Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NBA playoffs were moved to this past summer.  The two teams in the finals, the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, battled for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. 

However, this year was like no other because of the passing of Lakers star player Kobe Bryant in January.  Bryant’s death deeply affected the team and its fans across the country. Many fans from across the country wanted the Lakers to win as an homage to Kobe.

The six-game playoff wins went back and forth between the two teams.  Games 1 and 2 went to the Lakers.  Game 3 was won by the Heat.  The Lakers then pulled ahead to a 3-1 lead with a game four win.  Game five was narrowly won by the Heat.  The series ended after the Lakers won game six, finalizing their win.  This year, the title was received in honor of Kobe Bryant and that his legacy in the game would not be forgotten.

Casey Roberts’23 Staff Writer