The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship was a monumental moment in franchise history, symbolizing the resilience of both the team and the city of Los Angeles amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for Jeannie Buss, the team’s owner and president, the victory has come with some bittersweet reflections in recent years.
In an exclusive interview, Buss admitted that, while the title was a remarkable achievement, there is an undeniable sense of regret attached to the circumstances surrounding the Lakers’ 17th championship. The 2020 NBA season was unlike any other, as it was played in a “bubble” environment in Orlando, Florida, in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. With fans unable to attend games and the usual atmosphere of playoff basketball gone, the Lakers’ triumph had an air of emptiness for Buss, who recognized that the celebration lacked the connection and excitement typically associated with a championship victory.
“We were in the bubble, and it was just not the same experience,” Buss shared. “It wasn’t what any of us dreamed of. It didn’t feel like we could fully celebrate in the way that a championship should be celebrated. I know the players gave it their all, and they earned that title, but as an owner, I missed being able to share that moment with our fans and our community.”
While Buss acknowledged the challenges the team faced on their championship run, including the tragic death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant earlier that year, she also expressed gratitude for the players’ resilience and commitment. The Lakers’ success in 2020 was a testament to the leadership of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the entire roster, as well as head coach Frank Vogel’s ability to navigate an unprecedented situation.
However, Buss’ regret stems from the missed opportunity to share the glory of the title with the passionate Lakers fanbase, who were unable to gather at Staples Center or celebrate in the streets of Los Angeles due to the pandemic restrictions. For someone who has spent decades nurturing the franchise, the lack of fan engagement during the championship run felt incomplete.
“It’s hard to describe the kind of relationship we have with our fans,” Buss said. “We are a community, and they are the heartbeat of the Lakers. Not being able to connect with them in person during the 2020 championship was a real void for me. I look at that title, and I think about how much it would have meant for everyone to come together and experience that victory as a city.”
Despite these reflections, Buss remains immensely proud of what the team accomplished. The 2020 championship was especially meaningful as it came in the wake of one of the most tragic losses in franchise history with the passing of Bryant, the Lakers’ icon and a defining figure in the team’s success. Buss credited the Lakers’ players for staying focused and honoring Bryant’s legacy during their bubble run, and acknowledged the importance of the victory not only for the organization but also for the entire city of Los Angeles, which had been grieving the loss of Bryant.
Looking ahead, Jeannie Buss is optimistic about the future of the Lakers, focusing on building a sustainable championship contender while staying true to the values that have made the franchise one of the most successful in NBA history. She emphasized the need for balance, acknowledging the importance of continuing to develop young talent while also capitalizing on the leadership of seasoned players like James and Davis.
“I think the 2020 championship is a reminder of what this franchise is capable of, even in the toughest of circumstances,” Buss said. “Moving forward, we are committed to keeping the Lakers competitive and giving our fans the experience they deserve.”
