He will turn 39 on December 30, a detail never meant to overshadow what LeBron James has just added to his storied career. In a season that already shines with longevity and consistency, he partnered with the Lakers to add another chapter to a book that already reads like a legend. In a win over the Indiana Pacers in the In-Season Tournament final, the Lakers triumphed 123-109, with James contributing 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Anthony Davis followed with 41 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks, powering a balanced performance that underscored Los Angeles’ pursuit of new milestones during this fresh chapter of the season.
The NBA Cup is a prestigious achievement but sits alongside a career defined by a parade of historic moments. It sits beside two Olympic gold medals with the United States, and a collection of four championship rings earned with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lakers. Yet it represents another significant benchmark for a player whose impact has transcended generations and eras in the league.
Perfect record: 7-0
As the season approached its most intense stretches, James unleashed his competitive drive once again. He became the first player in league history to post at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in fewer than 23 minutes of court time during the semifinal against the Pelicans, ending with eight assists as the team moved decisively through the final rounds. Facing the Pacers in the title contest, Indiana could not recapture the momentum that carried them past Milwaukee and Boston earlier in the season.
@Lakers They emerged as the inaugural champions of the NBA In-Season Tournament. pic.twitter.com/KngEl3qlVe
—NBA (@NBA) December 10, 2023
On the bright Las Vegas stage, the Lakers’ performance underscored a belief that real focus translates into tangible success. The 7-0 sweep in the tournament showcased the franchise at a peak moment in a competition that drew huge crowds and delivered memorable nights for fans across the country.
“No one can overcome this.”
The trophy stands as a gleaming reminder of the journey: a substantial silver piece, about 58 centimeters high and weighing around 16 kilograms, plated with 24-karat gold. Each member of the Lakers who traveled to Las Vegas earned a share of half a million dollars each, a prize that comes without Federal tax concerns in the state of Nevada.
Do your dance, LeBron. Vibrant celebrations poured out from the Lakers’ camp as the trophy was raised, a moment captured in social media and shared among fans who followed every step of the route to victory.
“This is the premiere of the NBA In-Season Tournament,” James said during his postgame remarks. “Records will be broken, but no one can claim to be the first to do something like this. We are the first NBA Cup champions, and that marks a historic milestone. It felt like an obligation and a responsibility to keep everyone involved.”
Historical heritage
As the leading scorer in NBA history, James reminded audiences that this tournament serves to keep the season buzzing during the December-to-January stretch. Davis received praise for his outstanding performances, and James himself was named the tournament MVP by the commissioner. The achievement was celebrated not just for the trophy but for what it represents: a sustained influence across a long and storied career.
MVP
MVP
LEBRON JAMES#NBASeason Tournament pic.twitter.com/7LjdONW0aJ
— NBASpain (@NBAspain) December 10, 2023
The star’s success endures two decades after his first appearance in the league. The evolution of his play has maintained a peak form, with the legend becoming the first player to win both the NBA Championship and the Cup Championship, earning MVP honors in both contexts. The heritage he leaves behind places him among the greatest athletes in the sport, a true icon in the sport and beyond the hardwood.