LeBron James maintains MVP status, Lakers head to Las Vegas

In-season tournament: this The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 131-99 on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the NBA’s first midseason tournament.

Obviously, the midseason tournament is perfect timing for the Lakers. Los Angeles is just 3-5 on the season, entering the group stage on a three-game losing streak, and swept its opponents in the qualifying round, defeating the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah State 4-0. , won Group A championship. Western Conference.

A few weeks before the game, Los Angeles Lakers They worked hard and won three consecutive games, reaching a record of 9 wins and 6 losses. But not only did they win the pool game, they also dominated, outscoring their four opponents by a combined 74 points.

LeBron James Scored 17 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds against the Utah Jazz for his 39,000th point.

“It’s nice to be able to take care of business,” James said.

The win ensures Los Angeles a home game in the quarterfinals on Dec. 4 or 5 and a possible trip to Las Vegas for the semifinals. The winner of each division A, B and C will advance to the quarter-finals and receive a wild card.

“When you’re playing well at home, it’s always nice to be able to sleep at home and be able to sleep in our bed and not have to travel,” said Anthony Davis, who led Los Angeles with 26 points and 16 rebounds . “We had a tough start on the road so it helps that we have the fans behind us. But it feels good. One step closer to winning the Copa America.”

Season Championship

The Lakers have made no secret of their motivation for entering the midseason tournament, which is not just the spirit of the game, but perhaps more importantly, the prize money. Each player on the winning team in the Dec. 9 championship game will receive a $500,000 bonus. Each runner-up will receive a prize of US$200,000. As long as they successfully arrive in Las Vegas, the losers of the two semi-finals on December 7 will receive a reward of $100,000 per player!

“This is not a normal regular season,” Lakers coach Davin Hamm said when asked about the implications for a potential playoffs. “They’re very conscious. That bag is very attractive…Kids love money…They don’t like it, they love it. The incentive is huge.”

Lakers center Christian Wood, who signed a veteran minimum contract of $2.7 million this season, talked about the potential impact of winning the award.

“I’ve been in the league a long time, so I’m saving as much as I can,” Wood said. “Who wouldn’t want to save that much money? But it’s very important for young people. Let’s try it for them.”

The Lakers are the second team to qualify from the group. Earlier in the night, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 157-152 to seal victory in Group A of the Eastern Conference.

“It’s a big step in the right direction, not just securing something for the mid-season tournament, but just coming together and keeping trying to get better and play the right way,” Ham said.