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20h ago

LeBron Says Missing Lakers’ 2020 Parade Still “Bothers” Him

His remarks highlight a lingering sense of loss from a COVID-era title that was won inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James wearing a white and gold Lakers jersey with the number 23, Image 2 shows A man with a full beard and a black cap with white text on it wears a black Nike shirt
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Overview

  • On Friday, LeBron James told the Mind the Game podcast that not having a 2020 Lakers championship parade “bothers” him and that he still imagines a route down Olympic to the arena.
  • The Lakers won the 2019–20 title in the closed Orlando bubble after the season was paused for COVID-19, and the team later hung the championship banner at Crypto.com Arena but held no street celebration.
  • James made the remarks after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, and reporters noted his comments while describing the changes to both his career and the Lakers’ roster since 2020.
  • Players and fans missed the usual public closure for that season, a loss reporters link to the emotional toll of Kobe Bryant’s death in January 2020 and months spent playing without families or fans.
  • The exchange underscores how pandemic restrictions erased familiar sports rituals and leaves a practical legacy for the Lakers, who have not had a championship parade since 2009 and are now rebuilding their roster.