The NBA In-Season Tournament went exactly how the league had hoped it would. Players were engaged and teams were ultra-competitive, resulting in fans changing their initial viewpoints on the format.
But even though everyone involved took it seriously, there was still a doubt about how the winner would handle being the inaugural champions. Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks had mentioned before the semifinals that his focus was on the money, and that he “wouldn’t expect a banner“.
Lakers debut their In-Season Tournament banner
The Bucks didn’t end up winning it, the Los Angeles Lakers did. And while Lillard doesn’t think that merits a banner, the Lakers franchise does. On Monday night, the Laker unveiled the special edition banner at their arena.
The banner is differentiated from the other NBA Championship ones, so it’s not like the Lakers are acting as if it counts the same. But fans on social media didn’t agree with the decision.
With the In-Season Tournament done and dusted, the Lakers now turn their attention to reaching the NBA Finals. They sit in 8th place in the Western Conference at 15-11.