Ron Harper, five-time NBA champion, has reignited the debate over LeBron James’ 2020 championship title, calling it a “bubble gum ring” in a viral post. His comment came in response to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s recent remarks about keeping the 2020 Lakers roster intact. While LeBron and Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a Finals win in the Orlando bubble, many, including Harper, question the legitimacy of the title due to the unique circumstances of playing without fans or travel. Is the bubble title legitimate, or does it deserve an asterisk? Discover the latest on this ongoing debate!

“Bubble Gum Ring?” Lakers Legend Ron Harper Dismisses LeBron’s 2020 Title

The 2020 NBA championship may have gone down in history, but not everyone is willing to hand out full credit, especially former Lakers champion Ron Harper. On May 28, 2025, Harper, a five-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, took to X (formerly Twitter) to throw major shade at LeBron James’ 2020 title run in the Orlando bubble, calling the Lakers’ championship that season a “bubble gum ring.”

Harper’s post, which read, “What 2020 title the bubble gum ring?” sparked immediate reactions across social media, reigniting the debate over the legitimacy of the 2020 championship. Harper’s dismissal of the title has added fuel to the ongoing controversy about whether the Lakers’ 2020 success truly holds the same weight as other NBA titles.

The 2020 NBA Title and the Controversy Surrounding the “Bubble Ring”

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers had an outstanding 2019-2020 season. Finishing No. 1 in the Western Conference, they went on to dominate their opponents in the playoffs, defeating Portland, Houston, and Denver on their way to the NBA Finals. The Lakers then faced off against the Miami Heat in the Finals, ultimately defeating them in six games. This victory gave LeBron his fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP, further solidifying his place in basketball history.

However, because the championship was completed in the NBA’s isolation bubble in Orlando, Florida, without fans in the stands or any travel for the teams, the legitimacy of the title has been the subject of much debate. Critics of the title, like Harper, argue that the unique circumstances of the bubble—no home-court advantage, no fan energy, and the mental toll of the isolation—make it less valid than championships won in normal conditions. Harper’s comment, which jokingly refers to the ring as “bubble gum,” is a clear jab at the idea that the 2020 title should be considered as valuable as others in NBA history.

The Players’ Perspective: A Tougher Title?

LeBron James and other players who participated in the 2020 bubble have long pushed back against the criticism of the championship, arguing that the mental and emotional challenges faced during the bubble made it one of the toughest environments ever. The isolation, constant COVID-19 testing, and the absence of the usual fan atmosphere created a unique set of difficulties that players had to overcome. LeBron himself has often stated that winning the championship in those conditions made it even more special, citing the mental toughness required to perform in such an unprecedented setting.

For many players, the bubble was a grueling test of endurance and focus. Even though there were no home-court advantages and no travel, the conditions within the bubble—long periods of isolation, limited social interactions, and the ever-present threat of COVID-19—created a pressure cooker environment that challenged even the most seasoned professionals.

Despite this, the criticism of the “bubble ring” hasn’t subsided. Harper’s remark has only reignited the debate over whether the 2020 title should count the same as championships won in a typical season. Some argue that the bubble ring holds just as much value as any other title, while others continue to diminish it due to the unique circumstances surrounding it.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Comments Spark the Debate Again

The conversation was further fueled by recent comments from former Lakers player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who suggested that the Lakers should have kept their 2020 roster intact. Caldwell-Pope, who was a key part of the Lakers’ championship team, implied that maintaining the same group of players could have potentially led to another successful title run. His remarks brought attention back to the 2020 season, prompting a renewed discussion about the legitimacy of the bubble title.

The debate surrounding the 2020 championship has continued to linger, with many questioning whether it should be viewed as on par with titles won in traditional seasons. With Harper’s recent comment, the conversation is once again front and center, as fans, analysts, and former players continue to weigh in on the matter.

LeBron James’ Legacy and the 2020 Title

LeBron James, now 40, has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history, regardless of any debates over his 2020 title. The four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP has had an illustrious career, and his ability to continue playing at an elite level into his 40s only strengthens his case as one of the best to ever do it. For many, the 2020 championship is just one more notch in his already stellar resume, and no amount of criticism or controversy will overshadow his remarkable achievements.

For the Lakers, the 2020 title was a moment of redemption after a decade of struggles. It marked their return to prominence and solidified their position as one of the NBA’s most successful franchises. However, the controversy surrounding the bubble ring serves as a reminder that even in a world where titles are celebrated, opinions will always vary on what truly counts.

Conclusion: The Debate Continues

As the debate over the legitimacy of the 2020 bubble title continues, one thing is certain: LeBron James and his Lakers teammates earned their place in NBA history. Whether or not the “bubble gum ring” holds the same weight as championships won in traditional seasons, it’s undeniable that the 2020 title was a significant achievement, especially considering the circumstances under which it was won.

For critics like Ron Harper, the bubble season will forever carry an asterisk, while LeBron and his supporters will continue to argue that the challenges of playing in the bubble made that championship even more impressive. Ultimately, the 2020 title is just one chapter in the ongoing story of LeBron James’ extraordinary career—one that will be remembered for more than just a single ring.