LeBron: NBA bubble will be 'toughest championship run'

As LeBron James and the Lakers prepare for their first-round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, James says that he expects this to be the toughest playoff run of his entire career.

"It's the toughest championship run for me," LeBron told USA Today. "From the circumstances of just being in here."

The bubble is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience that provides a variety of new challenges for players, not to mention the fact that teams are still trying to get back into championship form after taking a four-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, players are currently separated from friends and families as they compete, though family members will be allowed in following the first round.

LeBron is currently chasing his first ring with the Lakers, which would be his fourth ring overall. The path to championships have never been easy though. He's had to face-off against daunting opponents his entire career, including having to play against the Golden State Warriors in four consecutive finals. 

Despite the unique challenges of the pandemic and bubble, LeBron insists he is focused and ready to take on Portland, who grabbed the eighth seed from the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to an impressive run from Damian Lillard.

"I lock in. I've been locked in for the last couple days once I knew Portland was our opponent. That's really the only thing I've pretty much been thinking about. Then, I prepare the same way. There's just some other things changed that are different than other previous seasons," LeBron said.