JUST IN: LeBron James Explains What Was Unique About the Lakers’ 2020 Backcourt
In a recent interview, LeBron James opened up about the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers championship team, specifically highlighting what made the teamโs backcourt unique and effective during their historic run in the NBA bubble. The Lakers’ 2020 roster featured a blend of veteran leadership, defensive grit, and unselfish play, but it was the guard rotation that LeBron believes truly set the tone for the teamโs identity.
โWhen people talk about that championship, they mention the bubble, the circumstances, or AD and myself,โ LeBron said. โBut the backcourtโthose guys were the unsung heroes. They were different. They were special in their own way.โ
The 2020 backcourt included players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, Alex Caruso, and Rajon Rondo. While none of them were All-Stars, their collective contribution was crucial to the Lakers’ success.
Defensive Versatility and Hustle
LeBron emphasized the defensive intensity that the guards brought to the floor. โKCP and Caruso? Man, those dudes ran through walls on defense,โ he said. โThey guarded multiple positions, hustled for every loose ball, and never backed down from a challenge.โ
Caldwell-Pope was often tasked with defending the opposing teamโs top perimeter player. His speed and effort earned praise throughout the playoffs. Alex Caruso, meanwhile, developed into a fan favorite for his high basketball IQ, quick hands, and hustle plays. His synergy with LeBron, especially on fast breaks and pick-and-roll switches, proved invaluable.
Rajon Rondoโs Basketball Mind
Another critical piece was veteran point guard Rajon Rondo. Though he didnโt start, Rondoโs presence in the playoffsโdubbed โPlayoff Rondoโ by fans and analystsโwas felt immediately after returning from injury.
โRondo is one of the smartest guys Iโve ever played with,โ LeBron said. โHis ability to read the floor, call out plays, and make the right decisionโit changed the game. He knew exactly when to push the pace and when to slow it down.โ
Rondoโs leadership and clutch performances in the postseason, particularly against the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, gave the Lakers an added edge. He provided stability off the bench and became a second floor general, allowing LeBron to play off the ball at times.
Unselfish Play and Team Chemistry
Another thing that stood out about the 2020 backcourt was their willingness to sacrifice for the team. โNobody was trying to get 20 points a night,โ LeBron said. โIt was about doing what was neededโhitting a timely three, locking down a shooter, or just spacing the floor right.โ
Danny Green, though criticized for inconsistent shooting, brought championship experience and solid defense. The group complemented the Lakers’ frontcourt well and created a balanced attack on both ends of the floor.
LeBron concluded by saying, โThat backcourt may not have been flashy, but they were tough, smart, and selfless. Thatโs what made them unique. Thatโs why we were champions.โ
The 2020 Lakers will always be remembered for their resilience and focus during an unprecedented season, and according to LeBron, their backcourt was the engine that kept everything moving.