LeBron James appears to be prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure that the Los Angeles Lakers win the new NBA In-Season Tournament. As many fans should certainly be aware, King James is currently playing in Year 21 and is arguably still the best and most consistent player on the Lakers.
Although this NBA In-Season tournament is a new concept that the league has introduced this season, the Lakers have taken it in stride and have made it all the way to the In-Season Tournament Finals without taking a single loss. In order to make the Finals, Los Angeles recently defeated Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.
In order to get this win over the Pelicans, LeBron had to put up yet another sensational performance. More importantly, he also contributed to the defensive end of the court. When he was asked later about the reasons for his enthusiasm, let us take a closer look at what King James had to say.
LeBron James credits the NBA In-Season tournament prize money for his motivation
Fans who have been watching LeBron play so far in the NBA-In Season Tournament will agree that the Lakers star looks incredibly motivated to win the entire thing. Not only did LeBron score 30 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, but he also took several charges and managed to generate additional possessions for his team. As a result, the Lakers were able to blow out the Pelicans with a final score of 133-89.
“Uum I mean listen, man, not for the 500 I ain’t.”
‘LeBron, aren’t you too old to be taking charges in December?’
‘Not for that 500 I ain’t’ 😂 pic.twitter.com/DffuEWDOzm
— theScore (@theScore) December 8, 2023
It must be amusing for fans to hear that a Billionaire like LeBron can be motivated by the $500,000 prize money. However, one could argue that he is eager to win this tournament in order to further cement his legacy as the GOAT. After all, winning a new tournament at the back end of his career is no ordinary accomplishment.
Now, LeBron and the Lakers have to defeat Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers in order to win the In-Season Tournament and earn the financial incentive that has reportedly been motivating them all along.