- The 2020 Los Angeles Lakers were truly one of the most complete teams over the decade
- LeBron James’ fourth championship was one of the biggest moments of his career
- Only two players from the 2020 team remain on the Lakers
In the storied history of the NBA, few teams have captured the imagination of fans and left a lasting legacy quite like the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers considering how the world was thrown into turmoil due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the legendary LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant’s indomitable spirit, the Lakers secured their 17th NBA Championship in a captivating season that will forever be etched in basketball folklore.
- Jared Dudley (Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach)
- Quinn Cook (Free Agent)
- J.R. Smith (Retired)
- Markieff Morris (Dallas Mavericks)
- Dwight Howard (Taoyuan Leopards)
- Alex Caruso (Chicago Bulls)
- Danny Green (Free Agent)
- Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Denver Nuggets)
- Rajon Rondo (Free Agent)
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
As the NBA landscape evolves with new stars emerging and teams reshaping their rosters, the question that lingers in the minds of basketball aficionados is: Where are the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers now? It is time to take a nostalgic journey through time, catching up with the key players, coaches, and pivotal figures who contributed to the Lakers’ triumph. From career developments and post-championship successes to their enduring impact on the sport, join us as we revisit the unforgettable moments of the Lakers’ glorious 2020 campaign and discover where their paths have taken them since that momentous victory.
Here are where the 2020 NBA champions from the Los Angeles Lakers are right now, as we count down the final months before the 2023-24 season.
Jared Dudley (Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach)
Jared Dudley, a veteran forward known for his leadership and three-point shooting, played an essential role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers, both on and off the court. While his playing time during the regular season and playoffs was limited (8.1 MPG and 3.4 MPG, respectively), his impact as a mentor and vocal leader in the locker room was invaluable to the team’s success.
During the Lakers’ championship run, Dudley’s primary contributions came in the form of veteran guidance and a calming presence. He provided valuable insights and advice to the younger players, helping to keep the team focused and motivated throughout the grueling playoff journey. His positive attitude and professionalism made him a well-respected figure among his teammates and coaching staff.
Following the championship season, Dudley became an unrestricted free agent. While he had several suitors, including interest from the Lakers, he ultimately decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2020-21 NBA season. Now, the former No. 22 overall pick is an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks.
Quinn Cook (Free Agent)
Quinn Cook, a backup point guard, played a crucial role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers during their title-winning campaign. As a reliable bench player, Cook provided valuable minutes off the bench and brought stability to the backcourt when needed. His ability to knock down three-pointers and his solid ball-handling skills made him a valuable asset for Lakers’ coach Frank Vogel.
Since the Lakers’ championship victory, Cook’s career trajectory has seen some ups and downs. Following the championship season, he became an unrestricted free agent and decided to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2020-21 NBA season. However, his time in Cleveland was short-lived as he was waived by the team in April 2021.
Later In the year, Cook signed with Lokomotiv Kuban of the VTB United League until the end of the 2021–22 season, but he departed before that to sign with the Stockton Kings, an NBA G-League affiliate. Cook last played with the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association before getting released in January of 2023.
J.R. Smith (Retired)
JR Smith, a skilled shooting guard known for his scoring ability and streaky three-point shooting, joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2020 as a mid-season addition to bolster the team’s perimeter shooting and overall depth. His experience in high-pressure situations and familiarity with LeBron James from their time together in Cleveland made him an appealing choice for the Lakers’ championship run. During the 2020 NBA playoffs, JR Smith’s role was somewhat limited, primarily coming off the bench to provide an offensive spark and spacing for the Lakers’ starting unit. While his scoring contributions were sporadic (2.0 PPG over 10 playoff appearances), his presence on the court added an extra dimension to the team’s offensive arsenal.
Following the Lakers’ championship triumph, JR Smith became a two-time NBA champion, further solidifying his legacy in the league. However, his tenure with the Lakers was relatively short-lived, as the team waived him in November 2020 before the start of the 2020-21 NBA season. Since his departure from the Lakers, JR Smith has not returned to the NBA as an active player. While he was considered for various teams during the 2020-21 season, he did not secure a roster spot and opted to focus on other pursuits, including appearing on some podcasts, which make for some entertaining listens. While it seems Smith is retired for now, the sharpshooter will always be willing to listen to offers from NBA teams.
Markieff Morris (Dallas Mavericks)
Markieff Morris, a versatile power forward, played a significant role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers, providing valuable contributions off the bench during their title-winning campaign. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and his physical presence in the paint made him a valuable asset for the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.
