Lakers' Reaves: No one would downplay 2020 title if LeBron didn't win it
Austin Reaves said teammate LeBron James is the reason why some people question the legitimacy of the NBA championship the Los Angeles Lakers won inside the Disney World bubble.
Reaves, who was playing college basketball at Oklahoma at the time, dismissed the idea of the 2020 title being a "Mickey Mouse ring" during an appearance on "BustaJack Golf," saying he thinks it comes down to people hating on James.
"It's not a Mickey Mouse ring," the Lakers guard said. "I don't wanna say it's the hardest (to win), I think everybody had an equal playing field. I think it's the same as every other year. I just think if Bron doesn't win it, then nobody says anything.
"Everybody hates Bron. Actually, everybody loves LeBron, but he gets so much hate."
The 2019-20 NBA season was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and didn't resume until July 20, after which all games were played inside the bubble in Orlando.
James averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the playoffs to lead the Lakers to the franchise's 17th championship and the fourth of his career.