The Los Angeles Lakers are now the first NBA In-Season Tournament Champions in NBA History.
The Lakers went 4-0 in pool play and 7-0 overall in the Tournament.
There were questions about whether this tournament was a good idea coming into it. Now that the tournament has concluded, the overall consensus is that this was a great idea by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. It looks like this is here to stay for years to come.
LeBron James was named the NBA In-Season Tournament MVP. In tournament play, James averaged 26.4 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game. James also shot 57% from the field and 60% from three-point range. In the championship game, James scored 24 points on 10-for-21 shooting. James also grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded two steals. James spoke postgame about the Lakers tourney win and how Las Vegas has been a great host city for the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament.
“My enthusiasm about being here post-career, bringing a team here has not changed,” James said. “The fans are amazing here. They have everything already: WNBA team, they have a baseball team (Athletics) coming in soon, NFL team, hockey team, F1 (Formula One) was just here. This is a place that loves great attractions, and I think the NBA will be another great addition to this city.”
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers in the Tourney Finals. Davis scored 41 points on 16-for-24 shooting. He hit 9-for-13 from the free-throw line. Davis also grabbed 20 rebounds and dished out five assists.
Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham spoke postgame about James and Davis’ performance and leadership throughout the tournament.
“They’re a hell of a one-two punch,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said about James and Davis. “That one or two could be either one of them on any given night. At the end of the day, they know how to take it to the next level when everything is on the line.”
More Lakers Contributions
- D’Angelo Russell scored 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out seven assists.
- Austin Reaves scored 28 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out three assists off the bench.
The Lakers travel next to Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, 12/12 to face the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is 7:30 p.m. Eastern/ 4:30 p.m. Pacific.
