One of the most unforgettable NBA seasons in recent memory is the 2020 Lakers championship run in the bubble. That season was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a suspension on March 11, right after Rudy Gobert, then with the Utah Jazz, tested positive. Shortly after, other players like Kevin Durant and Marcus Smart also tested positive.
Following the suspension, the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season on July 31 in Orlando. This plan involved 13 Western Conference teams and nine Eastern Conference teams, all within six games of a playoff spot, playing eight regular-season “seeding” games at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Now, Disney and ESPN are collaborating with the NBA on the official documentary “The Bubble,” which will provide an inside look at the 2020 pandemic-era NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals.
What to Expect from the Documentary
Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical protocols were implemented for players, coaches, and staff, ensuring their health and safety. The documentary will likely showcase these measures and how they kept everyone healthy. Players were isolated in the bubble for weeks with no outside contact, purely focused on basketball. The quality of the games was exceptional, and now we will get to see the preparation and concentration behind the scenes. This was also the last championship won by LeBron James, who will undoubtedly be a central figure in the documentary.
Other significant events that season include the tragic death of Kobe Bryant shortly before the suspension, the Milwaukee Bucks’ boycott in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, and the early days of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Anticipation for “The Bubble”
The documentary is expected to feature never-before-seen footage, offering a unique perspective on how the 2020 season was experienced globally amid the pandemic. While there is no release date or details on the number of episodes yet, the level of basketball played in the bubble and the extensive camera coverage at the complex promise an incredible viewing experience
Fans can look forward to revisiting this historic season through the documentary, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of the players and teams during an unprecedented time. From strict health protocols to intense gameplay, “The Bubble” will capture the essence of a season unlike any other in NBA history.
