Bryant's sudden deaths shocked large parts of the sports United States and not least the LA Lakers where Bryant played throughout his career 1996-2016.

One of the hardest hit was LeBron James.

"I am in despair and overwhelmed by my brother.

I love you my big brother.

All my thoughts go to Vanessa and the kids.

I promise you that I will carry on your legacy! ”James wrote shortly after the accident.

Then followed the corona pandemic, the strong impact of the Black Lives Matters movement on sports life in the United States.

The NBA players played with pressure on the shirts as "Vote" and "Education Reforms".

The playoffs then started 4.5 months late and the players have lived in an isolated bubble for three months Lake Buena Vista in Florida where the championship has been played without an audience.

LeBron: "One of the best moments of my life"

- This was one of the best moments of my life.

Our organization wants its respect.

"Laker Nation" wants its respect.

And I want my damned respect too, says LeBron James, who wants the political message to continue to be driven forward.

- If we continue, America will be a better place for all of us.

We all love this country, says James.

The memory of Kobe Bryant has always been present.

It was the first time that Anthony Davies, 19 points and took 15 rebounds, took up after the victory where he stood in the confetti rain.

- All we wanted to do was win the title for Kobe.

And we made sure not to disappoint him.

I know he's looking down on us and he's proud, says Anthony Davis, who won his first NBA title.

"We have a doctorate in adversity"

- We have a doctorate in adversity.

So much I can say after everything we've been through this season, says Lakers coach Frank Vogel according to AP.  

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is developing the legacy of Bryant.

- You have written your own inspiring chapter in the fantastic Lakers history, And for the Lakers organization, we have gone through a heartbreaking tragedy with the loss of our beloved Kobe Bryant.

Let this title serve as a reminder of what we can do when we get together as a group and believe in each other then incredible things can happen, says Buss.