Shirtless JR Smith kicks off Lakers' championship celebration
Warning: Videos contain coarse language
The Los Angeles Lakers didn't waste any time celebrating their first NBA title in a decade.
Moments after the club clinched its record-tying 17th championship, the festivities began in the Lakers' locker room.
The legend of JR Smith continued as he ditched his shirt before the final buzzer and got the dance party started. The veteran guard infamously went shirtless throughout various parts of the Cleveland Cavaliers' championship celebration in 2016, including their parade through the city.
JR Smith the legend 🏆 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MEVBszm6tZ
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 12, 2020
LeBron James cracked out a victory cigar and FaceTimed his mother to share his appreciation for her:
LeBron James FaceTimes his mother Gloria after winning his fourth title: “Everything that you had been through, everything that I had seen, there’s nothing that can stop me. I hope I continue to make you proud, Mom.” pic.twitter.com/4WfiDbwslW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 12, 2020
Lakers center Dwight Howard was also emotional as he briefly reflected on his first championship ring:
SOUND ON. CONGRATS, @DwightHoward. pic.twitter.com/jmjZLyhpQb
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 12, 2020
The win in Orlando sparked celebrations on the other side of the country as fans in Los Angeles gathered around the Staples Center to bask in the franchise's latest title run:
“KOBE. KOBE. KOBE.”
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 12, 2020
STAPLES Center is the place to be rn. pic.twitter.com/BCRHxMHgDy
One fan commemorated the championship won during the coronavirus pandemic from within her own bubble:
Upon closer inspection, it’s a woman wearing an Anthony Davis jersey pic.twitter.com/a9zu5P1POl
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 12, 2020