The Los Angeles Lakers are the first winners of the debut IN-Season tournament. There has been a lot of talk about whether there should be a banner raised for this In-Season tournament championship. In all fairness, if they hang this banner, there would be little room left in the Crypto Arena rafters. The Lakers have a storied history of 17 NBA championships. As per the Lakers, there is a policy about banners that only allows it to be hanged if it’s a traditional end-of-season championship trophy. 

That’s exactly what Austin Reaves has to say if there needs to be a banner for the IST tournament. After this triumph, the Lakers are the most winningest team in NBA history. 

Austin Reaves doesn’t think the Lakers will raise the banner 

Austin Reaves joined the ‘Run it back show’ on Fanduel TV to chime in if the Lakers should hanger IST banner. This is what he said, “The Lakers are so used to winning championships, like actual championships, I don’t think we’ll raise a banner.”

He added, “But you know it is the first time for anybody to win that tournament, so that’s special. I will be happy with both. But hopefully, we can raise like a real championship this year.” Perhaps given more time, the tournament might be valued more to have it in the portfolio. Nonetheless, the Lakers played it with the same passion as they would for the championship ring. The Lakers don’t hang banners for Western Conference titles, or Pacific Division titles, so only time will tell if IST will make it to the Lakers’ rafter. But they are now leading with one additional cup against rival Celtics. 

The Celtics and Lakers are tied at 17 championships 

The rivalries of most successful franchises date back to the beginning of the NBA. The Celtics and Lakers have 34 NBA championships combined, which accounts for the most championships by any two teams in the league. The Lakers dominated in the 1950s and became the NBA’s first dynasty. The Celtics rose to the top in the late 1950s and defended their championship seven times in a row, setting a record of consecutive championship triumphs that remains unmatched to this day.

READ MORE: Why the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament Win Will Hold Greater Significance Down the Line?

The Celtics have struggled lately, and their last championship came in 2008 against the Lakers. LeBron matched the record of 17 championship wins in 2020. The Lakers now have one more NBA title cup with an option to put it in the Lakers arena. What do you think they should do? Let us know in the comments.

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