George Harris
Dec 12, 2023 - 08:20

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LeBron James receives MVP trophy in inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and expresses interest in owning an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.

LeBron James received the MVP trophy of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, but Commissioner Adam Silver cautioned that it doesn't come with a franchise. Despite this, James has expressed serious interest in owning an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas in the future. He praised the passionate fans and the city's love for great attractions, highlighting the presence of various sports teams and events in the area.

In the final game, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109, with James scoring 24 points and adding 11 rebounds, and teammate Anthony Davis contributing 41 points and 20 rebounds. The tournament served as a showcase for the Lakers' talented roster, with players like Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell making significant contributions to the team's victory.

The game had a high-stakes atmosphere, resembling a combination of the NBA playoffs and the one-and-done NCAA Tournament. The Lakers, essentially the home team due to the location of the tournament, played with confidence and composure, while the Pacers struggled to keep up.

The tournament also attracted numerous celebrities, including basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O'Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay, and rapper Flavor Flav. Members of the Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A'ja Wilson, were also in attendance.

In the aftermath of the tournament, the Pacers will face the Detroit Pistons on the road, while the Lakers are set to play the Dallas Mavericks as part of a three-game Texas trip. The experience of the tournament provided valuable lessons for both teams, with the Lakers emerging as the first In-Season Tournament champions.