The 2020 NBA championship won by the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the most emotionally charged and hard-fought titles in recent memory. It was a season unlike any other, filled with unprecedented challenges, from the global COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the league to the unprecedented bubble environment in Orlando where the playoffs were held. Among those who played a significant but often underappreciated role in the Lakers’ title run was assistant coach Phil Handy. Known for his expertise in player development and his ability to maximize talent, Handy has been a steady force behind the scenes. In the aftermath of the Lakers’ triumph, Handy has taken it upon himself to defend and emphasize the legitimacy and value of that 2020 championship, responding to skeptics and critics who question the title’s significance due to the unique circumstances of the season.
The 2020 season was extraordinary in multiple ways. When the NBA suspended play in March 2020 due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, teams were thrust into uncertainty. Players and coaches alike faced challenges not only with basketball but with health risks and the psychological toll of isolation. The NBA’s restart inside the Orlando bubble—an isolated, highly controlled environment designed to minimize COVID-19 exposure—meant that the playoffs were unlike anything ever seen before. No fans in attendance, strict protocols, and an extended break in the season created an atmosphere where the mental and emotional resilience of players and coaches was tested to the extreme.
Critics of the Lakers’ 2020 championship sometimes argue that the bubble environment lessened the difficulty of the playoffs or that the season was not a “normal” measure of team strength. Some claim that the lack of travel, the absence of hostile crowds, and the concentrated setting made the competition less intense or less representative of true NBA challenges. Others point to injuries on opposing teams or question whether the Lakers’ victory stands on equal footing with championships won in standard seasons.
Phil Handy, however, has been vocal in pushing back against such narratives. For him, the 2020 Lakers overcame obstacles that were as much psychological and emotional as they were physical and tactical. As an assistant coach known for his deep work in player development and skill enhancement, Handy understands the nuances of what it takes to win at the highest level, especially under pressure. He highlights that the Lakers’ ability to stay focused, adapt to an ever-changing environment, and perform at their peak against some of the NBA’s best teams speaks volumes about the legitimacy of their championship.
Handy emphasizes that winning the title in the bubble required more than just basketball talent. It demanded extraordinary mental toughness from every player and staff member. The isolation from family and friends, the monotonous routines, and the absence of the adrenaline from packed arenas could have easily broken the focus and chemistry of any team. The Lakers not only endured these hardships but thrived in them. This ability to mentally prepare and perform consistently was something Phil Handy was instrumental in fostering within the team.
In particular, Handy’s work with key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis helped elevate their performances to championship levels. His role in crafting practice regimens, refining shooting mechanics, and instilling confidence was critical. The Lakers’ star duo faced immense pressure to deliver after years of near misses, injuries, and changes in the roster. Handy’s guidance in these moments helped them maintain clarity and confidence, ensuring they were physically and mentally ready for each playoff challenge.
Moreover, Handy defends the competitive quality of the bubble playoffs. He points out that the Lakers faced a gauntlet of elite teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and the Miami Heat in the Finals, all of whom brought intense competition. The series against the Miami Heat, in particular, was a test of endurance and strategy. Miami’s resilience pushed the Lakers to their limits, yet the Lakers executed in clutch moments, showcasing not just individual brilliance but cohesive team effort—something Handy was a major part of cultivating behind the scenes.
Handy also addresses the argument that the bubble was less demanding physically due to no travel and controlled environments. While the absence of travel did reduce one layer of fatigue, the unique mental strain of the bubble—being cut off from the outside world, living day in and day out with the same group of people under strict conditions—was a different form of exhaustion. Players had to find new ways to stay motivated and avoid burnout, a challenge that Handy and the coaching staff worked tirelessly to manage. The ability to maintain peak physical conditioning while battling mental fatigue was an achievement in itself, one that helped validate the Lakers’ championship as a true testament to resilience and professionalism.
In his defense of the title, Handy often recounts the emotional significance the championship held for the Lakers organization and the basketball world at large. The 2020 title came during a period of widespread social unrest and tragedy, including the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant earlier that year. The victory became a unifying moment not just for the team but for fans worldwide, symbolizing hope, perseverance, and triumph in adversity. Handy notes that this emotional backdrop added meaning to their success and should not be overlooked when assessing the championship’s worth.
Furthermore, Phil Handy’s defense extends to the broader impact of the Lakers’ victory on the NBA and basketball culture. The way the Lakers navigated the challenges set a new standard for adaptability and focus in professional sports. Their championship run demonstrated that success is about more than just physical talent; it requires mental preparation, team chemistry, and the ability to overcome unforeseen challenges. This holistic approach, fostered by Handy and the coaching staff, became a blueprint for how teams could operate in difficult conditions.
Handy also points out that the 2020 Lakers roster was not simply a collection of stars but a carefully assembled team with role players who stepped up significantly. Players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and others embraced their roles and contributed crucial moments in the playoffs. The depth and balance of the team were key to surviving long playoff battles, and Handy’s coaching helped bring out the best in these contributors. Defending the championship, he stresses that the Lakers’ collective effort deserves recognition beyond just the spotlight on the stars.
Critics may continue to debate the 2020 championship’s place in NBA history, but Phil Handy’s perspective reminds fans and analysts alike that the challenges the Lakers faced went far beyond traditional measures. Winning a title in a bubble environment tested the players and coaches in ways previous seasons did not. The Lakers’ ability to adjust, focus, and deliver under those conditions is a legacy that should be respected and celebrated.
In addition to defending the 2020 title’s legitimacy, Handy’s work during that season enhanced his reputation as one of the top assistant coaches and player development specialists in the league. His methods, combining technical skill-building with psychological motivation, are now seen as essential components of the Lakers’ success. The championship solidified his role as a key figure who can transform talent into winning performance, and his defense of that title underscores the value he brought to the organization.
Phil Handy’s insights also highlight a broader truth about sports achievements during the pandemic era. The 2020 NBA championship was one of many examples in professional sports where success required adaptability, mental strength, and unity in the face of unprecedented challenges. The narratives that diminish these achievements often overlook the full scope of what was involved. Handy’s defense invites a more nuanced understanding, one that appreciates the unique context while recognizing the universal qualities that define championship teams.
Ultimately, the 2020 Lakers title is a chapter in NBA history that blends excellence on the court with resilience off it. Phil Handy, through his defense of that championship, reminds us that greatness is often forged in adversity. The Lakers’ ability to rise above the circumstances, maintain focus, and execute at the highest level amid a global crisis should not be overshadowed by the unusual setting. Rather, it should be celebrated as a testament to the spirit of competition, teamwork, and dedication to winning.
In the years since the 2020 championship, the Lakers and Phil Handy have continued to build on that foundation. The lessons learned in the bubble about preparation, mental toughness, and teamwork have influenced how they approach subsequent seasons. Handy’s defense of the title is not just about looking back but also about setting a standard for the future—one that values resilience as much as skill, and character as much as talent.
For fans and critics alike, Phil Handy’s perspective offers a valuable reminder that championships are not won by happenstance or circumstance alone. They are earned through hard work, sacrifice, and the ability to overcome whatever obstacles come your way. The 2020 Lakers championship, defended so passionately by Phil Handy, stands as proof that even in the most challenging conditions, greatness can be achieved and should be recognized accordingly.
