While 2020 was a difficult year on the world, it was one that also saw the Los Angeles Dodgers and L.A. Lakers reach the pinnacle of their respective sports. The Dodgers winning the World Series and Lakers capturing the NBA title recreated 1988, when both teams were champions.
That year, the teams were crowned months apart as the Lakers won in the summer and the Dodgers hoisted the commissioner’s trophy in October. With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic throwing sports calendars off in 2020, the Lakers and Dodgers celebrated just weeks apart.
It prompted talks from players on both teams of a joint parade once the city deemed it safe to do so. In the meantime, the Lakers were presented their championship rings on Opening Night, but the team is waiting until fans can attend games at Staples Center to unveil the banner.
The Dodgers won’t receive their rings until the start of the 2021 season and for now can take comfort in visiting the World Series trophy at Dodger Stadium. It’s an opportunity Lakers owner Jeanie Buss took up as a way to ring in the new year.
Buss has attended a handful of games at Dodger Stadium over recent seasons, and on one visit gifted LeBron James jerseys to Kenley Jansen and others. Jansen and Cody Bellinger are among Dodgers players who have taken in a Lakers game, most recently doing so in December of 2019.
Dodgers, Lakers earn city of Los Angeles recognition
With Southern California’s two preeminent franchises winning a championship last season, Los Angeles earn “Best Sports City of the Year” honors from the Sports Business Journal.
“This process allowed us to look back at an incredible period of change in sports business,” said SBJ executive editor Abraham Madkour said in a statement.
“We were certainly challenged to pick just one winner in each category because there were so many outstanding candidates that speak to just how much innovation has taken place in sports during this challenging year.”
The Lakers and Dodgers are both considered favorites to repeat in 2021.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
