The history of NBA championship teams suggests that most don’t abruptly break apart after winning a title. A rare exception to this pattern was the 2019 Toronto Raptors, but their situation was unique because it was driven by Kawhi Leonard’s personal decision to leave. In contrast, when the Los Angeles Lakers won the championship in the 2020 NBA bubble, there was no internal desire to dismantle the team. That year was defined by extraordinary circumstances, and the team’s chemistry was at an all-time high.
Despite this, major changes were made to the roster in the following offseason. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka later admitted that restructuring the team’s composition was a mistake, stating, “We changed the way our roster was constructed. It didn’t work.” The decision also went against an ideology imparted to owner Jeanie Buss by legendary coach Phil Jackson, who once told her, “When a team wins a championship, they should have the right to defend their championship.”
This regret has lingered for Buss, as she acknowledged in a conversation with former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman. The topic resurfaced when the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić and Markieff Morris returned to the team. Reflecting on the past, Buss personally apologized to Morris for the Lakers not keeping the championship squad intact. She told him, “I’m really sorry that we didn’t get a chance for you to defend that championship, and I’m really glad you’re here.”
This was not the first time Buss expressed remorse over past decisions. In a previous conversation with Dwight Howard on his podcast, she addressed the team’s handling of his contract negotiations. However, despite the passage of time, Lakers fans continue to question what could have been had the 2020 team been given the opportunity to defend their title. Buss’ admission only adds to those lingering doubts.
How the Lakers Lost Their Best Chance
The 2019-20 Lakers were an exceptionally well-balanced team, and their bond helped them navigate the challenges of the NBA bubble. Living in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic was mentally taxing, as players were confined to hotel rooms with no outlets for stress after difficult games. However, the Lakers’ strong camaraderie eased those struggles and became a key factor in their success.
During the regular season, the team’s offense had its flaws, but by the time the playoffs arrived, they had made the necessary adjustments. Their offensive rating of 115.6 ranked as the second-best in the postseason, but their true strength lay in their defense. With perimeter defenders like Danny Green and Avery Bradley and interior enforcers such as Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee, the Lakers’ defense suffocated opponents.
In the first year of the LeBron James–Anthony Davis partnership, the team came close to reaching its full potential, dominating the playoffs with a 16-5 record. Yet, despite their dominance, the Lakers never made it back to the NBA Finals after dismantling the 2020 roster. Their biggest hurdle became the Denver Nuggets, a team they had handled convincingly in the bubble but struggled against in subsequent years.
The Lakers’ Hopes for Redemption
Despite their past mistakes, there is renewed hope for the Lakers. Under head coach JJ Redick, the team has been playing with increased energy and intensity. The addition of Luka Dončić has further elevated their performance, leading to promising results. However, the lingering question remains: will this iteration of the Lakers be able to erase the regrets of the 2020 roster shakeup and bring another championship to Los Angeles?