Sports Desk 19 Dec , 2023 05:50 AM GMT
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament Champions banner is displayed before an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
3. Pregame warmups paused for a tribute video and celebration with NBA Cup and clapping fans.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
In the heart of la-la land, nestled near the iconic Lakers’ NBA championship banners fluttered an intriguing new addition. Swathed in stealthy black and gold, this new banner marks a unique milestone on the basketball court - the Lakers' triumphant march at the NBA's inaugral In-Season Tournament. Yes, you heard it right - the NBA's very first mid-season tournament has its winner, the mighty LA Lakers!
Unveiling the new banner on a Monday night was not just ceremonious but had an air of quiet significance. Hanging on the walls of the downtown arena as they faced the New York Knicks, it stood as a testament to a victorious run that was nothing short of an unbeaten symphony.
The Lakers, known for their sleek gameplay and on-court expertise, paused in their pre-game ritual, cast their gaze on the new addition to their hall of fame and played the tribute video. The arena echoed with polite applause as the NBA Cup was paraded in celebration. Tradition usually dictates an address to the crowd, however, the Lakers, ever unique, chose to let the banner speak for the team.
This recent win showcases the Lakers' unyielding spirit, as they subdued the competition and emerged victorious against Indiana in Vegas, a mere nine days ago. Their decision to commemorate this victory evolved from the Lakers' usual reticence for hanging banners for division or conference titles or retirement of uniform numbers, reserved only for Basketball Hall of Famers.
Beyond the monetary reward of half-a-million dollars to every player, the 7-0 tournament play victory coexists with the legendary Lakers titles, with LeBron James churning out spectacular performances. Darvin Ham, the Lakers Coach, captured the sentiment beautifully, “Any time you can get highly competitive basketball with the best athletes in the world, I think it’s great for the fans, great for the organizations, and ultimately great for the NBA.”
While the new vertical banner hangs in harmony with the five horizontal banners representing the Minneapolis Lakers' legacy before the team surfed to the West Coast, the twelve golden, horizontal banners tokens of LA Lakers’ triumph still hold their fort on the north wall of the arena. The latest adornment, a subtle yet potent reminder of their unbeaten run, has certainly added a new dimension to this spirited sport. To know more about NBA scores, news, and games, visit https://apnews.com/hub/NBA. Game on!
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