LeBron James Joins Lakers Fans While Emotionally Reacting to Jared Dudley’s Sensational Three Pointer

LeBron James' emotional response to Jared Dudley's memorable three-pointer and the lasting impact of the 2019-20 Lakers' championship season.

Published on Sep 15, 2024  |  09:08 PM IST |  91.9K
Image Courtesy: Instagram
LeBron missing 2020's Lakers

The 2019-20 NBA season holds a special place in the hearts of Los Angeles Lakers fans, and one particular moment from that championship-winning campaign recently resurfaced, sparking emotional reactions from both fans and LeBron James himself.

In a heartwarming display of nostalgia, an account on social media platform X shared a clip from the 2019-20 season, capturing the unforgettable moment when Jared Dudley sank a miraculous three-pointer at the buzzer against the Brooklyn Nets. 


Responding to a fan's comment expressing a longing for those remarkable days, LeBron James openly confessed, "I do too." This simple and candid acknowledgement from the basketball icon resonated deeply with fans.


Looking back, it's not hard to understand why LeBron and Lakers fans alike hold such fond memories of that extraordinary season. The 2019-20 campaign saw the Lakers dominate the competition, culminating in their triumphant NBA title win. Their victory over the Brooklyn Nets that night orchestrated their position at the top of the Western Conference with an impressive 36-9 record.

As the season progressed, the Lakers continued their relentless pursuit of success, ultimately finishing with a formidable 52-19 record, clinching the top seed in the West. Their dominance extended into the playoffs, where they dispatched formidable opponents such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets, before ultimately triumphing over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, securing LeBron's fourth championship and the Lakers' 17th title in franchise history.

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The sense of invincibility and the promise of sustained success loomed large, but the team's fortunes took an unexpected turn in the following seasons. The departure of certain role players and subsequent roster changes, including the controversial acquisition of Russell Westbrook, altered the course of the Lakers' trajectory, and the team found itself navigating through unanticipated challenges and setbacks.

Recently, there has been considerable debate on Los Angeles Lakers' rapid roster changes since their 2020 championship win have drawn significant criticism. Over the course of just four years, the team has undergone a complete transformation, with almost every member of the title-winning roster being replaced. 

This overhaul included firing head coach Frank Vogel, cycling through various coaching staff changes, and parting ways with key players such as Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo.


Despite showing defensive prowess during the 2020-21 season, which saw them rank first in the NBA in defensive rating despite injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fell short in the playoffs. The decision to dismantle the championship team instead of giving them another chance to compete for a title has left many questioning the front office's strategy. 

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The departure of key role players like Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, along with the acquisition of Russell Westbrook, symbolized a significant shift away from the winning formula that brought them success in 2020.

Former Lakers like Kyle Kuzma have openly expressed disappointment and a sense of being let down by the organization's quick trigger in breaking up the championship team. Kuzma's sentiments echo those of Dwight Howard and others who feel that the team was prematurely dismantled. 

Also Read: NBA Insider Hints Jimmy Butler-Nets Deal Coming to ‘Very Real’ Juncture; Cites Ben Simmons Connection

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About The Author

Nitish Singh is a Sports Content Writer at Pinkvilla and covers all things NBA. Apart from following

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