During the regular season and playoffs, Markieff Morris showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He was a reliable scorer, capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc and finishing around the rim. Defensively, Morris brought a tenacious mindset, using his strength and size to defend multiple positions effectively. Morris posted 5.3 PPG and 3.2 RPG in the regular season with the Lakers and 5.9 PPG and 3.0 RPG in the playoffs.
After the Lakers secured the championship, Markieff Morris became an unrestricted free agent. Despite interest from various teams, he decided to re-sign with the Lakers for the 2020-21 NBA season in a very limited role before shuffling between the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks as we approach the 2023-24 season. Currently, he is part of the Mavericks roster as he hopes Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can lead the team to a title.
Dwight Howard (Taoyuan Leopards)
Dwight Howard, the dominant center and former three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, had a remarkable return to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 NBA season, culminating in winning the 2020 NBA Championship. As a key contributor to the Lakers’ frontcourt, Howard’s interior defense, rebounding prowess, and energetic presence played a crucial role in the team’s success.
He had previously played for the Lakers during the 2012-13 season, a campaign that ended in disappointment, with the team falling short of a championship. Howard’s return allowed him to rewrite his Lakers legacy and secure the elusive NBA title that had eluded him earlier in his career. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Dwight Howard embraced his role as a defensive anchor and rim protector. He averaged 7.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG in the regular season and 5.8 PPG and 4.6 RPG in the playoffs, meaning he was a critical role player.
After winning the NBA championship with the Lakers, Dwight Howard became an unrestricted free agent. Despite receiving interest from multiple teams, he decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2020-21 NBA season. After a one-year stint, Howard returned to the Lakers in 2021-22 before embarking on a new journey with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in China.
Alex Caruso (Chicago Bulls)
Alex Caruso, the energetic and tenacious guard, played a pivotal role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers during their title-winning season. Despite being undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, Caruso’s hard work, defensive tenacity, and basketball IQ earned him a spot on the Lakers’ roster and eventually a place in their regular rotation.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Caruso emerged as a key bench player for the Lakers, providing a much-needed spark off the bench with his defensive intensity and timely three-point shooting. Caruso averaged 5.5 PPG in the regular season and 6.5 PPG in the playoffs, and while his numbers never stood out, his elite perimeter defense did. In the NBA Finals, Caruso’s impact was evident, especially on the defensive end. He was tasked with guarding Jimmy Butler and Kendrick Nunn, doing a splendid job at times.
After the Lakers’ championship victory, Alex Caruso returned to the Lakers in 2021 before he became a free agent the following season. Caruso signed with the Chicago Bulls, where he is currently the defensive-minded guard for them. With only 108 games played for the Bulls over two seasons, Caruso is looking to stay healthy and build on his 2022-23 All-Defensive Team selection.
Danny Green (Free Agent)
Danny Green, a skilled three-and-D wing player, was an essential piece of the puzzle for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers during their title-winning campaign. Renowned for his three-point shooting and stellar perimeter defense, Green brought a wealth of playoff experience and championship pedigree to the Lakers’ roster.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Danny Green’s impact on the Lakers was evident on both ends of the court. Offensively, his ability to stretch the floor and knock down timely three-pointers provided valuable spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate in the paint (36.7% 3-PT FG in regular season and 33.9% in playoffs). His catch-and-shoot proficiency made him a significant threat from beyond the arc, forcing opposing defenses to respect his shooting range. Defensively, Green’s length and tenacity made him a disruptive force on the perimeter.
After the Lakers’ title triumph, Danny Green was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a multi-team deal. While his time with the Thunder was relatively short-lived, his contributions and leadership continued to be recognized by his teammates and coaching staff. Following his stint with the Thunder, Danny Green was involved in another trade, this time to the Philadelphia 76ers, during the 2020 offseason. Green was last seen playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season with eight appearances and is currently a free agent.
Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
The talented young forward with a versatile offensive game played a crucial role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers during their title-winning season. As a young and promising player, Kyle Kuzma’s development and contributions were closely watched by Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Kyle Kuzma’s scoring ability and offensive versatility were evident. He showcased his knack for scoring from all levels, whether it be driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or connecting from beyond the arc. He posted 12.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG in the regular season, followed by 10.0 PPG and 3.1 RPG in the playoffs.
After the Lakers’ championship victory, Kuzma remained with the team and continued to play a significant role in their lineup. However, he faced heightened expectations as his potential and development were closely monitored by fans and analysts. Kuzma was moved to the Washington Wizards in the Russell Westbrook trade, averaging 17.1 PPG in 2022 and 21.2 PPG in 2023. Now, he has signed a 4-year, $90 million deal to be a long-term cornerstone for the Wizards. Not bad for a player who has a championship ring in his trophy cabinet.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Denver Nuggets)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a key shooting guard for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers. Renowned for his perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities, KCP played a crucial role in providing support to the Lakers’ star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis during their championship run.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, KCP’s three-point shooting was a crucial component of the Lakers’ offensive arsenal. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc created additional spacing on the floor and forced opposing defenses to respect his shooting range. His offensive contributions were particularly vital during moments when opponents focused their defensive attention on the Lakers’ star players. Caldwell-Pope averaged 38.5% from three in the regular season and 37.8% from three in the playoffs, indicating his elite marksmanship.
