LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the championship game of the NBA’s new In-Season Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. With the win, the team became the first-ever winners of the tournament, while James took home its first Most Valuable Player award.
In the game, James recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists across 35 minutes of play. He hit 10 of his 21 field goal attempts. Reflecting on the tournament after the win, James explained to ESPN’s Malika Andrews that it was important for him to give the winning experience to the younger guys on the team, as well as help them earn the $500,000 victory bonuses. He also took the time to praise Anthony Davis, who finished with 41 points and 20 rebounds.
LeBron James & The Lakers Celebrate NBA In-Season Tournament Win
Winning the award certainly adds to James’ legacy. The four-time MVP will turn 39 on December 30 as he continues his 21st year in the league. Of the tournament MVP win specifically, James added: “I don’t think it’s even about the MVP, it’s about us coming together to win this thing. This is the [inaugural] in-season tournament. … Records will be broken, but one thing that will never be broken is to be the first to do something. And we’re the first champions of the in-season tournament, and nobody can ever top that, and it’s great to do it with a historical franchise and just a great cast of funny, engaged, competitive men over here.”
The Lakers Lift In-Season Tournament Trophy
Looking forward to the NBA playoffs, the Lakers currently sit at 14-9 while in 5th place in the Western Conference standings.
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