LeBron James and Lakers YET to receive $500,000 prize from NBA after cup win, reveals Austin Reaves

Lakers' victory marred by delay in $500k prize payout: Inside story from Austin Reaves.

LeBron James and Lakers YET to receive $500,000 prize from NBA after cup win, reveals Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves revealed that the Lakers haven't received the prize money yet (NBAE)

The NBA’s first In-Season Tournament ended with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Indiana Pacers in the finals. Yet, the excitement has remained somewhat dampened by a delay in distributing the promised $500,000 per player prize. Austin Reaves revealed the reason why.

Austin Reaves revealed the team’s anticipation and motivation on the ‘Run it Back‘ show, particularly among younger players. While the substantial prize money wasn’t a major boost for stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it was a significant incentive for players on two-way contracts.

YouTube video

Austin Reaves humorously recalled:

FS Video
Someone told me that we'd get it latest by January 15th but, I don't know, I don't think anyone has gotten any of the money yet... all the young guys were running around even before the game like, ‘Please win, please win.’; two-ways were like ‘This is a $150,000 game for us, we need y'all to win.
Austin Reaves via Run It Back

Anthony Davis delivered a dominant performance in the finals, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ victorious journey. Davis grabbed 20 rebounds and made four blocks to compliment his wondrous 41-point performance on 67% FG.

The in-season tournament received unanimous acclaim for its success, as teams exhibited intensity on par with playoff levels. The Los Angeles Lakers’ undefeated streak in the seven games of the tournament is a testament to their commitment and skill.

The Impact of the NBA In-Season Tournament

The NBA In-Season Tournament, a new addition to the league’s calendar, has introduced a fresh dynamic to the regular season. With a total prize pool and a new trophy, the NBA Cup, the tournament has added an extra layer of competition and excitement.

The Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious in the inaugural In-Season Tournament (Associated Press)

The tournament format involved a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with the championship game held in Las Vegas. This structure gave teams new challenges and opportunities to showcase their abilities on a different stage.

LeBron James received the In-Season Tournament MVP award as the Lakers secured the championship. This highlights the Lakers’ potential for the remainder of the season but also sets a precedent for the importance of such tournaments in the future of the NBA.

In Case You Missed: