LeBron James Shuts Down Doubters with Gym Selfies After Fresh Criticism of His 2020 NBA Title
In the heat of another NBA offseason,
LeBron James
once again found himself defending his legacy.
The Lakers
superstar took to Instagram with a barrage of gym selfies, seemingly in response to Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey.
The former Houston Rockets GM questioned the legitimacy of the Lakers' 2020 'bubble' championship, reopening a long-standing debate that has continued to divide fans and insiders.
Daryl Morey Labels 2020 Title a Championship with an Asterisk
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Morey acknowledged the unique challenges of the pandemic-era NBA season but downplayed the weight of the title. 'Everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn't truly hold up as a genuine championship,' he said.
While giving credit to the league's pandemic response, Morey added that the 2020 Lakers title would always carry an asterisk in the eyes of many.
The comments stirred controversy online, bringing back criticism of the bubble format at Disney World. Critics often mock the 2020 title as a 'Mickey Mouse ring,' citing the lack of travel, empty arenas, and mental isolation that made the experience anything but ordinary.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
18 Unbelievable Luxurious Ocean Liners
lovemyfamilymag.com
Learn More
Undo
LeBron James Hits Back on Instagram: 'You Damn Sure Won't Be Able to Say I Didn't Put in the WORK'
LeBron James
didn't name names, but his Instagram message on July 31 made his stance clear. Sharing photos from an intense workout, the 40-year-old wrote, 'Say whatever you want but you damn sure won't be able to say I didn't put in the WORK!! 👑. We'll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh.'
The statement was more than a caption - it was a direct rebuttal to those who undermine his accomplishments. At 40, LeBron remains among the league's most conditioned athletes, and this post was a message to doubters: his greatness didn't happen by accident.
Former Teammates and Analysts Defend the Bubble Championship
LeBron James' allies were quick to speak out. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins called the 2020 title 'one of the greatest championships… and hardest,' while former teammates reminded critics that all teams faced the same conditions in the bubble. One player said, 'If
Houston
would have beat us and won it, I'm sure they wouldn't be saying it wasn't real.'
At the time of the NBA shutdown, the Lakers had the league's best record at 49-14. Analysts at The Athletic unanimously agreed the championship was legitimate and emphasized the mental toll of the bubble.
'The best team won the title in 2020, without question,' one columnist stated.
LeBron Focused on Future Rings and Long-Term Legacy
While Morey's comments sparked the reaction, LeBron's gym post also pointed to a deeper motivation - his legacy. Entering his 22nd season, LeBron James has opted into a $52.6 million contract with the Lakers and remains focused on adding another championship. Despite trade speculation and questions about retirement, his agent Rich Paul affirmed: 'He values a realistic chance of winning it all.'
Also read:
"Out of Nowhere?": Skip Bayless Doubts Lakers Star Luka Doncic's Makeover Before Contract Extension, Calls Him a 'Fat Rat'
As long as the 2020 title is debated, LeBron appears ready to defend it - with both words and action. The King is still training like a champion, proving he's far from finished. Whether it's with rings or reps, LeBron James is making sure the doubters never have the final say.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: After you are done tying Rakhi, here are 6 things you can do to make it lit day with siblings: Cooking, makeover & more!
So the Rakhi is tied, the laddoos are devoured, and your sibling has fake-promised to protect you forever, now what? Raksha Bandhan is not just about the rituals, it is about celebrating that chaotic, ride-or-die relationship you share. Here's how to make Rakhi extra special by spending the day with your siblings This August 9, after the aarti and the awkwardly emotional forehead taps, here is how you and your sibling can actually spend time together without murdering each other (hopefully). Go on a 'foodfull' date Nothing bonds siblings like stuffing their faces with street food, overpriced café pancakes, or greasy butter chicken. Rakhi is the perfect excuse to say, 'Mumma said no? I said yes.' Go for a sibling date where you both eat like it is your last supper. Extra points for judging each other's food choices mid-bite. Movie marathon: Cinema hall or couch, you pick Whether it is a full-blown cinema outing or a couch potato situation with popcorn and your comfort blanket, watching a movie together hits different on Rakhi. Re-watch your childhood favourite (yes, even K3G) or argue for an hour before settling on a rom-com neither of you admit to liking. Bring out that dusty photo album and re-live the moments Open those old photo albums and prepare to spiral. From mushroom-cut embarrassments to that one outfit your mum forced you both to twin in, this is the nostalgic gut-punch you did not know you needed. Bonus: recreate an old pic with your grown-up faces for a mandatory Instagram post. Shopping Spree? Umm, of course! Whether it is your brother giving in to his sister's Zara wishlist or a full 'Bhaiya, bas ek aur kurti' mission, take the sibling shopping. Burn the wallet, but build the memories. Matching bracelets, new trainers, or that overpriced perfume, they deserve it. Maybe. (P.S. gonna send this article to my bhai.) Cook together or at least try Rakhi chaos is incomplete without you two in the kitchen, bickering over whether it is 'chilli powder' or 'mirchi.' Even if you burn the rotis or forget the salt, it is a memory cooked with love (and some mild insults). Try making something weirdly nostalgic, like Maggi with ketchup or coke? Give each other a makeover, PLEASE! Hand over the eyeliner to your brother. Let your sister style your hair. Chaos? Yes. Laughter? Absolutely. Instagram-worthy? Oh, 100%. Worst case: you both look like clowns. Best case: You will get content. Rakhi is not about perfection. It is about love in the loudest, quirkiest form. Play stupid games, prank each other, dance to cringe music, make a sibling TikTok, just exist in your unfiltered element. You survived another year of siblinghood, celebrate it and be grateful about it.
