LeBron James and his Lakers defied fate once again in the IST as they fought tooth and nail to claim victory. Facing the fast emerging star, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, the purple and gold managed to keep their calm during the direst of situations. Struggling from the beginning of this season, LA has been subject to much ridicule.
But they have proven once more why they are one of the dominant teams in the league. And tonight, Jeanie Buss and co. are looking to relive their first-of-its-kind trophy and win, marking this milestone in the history books.
The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready to commemorate the IST win
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The Lakers will be making some changes going forward. As a start, Chris Haynes reports that they will raise an in-season tournament championship banner on their home court.
The Los Angeles Lakers will raise an In-Season Tournament championship banner inside Crypto Arena, league sources tell myself and @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/rzTw0LWTjq
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 11, 2023
This comes right after they had confirmed their status on continuing the franchise tradition of not hanging a banner that is not from an NBA championship. But Buss seems to believe that the in-season tournament deserves special attention.
In addition to the new installation, the tourney banner itself will be distinctive. The management has decided to use a different color and shape for the IST championship banner. This will remind them of the “honor” as well as “recognize” the “distinction among titles”, as reported by Charania.
The Lakers‘ new banner for their home arena will be a different shape and color than the existing NBA championship banners to make it distinct. The team wants to honor the moment but recognizes its distinction among titles.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2023
Even though this was a bold stance, it is quite an achievement. The IST finals were special in more ways than one.
Lakers take a step back from their previous stand
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A day before the Finals, the purple and gold had asserted their position of not hanging the IST championship banner were they to win it. According to Arash Markazi of The Messenger, the Lakers had verified their franchise tradition. Since they do not hang banners for Division or Conference titles, the same would be followed here.
Yet, the IST win and everything that happened before, after, and during must have been what prompted a change of heart. Anthony Davis had the best night for the in-season tournament. Facing backlash for his performances throughout this season, the Brow just squashed all of those with one game.
AD posted a mighty 41-point performance, along with 20 rebounds, four blocks, and five assists. In addition, he also scored the most field goals [67] of any player throughout the tournament. Just one more reason to celebrate the victory. The Lakers will get back to regular season when they face the Dallas Mavericks tomorrow.
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What do you make of the Lakers’ decision to hang an IST banner?
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