LeBron James Shuts Down Doubters with Gym Selfies After Fresh Criticism of His 2020 NBA Title

In the heat of another NBA offseason, LeBron James once again found himself defending his legacy. The Lakers superstar took to Instagram with a barrage of gym selfies, seemingly in response to Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey.

The former Houston Rockets GM questioned the legitimacy of the Lakers’ 2020 “bubble” championship, reopening a long-standing debate that has continued to divide fans and insiders.

Daryl Morey Labels 2020 Title a Championship with an Asterisk

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Morey acknowledged the unique challenges of the pandemic-era NBA season but downplayed the weight of the title. “Everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn’t truly hold up as a genuine championship,” he said.

While giving credit to the league’s pandemic response, Morey added that the 2020 Lakers title would always carry an asterisk in the eyes of many.

The comments stirred controversy online, bringing back criticism of the bubble format at Disney World. Critics often mock the 2020 title as a “Mickey Mouse ring,” citing the lack of travel, empty arenas, and mental isolation that made the experience anything but ordinary.

LeBron James Hits Back on Instagram: “You Damn Sure Won’t Be Able to Say I Didn’t Put in the WORK”

LeBron James didn’t name names, but his Instagram message on July 31 made his stance clear. Sharing photos from an intense workout, the 40-year-old wrote, “Say whatever you want but you damn sure won’t be able to say I didn’t put in the WORK!! 👑. We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh.”The statement was more than a caption - it was a direct rebuttal to those who undermine his accomplishments. At 40, LeBron remains among the league’s most conditioned athletes, and this post was a message to doubters: his greatness didn’t happen by accident.

Former Teammates and Analysts Defend the Bubble Championship

LeBron James’ allies were quick to speak out. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins called the 2020 title “one of the greatest championships… and hardest,” while former teammates reminded critics that all teams faced the same conditions in the bubble. One player said, “If Houston would have beat us and won it, I’m sure they wouldn’t be saying it wasn’t real.”At the time of the NBA shutdown, the Lakers had the league’s best record at 49-14. Analysts at The Athletic unanimously agreed the championship was legitimate and emphasized the mental toll of the bubble.

“The best team won the title in 2020, without question,” one columnist stated.

LeBron Focused on Future Rings and Long-Term Legacy

While Morey’s comments sparked the reaction, LeBron’s gym post also pointed to a deeper motivation - his legacy. Entering his 22nd season, LeBron James has opted into a $52.6 million contract with the Lakers and remains focused on adding another championship. Despite trade speculation and questions about retirement, his agent Rich Paul affirmed: “He values a realistic chance of winning it all.”Also read: "Out of Nowhere?": Skip Bayless Doubts Lakers Star Luka Doncic’s Makeover Before Contract Extension, Calls Him a ‘Fat Rat’As long as the 2020 title is debated, LeBron appears ready to defend it - with both words and action. The King is still training like a champion, proving he’s far from finished. Whether it’s with rings or reps, LeBron James is making sure the doubters never have the final say.