Morey Clarifies Comments on Lakers' Bubble Title

Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey, in comments to The Athletic, questioned the legitimacy of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 NBA bubble title, suggesting it might deserve an asterisk and claiming many insiders share this opinion. His remarks sparked backlash from prominent figures such as Stephen A. Smith and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy, who argued that the bubble's unique challenges made the championship especially difficult to win. Other NBA insiders and journalists refuted Morey's claim, stressing that no other executives have publicly questioned the title's validity. Facing criticism, Morey later clarified that he respects the Lakers' achievement and often defends it, expressing frustration at how his comments were received. The debate continues, but most players and analysts agree the Lakers' title was hard-earned under extraordinary circumstances. The 2020 Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, finished 16-5 in the postseason.