Daryl Morey's comments receive a clap back from ex-Lakers coach.
Daryl Morey Catches Strays From Ex-Lakers Coach Over NBA Bubble Ring Comment originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Los Angeles Lakers clinched their 17th championship in 2020, it was supposed to be a crowning moment — a historic banner raised high in the rafters of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. But for some, that title has always come with an asterisk. The pandemic had brought the league to a standstill, forcing players into the NBA bubble in Orlando, where games were played in empty arenas under surreal circumstances.
Ever since, debates have raged: Was that championship as legitimate as any other, or just a glorified pickup run with a trophy at the end? Most Lakers fans and players will tell you it’s the former, dismissing any doubts as nothing more than noise from haters.
Others, like Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, continue to maintain the 2020 title does not stand up when compared to other NBA championship seasons. His latest comment sparked a response from a former Lakers coach.
Phil Handy Claps Back at Daryl Morey
Morey shared his thoughts on the 2020 championship win for the Lakers in an interview with The Athletic.
“Everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn't truly hold up as a genuine championship,” Morey said.
Sixers President Daryl Morey kept it real about the Lakers' 2020 championship in the bubble 👀
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 30, 2025
(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/Q7JYdtVJsn
Phil Handy who was an assistant coach for the Lakers when they won the championship in 2020, was not going to let this one slide without sharing his thoughts on the matter.
“They can talk all that (expletive) they want," Handy posted on X. "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 lol.”
A Look at the Lakers' 2020 Championship Run
When the Lakers wrapped up their 2020 title with a Game 6 win over the Heat, it felt bigger than basketball. This was the year of Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing, the chaos of the pandemic and life in the bubble.
LeBron delivered yet another Finals MVP, Anthony Davis silenced the doubters, and Frank Vogel proved he was the right man for the job. Rob Pelinka rebuilt a broken franchise, Jeanie Buss restored order and even Dwight Howard got his redemption moment. Through every setback and every challenge, the Lakers pushed through and brought joy to a city desperately in need of it.
More than anything, this win honored Bryant in the most fitting way possible. It was a reminder of resilience, legacy and what it means to wear purple and gold. So, the critics can talk all they want — but the Lakers have 17 banners hanging in their house.
Related: Luka Doncic 'Camp' Claps Back at Narrative on Lakers Star
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
