bubble ring was compared to them. The 38-year-old pointed out that the reasons critics use to dismiss that championship are exactly why it was the hardest he has ever played in.

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Danny Green talks about LeBron James’ leadership in the bubble

If these circumstances made it difficult for an experienced champion such as Danny Green, it might have been harder for the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers inside the Orlando bubble.

The 2020 championship-winning Lakers
The 2020 championship-winning Lakers (Image via Lakers Loop/X)

Such situations call for exceptional leadership. As Danny Green went on to explain to Bleacher Report, that is exactly what LeBron James did.

Bron was big on making sure we were together. You would think he is a guy that went to college… because he was a true leader. I can say that because I’ve been through multiple organizations and I’ve seen some really good ones and some bad ones. He is the true definition in all aspects of a leader.

Danny Green revealed

The three-and-D specialist pointed out how the King made sure his teammates were together off the court. That way, they could channel their chemistry towards performing better on the court.

Green revealed how they would play games online together and do things inside the bubble. That way, they managed to build relationships that helped them lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.

It seems that, as much as critics want, testimonies from players such as Green are enough to cast away any doubts. Even Shaquille O’Neal, who had no part in the bubble, felt that one cannot disrespect whatever LeBron James and the Lakers did.

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LeBron James makes a birdie

During the bubble, some players took to golf at Walt Disney World. At that time, LeBron James had no interest in it. Instead, he played video games as he used to up until recently.

Nowadays, at any moment, the superstar can get what he wants to take his clubs and start swinging on a course. The 41-year-old was doing that off the deck of a boat in Italy recently.

Now, when he found a proper patch of grass, the four-time league MVP went golfing with a couple of friends. As usual, James posts highlights from his game. This time, it was a significant achievement.

After several months of training, the father of three managed to put a birdie. After holding his swing throughout the time the ball sailed over the sand and rolled towards the hole, James could not help but marvel at what he had done.

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