“Ain’t Like How They Were Celebrating”: Ex-NBA Champion Takes Sly Dig at Lakers’ In-Season Cup Triumph, Advising Them to “Just Relax”

The Los Angeles Lakers put the league on notice with their exceptional showing during the In-season tournament finals. The Lakers channeled their Bubble Championship form as they routed the young core of the Indiana Pacers to claim the first-ever NBA Cup. Although the tourney final, in no shape or form, was even close to an NBA final game, it was still a win or perhaps a step towards one. Naturally, a win warrants celebration.

However, the Lakers’ exuberant celebration might have irked a former NBA Champion.

Former Indiana Pacers guard advises Lakers to “just relax”

The Lakers are going all out with their celebrations. They’ll be hanging up a banner to commemorate this feat which will be placed alongside the franchise’s 17 NBA championship banners and the retired jerseys of their players. The celebrations also included popping champagne bottles and little dance routines in the locker room. However, their overenthusiastic celebration drew a sarcastic remark from Jeff Teague. “I ain’t like how they was celebrating. I’m like, ‘Y’all play again on Monday. Just relax,'” remarked Teague in a recent episode of the Club 520 Podcast.

However, he contradicted his initial remark by divulging that he would’ve been hyped too because of the $500k prize purse. Unfortunately, for the Lakers squad, although the prize money was $500k, they took home even less than half of it.

Lakers set to lose 50% of their in-season earnings

Due to California’s taxation policy, the Lakers lost more than 50% of their prize money to hefty taxes. Since they gained $500k in a day, 50% of it will be deducted due to federal and state income tax, leaving them with only $231,000. Although this number may be insignificant for veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it still means a lot to the baby Lakers. Many players on the roster won’t earn even close to that amount in the next couple of seasons combined; hence, even $231k was a major boost.

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Following the victory, the Lakers are ready to get back to the regular-season grind when they meet the Dallas Mavericks tonight. This will be their second meeting this season after Dallas overpowered them in the first one. Therefore, the Lakers will look forward to continuing their momentum as they gear up to avenge the previous game’s loss.

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What are your predictions for tonight’s matchup? Let us know in the comments!