Lakers know what’s at stake in in-season tournament

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers improved to 7-6 on the season with a road win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Perhaps more importantly, the win moved the Lakers to 3-0 in the group stage of the NBA Inseason Championship. The Lakers have the best point differential in the league at +42 in this tournament and are just one win away from locking down Group A and potentially becoming the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

LeBron James led Los Angeles to victory in Portland, scoring 35 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals on 13-of-22 shooting.

He has competed in countless important competitions throughout his life, so it is no surprise to see him improve his level in the season championships.

The Lakers are 3-0 in the tournament and 4-6 in all other games.It looked like they were more focused during the in-season tournament, and James explained why by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:

“I think it’s really motivating, early in the season when you go to the in-season tournament. We understand the stakes. It’s not like we put all our eggs in the same basket in the in-season tournament, But we know when Tuesday and Friday’s games come, we know what it’s about. We know what’s at stake, so it’s been a good thing for us so far.

While the in-season tournament is different from the current NBA tournament, the stakes are definitely higher than during the regular season. If the Lakers can go all the way, not only can they say they are the first NBA Cup champions, but the financial aspect seems to be motivating for the Lakers.

The Lakers will host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in their final group game. They can secure qualification from the group with a win, but also have the chance to advance to the knockout rounds based on points difference.

LeBron James meets Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon

Friday night marked the second meeting of the season between the Lakers and Trail Blazers, with Los Angeles winning at home against Portland last Sunday.

Although James didn’t attend that game, he was still there and had the opportunity to meet Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon, who gifted the Lakers star a cool racing helmet.

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