The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 on Sunday to take home the NBA Cup in the 2023 In-Season Tournament.
At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Anthony Davis led his team to victory with a double-double of 41 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists. His teammate LeBron James also had a double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, and Austin Reaves scored 28 points.
“The fans are amazing here,” said James, the first-ever In-Season Tournament MVP. “My enthusiasm about being here post-career and bringing a team here has not changed.”
Regarding James and Davis, Lakers coach Darvin Ham remarked, “They’re a hell of a one-two punch,” plus the possibility that either one of them could play any night. When everything is on the line, they ultimately know how to elevate the game.”
Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin of the Pacers each scored 20 points in the championship game.
Players with standard contracts with the Lakers received a $500,000 bonus, while the Pacers received $200,000 each.
