Fans frequently debate whether the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA title, acquired during the isolated ‘bubble’ season, deserves recognition or a footnote for its legitimacy. Some believe that the championship was earned while others argue it should have an asterisk next to it.

Recently, Daryl Morey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ president of basketball operations, gave weight to these discussions by pointing out to the Athletic that several people within the league share similar sentiments. He stated, “Yet, everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn’t truly hold up as a genuine championship. Perhaps the lasting legacy of the NBA bubble is that the NBA should be proud of its leadership at both the beginning and end of the pandemic, even though the champion will forever be marked by an asterisk.”

Morey, who has yet to lead his teams to an NBA title, may not be the most credible voice for this perspective.

During his tenure with the Houston Rockets, which began in 2006 as an assistant general manager before being promoted to general manager, Morey’s team reached the playoffs several times, but they never made it to the NBA Finals. He was honored as Executive of the Year in the 2017-2018 season, yet his current team, the 76ers, has not made it to the conference finals since he took over.

Contrarily, other league personalities expressed differing views, affirming that the challenges faced in the bubble were substantial, and the Lakers’ journey to that title underwent intense difficulties.

“It was not just a challenging time globally, but also for players and staff in the NBA. They were kept from their families, isolated in hotel rooms, tested daily for COVID-19, and had no fans to bolster their home-court advantage, only basketball,” said one player, highlighting the adversities of the period.

The Lakers eventually triumphed over the Miami Heat, 4-2, securing their 17th championship title and marking LeBron James’ fourth title.