The Los Angeles Lakers are the inaugural winners of the NBA Cup after outlasting the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in Las Vegas to cap off the NBA’s first In-Season Tournament.
LeBron James was named the tournament’s MVP after averaging he 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 56.8 per cent shooting to lead the Lakers to a 7-0 record.
He dropped in 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in the title game but it was star teammate Anthony Davis who shined most putting up 41 points on 16-of-24 shooting to go along with 20 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.
Austin Reaves, meanwhile, dropped 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting off the bench whilst D’Angelo Russell added 13 points and seven assists and Cam Reddish had nine points, three blocks, and a game-high +24.
The Lakers built a narrow edge early and did not look back holding onto it for the remainder as they surged towards an historic win.
The Pacers refused to yield and cut the lead to as little as three entering the clutch only for a 13-0 Laker run to seal it.
A dominant showing in the paint (86 to 44) and on the glass (55 to 32) propelled the Lakers – who overcame a poor night from three (2-of-13) – to victory.
Their defence held the high-powered Pacers offence to just 36.8 per cent from the field and 24.4 per cent from three.
Tyrese Haliburton (20 points, 11 assists) led the way for Indiana along with Bennedict Mathurin (20 points, 9-of-9 free throws) and Obi Toppin (13 points, 3-of-7 threes).
James, whose wish to purchase a potential expansion franchise in Las Vegas post-career has long been known, praised the city for successful hosting the In-Season Tournament Semifinals and Final.
“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 coming in soon, NFL team, hockey team, F1 was just here. This is a place that loves great attractions, and I think the NBA will be another great addition to this city.”
