Ex-76ers Coach Doc Rivers Defends LeBron James’ Lakers Title

Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers defended LeBron James' 2020 NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking with Bill Simmons, Rivers argued that the COVID-19 pandemic unfairly damaged how fans view James' tenure in Los Angeles, noting that the absence of a traditional victory parade meant James was deprived of fully celebrating the accomplishment with the city.

Rivers stated that the Lakers would have been one of the league's top teams regardless of circumstances, calling the criticism surrounding the bubble championship unfair. The remarks follow James' eight-year stint with the Lakers, after which he signed with the 76ers in free agency following the 2025-26 season.