After the Lakers’ title triumph, KCP became an unrestricted free agent. Despite garnering interest from other teams, he decided to re-sign with the Lakers for the 2020-21 NBA season. Caldwell-Pope then had a one-year stint with the Wizards in 2021-22 before playing another critical role in a championship-winning side in 2022-23 with the Denver Nuggets, shooting 42.3% from deep in the regular season and 38.0% in the playoffs.
Rajon Rondo (Free Agent)
Rajon Rondo, a veteran point guard renowned for his basketball IQ and playmaking abilities, played a crucial role for the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers during their title-winning campaign. As an experienced floor general, Rondo’s leadership and playoff experience proved invaluable to the Lakers, particularly during high-pressure situations in the postseason.
“Playoff Rondo” was essentially the third-best player for the championship Lakers, providing experience and playmaking skills despite being a legend for the rival Boston Celtics team. Rondo averaged 7.1 PPG and 5.0 APG in the regular season, followed by 8.9 PPG and 6.6 APG in the playoffs. Even in the Finals, Playoff Rondo posted 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 5.5 APG on 7-21 shooting from three.
After winning the NBA Championship with the Lakers, Rajon Rondo became an unrestricted free agent. Despite interest from other teams, he decided to sign with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2020-21 NBA season. However, his tenure in Atlanta was relatively short-lived, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through the season. Rondo returned to the Lakers in 2022 and split time with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the same season and has not returned to the NBA as of yet.
Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Anthony Davis was the linchpin of the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers’ title-winning campaign. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant and versatile big men in the league, Davis’s impact on both ends of the floor was instrumental in securing the Lakers’ 17th NBA Championship. The superstar player was a force in his first season with the Lakers, posting 26.1 PPG and 9.3 RPG in the regular season, leading the team in scoring. Davis also posted 27.7 PPG and 9.7 RPG in the playoffs as he played a sidekick role to LeBron James.
In the NBA Finals, Anthony Davis elevated his game to another level, consistently delivering dominant performances on both ends of the floor. He posted 25.0 PPG and 10.7 RPG while finishing runner-up for the Finals MVP award. After winning the NBA Championship with the Lakers, Anthony Davis has solidified his place as a bonafide superstar in the league. Following the season, he signed a lucrative contract extension (5-year, $189,903,600 contract) with the Lakers, committing to the organization and further emphasizing his desire to build a legacy in Los Angeles.
Davis has had his ups and down since then, however, dealing with constant injury setbacks and questions about his dedication to the game. Davis has played 36, 40, and 56 games over the three seasons following his championship triumph, and he was often the most criticized for the Lakers’ poor performances. However, despite playing only 56 games in 2023, Davis had a solid season averaging 25.9 PPG and 12.5 RPG, and helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals. Hopefully, the big man can keep healthy and help LeBron James lead the Lakers to another title victory.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
LeBron James, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was the driving force behind the 2020 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers’ title-winning campaign. Widely recognized for his unparalleled skills, basketball IQ, and leadership, LeBron’s impact on the Lakers extended far beyond his remarkable on-court performances although he was regarded as the best player in the world.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, LeBron James showcased his elite scoring ability, court vision, and playmaking skills. James let Anthony Davis take over the scoring in the regular season, with The King averaging 25.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 10.2 APG. James went on to post 27.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 8.8 APG in the playoffs before capturing his fourth Finals MVP trophy by averaging 29.8 PPG, 11.8 RPG, and 8.5 APG in the Finals.
After winning the NBA Championship with the Lakers, LeBron James solidified his status easily as a top-5 player of all time. His impact on the Lakers became relevant, and he has to be considered a legend of the iconic franchise even if there is still hesitation from Lakers fans to truly appreciate a player synonymous with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat far more. James has continued to play with the Lakers, although he has dealt with poor seasons and injury concerns, with 45 and 56 games played in 2021 and 2022.
Of course, James made history in 2023 by breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record and currently reigns as the NBA’s number-one scorer in total points scored. That was a great day for the Lakers franchise, and it was even sweeter when James led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals. With a new roster in 2023-24 and a chance to add his 5th championship, it is expected that James will give it his all in the upcoming season for a chance to actually threaten Michael Jordan’s legacy as the greatest player of all time.
