By Tyler Banks

After a 10 year hiatus, the Los Angeles Lakers have retaken their place and the top of the NBA by defeating Miami Heat in 6 games. LeBron James took home the Finals MVP with averages of 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists on 59% efficiency. 

But, he didn’t do it alone. Key players like Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope especially helped in being playmakers when LeBron James and Anthony Davis were off the floor. 

Despite only averaging 8.7 points and 5.5 assists, Rondo’s impact goes beyond stats. By simply watching the games themselves, even the casual fan could see how Rondo helped maintain the Lakers’ highspeed offense throughout key stretches of the games. Caldwell-Pope had also been a great contributor, knocking down 3s in clutch game situations. And, who could forget his biggest co-star, literally and figuratively, Anthony Davis, who only just came to the Lakers this season. His contributions of 25 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game helped augment the Lakers offensively and defensively, allowing them to soar past the competition.

However, applause is in order for the Miami Heat, a team that gave the Lakers quite the series. Throughout the playoffs, they’ve done what no team truly has: make them sweat. Jimmy Butler, who if not for LeBron was most certainly deserving of the Finals MVP, carried the Miami Heat with averages of 26.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and as well 9.8 assists in addition to some 1st team level defense. 

Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to stop the absolute terror that was the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have settled with their 17th championship in the NBA. Meanwhile, LeBron James made history with an appearance in his 260th postseason game. He became the first player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP title with three different franchises. 

Now, the question is whether or not they can keep this up. With the historic LeBron by their side, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely continue their dominance into the next season.