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‘Keep quiet’… Ex-LA Lakers assistant furiously hits back at Philadelphia 76ers President blast on 2020 title win

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 8:16 AM ET

One member of the LA Lakers 2020 NBA championship team didn’t appreciate Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey’s recent comments.

The 2020 NBA championship is perhaps one of the most scrutinized title wins in recent history. For whatever reason, there are regular debates about the validity of the win.

The 2019-20 NBA season had to be halted in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the NBA reconvened to continue the season, it was done in a controlled environment.

Several NBA teams traveled down to Orlando, Florida, to finish the season at the Disney resort and facilities.

The new environment meant no fans could be in attendance. And at the end of it all, the Los Angeles Lakers went on to win the NBA championship.

But recently, Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey claimed the Lakers’ championship isn’t considered legitimate among NBA circles.

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Phil Handy goes off on Daryl Morey for disrespectful comments

Former LA Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy, who was part of Frank Vogel’s staff on the 2019-20 NBA championship-winning team, had some harsh words for Daryl Morey.

He said that teams that didn’t come to the Orlando Bubble to compete for a title should reserve judgment.

Handy also hinted that Morey is upset that the Lakers beat Morey’s former team, the Houston Rockets, en route to winning the NBA championship.

“They can talk all that s— they want. If you weren’t in the bubble to win it, they may want to keep quiet about it.

“Every team came into the bubble to compete and win. If Houston would have beat us and won it, I’m sure they wouldn’t be saying it wasn’t real.”

Sixers President Daryl Morey kept it real about the Lakers' 2020 championship in the bubble

(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/Q7JYdtVJsn
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LA Lakers looking to return to championship contention next season

Since the 2019-20 NBA championship win, the LA Lakers have struggled to compete for an NBA title.

Outside of their miraculous 2023 Western Conference Finals run, they haven’t gotten out of the first round in the last five seasons.

But now with Luka Doncic on their team, the Lakers are ready to make a genuine title push next season. Signing Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton to the Lakers was a huge coup for Rob Pelinka.