LeBron James continues to hold the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship close to his heart, and not just for the trophy. James led the Lakers to their 17th title during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. In the Disney World complex, players were confined to a restricted environment with no fans in the stands. The social climate of 2020 weighed heavily on the players, but the Lakers overcame it with determination to win the title.
On the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, where he sat down with NBA legend Steve Nash, James took time to reflect on the unique circumstances of the NBA Bubble. During the discussion, he shared why he believes it represented the most authentic form of basketball he’s ever experienced.
“I agree with what a lot of people say, that it’s the purest form of hoops. It was strictly basketball. We all have the ability to do whatever we want in life. We’ve made a bunch of money; we have all the access. That’s gone in the bubble. You can’t just say, ‘Oh, I’m about to go to a restaurant,’ or ‘I’m about to do this.’ You can’t do any of that,” James said.
Reminiscing on the 2020 Finals, @KingJames explains why the bubble was the best time for basketball.
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 10, 2025
A new episode talking about the most unique NBA Finals ever drops tomorrow, 9am ET on our YouTube: https://t.co/t2qZT2w4vV pic.twitter.com/lXiFjLSQom
“Everything in the bubble was strictly about basketball. And obviously we were there talking about a lot of off-the-court things that were going on, the social injustice and police brutality and all that stuff, rightfully so. But when the basketball portion was the focus, that’s all it was,” he added.
LeBron James Fires Back At Brian Windhorst Over Podcast Criticism, Then Deletes Post
Tensions flared briefly on social media after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst offered a sharp take on the “Mind the Game” podcast hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash. Windhorst claimed that audiences wouldn’t enjoy hearing the two NBA legends talk about basketball strategy and “X’s and O’s.” In a now-deleted post on X, James fired back with a response aimed directly at Windhorst’s criticism.
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“Long ways from being done!! Sucks they have to listen to 2 guys who know nothing about basketball talk about basketball!! Sorry @SteveNash!” James’ post read.
James originally launched Mind the Game in 2024 alongside former NBA star JJ Redick. However, Redick’s appointment as the head coach of the Lakers meant he could no longer continue as co-host. Later this year, James rebooted the show with Nash.
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