News18
26 minutes ago
- News18
‘Quarrelsome By Nature': Sarpanch's Savage Character Certificate Goes Viral – Was It Personal?
Last Updated: A Sarpanch's blunt remarks on a character certificate spark online buzz, hinting at a personal grudge A village Sarpanch has issued a character certificate containing unexpected remarks, prompting many to suspect the involvement of a personal grudge. The Role Of A Character Certificate Character certificates are often required for government-related procedures and are typically issued by local officials such as a councillor or Sarpanch, especially in rural areas. These certificates generally highlight the individual's positive traits to aid in official matters. However, if they contain negative comments, they can create complications in the process. A recent incident involving such a certificate has gone viral on social media, with many speculating about possible personal bias on the part of the issuer. An image shared on the Instagram page @santa_banta_jokes has captured widespread attention. The photo appears to show a character certificate, possibly fabricated, though seemingly authentic due to the specificity of the remarks. It belongs to Gyan Chandra Bairwa from Dausa, Rajasthan, and was reportedly issued by the Sarpanch of Jaisinghpura village in the Dausa district. Remarks Raise Eyebrows The certificate includes standard information such as the individual's name, father's name, and address. However, what stands out are the Sarpanch's written comments: 'I know him very well. He is a quarrelsome person. It is his nature to abuse." These remarks were accompanied by the Sarpanch's seal and signature, dated July 20, 2019. Understandably, such comments may have caused considerable issues for Gyan Chandra, though the motive behind them remains unclear. Online Reactions The Instagram post has received over a thousand likes, drawing a wave of amused and curious comments. One user quipped that the two must be best friends, while another joked this is what happens when your best friend becomes the Pradhan. A third commenter noted that, unlike most certificates, this one feels genuinely honest. view comments First Published: News viral 'Quarrelsome By Nature': Sarpanch's Savage Character Certificate Goes Viral – Was It Personal? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
27 minutes ago
- News18
Man Pushes Woman Filming Reel At Railway Station: ‘Ye Tamasha Karne Ki Jagah Hai Kya?'
As the woman twirls and comes in front of the two men, one of them pushes her aside. A video from a train station showing a confrontation between a woman and a man has sparked widespread debate online. While some viewers have backed the man's actions, others believe he crossed the line. The incident took place when a woman was recording a dance video as she got off a train. She continued performing in front of the camera, but when she moved close to two men standing nearby, one of them appeared to lose patience and suddenly pushed her away. Woman Confronted While Recording Reel In the video, the woman, dressed in a top and jeans, is seen dancing and looking straight into the camera while stepping off the train. It is clear she is filming herself. As she twirls and comes in front of the two men, one of them pushes her aside. 'Pagal ho kya tum? (Are you mad?)," the woman said to him. The man replied, 'Ye tamasha karne ki jagah hai kya? (Is this a place to put on such a show?)." The woman then questioned, 'Dhakka kaise diya aapne? (Why did you push me?)." She told him she would report the matter to the police. The argument between the two continues while onlookers gather at the station. Two men step in and try to calm things down, but neither side backs off. At one point, another woman getting off the train listened as the dancer explained her side. The man also tells her why he pushed the woman. This bystander told him that instead of pushing, he should have spoken politely. Following this, the man apologised to the woman for his actions. Video Sparked Strong Reactions Online As the video gained traction, online opinion remained sharply divided. A user commented, 'Respect for uncle," while another wrote, 'Uncle did a good job, these TikTokers need such treatment everywhere." Someone else questioned, 'He is right. What about his privacy then??" Others took the woman's side, with a person writing, 'She was making a reel and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. The comments section clearly depicts how much hatred people have inside of them, so they just look forward to such opportunities to vent out their aggression. Sick and Shame!! Heights of hypocrisy when the same people are freakin reel scrollers!!" Some users also claimed the video might have been 'scripted." The trend of recording videos anywhere, regardless of surroundings, shows no sign of slowing down. Just a few days ago, shocking footage surfaced online where a young man was seen stepping out of a moving train and running along its narrow edge casually, all for an Instagram reel. The dangerous act triggered massive outrage on social media. Many questioned how far people are willing to go in the chase for online fame and urged authorities to take strict action before such stunts turn fatal. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. view comments First Published: News viral Man Pushes Woman Filming Reel At Railway Station: 'Ye Tamasha Karne Ki Jagah Hai Kya?' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
