Last season, the NBA set out to elevate the excitement of its already thrilling schedule. They introduced a groundbreaking challenge—the Emirates NBA Cup, also known as the NBA In-Season Tournament. To give fans even more to cheer for, the league unveiled this mid-season spectacle. The league designed it to push teams beyond their limits and ignite fierce competition. Though adding such a tournament to an already packed calendar seemed daunting, one name shifted the tides—LeBron James. When the King himself signed on, it signaled to the rest of them that this was more than just another trophy. It was a new arena to conquer.

On the Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast, former Timberwolves star Austin Rivers and his close friend Pausha Haghighi break down the true power of the “LeBron James effect” on the new tournament. LeBron’s involvement alone gave Adam Silver’s bold vision a major lift. Beyond the name, understanding the strategy is key to seeing how this tournament could reshape the NBA waters.

Pausha Haghighi notes that NBA stars enjoy other sports for fun but are critical of basketball. Austin Rivers previously emphasized how LeBron James’ name alone gave the In-Season Tournament instant credibility. “People didn’t care, but LeBron winning the first in-season tournament kind of makes it like a thing now right?” Haghighi said. He speculated that when the league pitched the idea to players like Jayson Tatum or Anthony Edwards, mentioning King LeBron’s involvement likely made their decision easier.

Austin Rivers further solidified his friend’s opinions by adding: “I think that (LeBron James) was probably the first guy they approached.” Rivers further said, “It’s like once, that’s like anything man for our pod or anything. You start with a big name.”  The ex-NBA star concluded: “It gets a little bit easier it’s like getting Jordan on a dream team. Once you get the big domino to fall, then everybody kind of falls.” Interestingly, the NBA veteran compared LeBron James to the legendary Michael Jordan. This isn’t new, but there’s a twist. Their influence on the league is now under the microscope.

Moreover, by winning the inaugural season of the new tournament, LeBron James and Co. have set the bar. However, with controversy coating Adam Silver‘s ‘masterplan’ what will the NBA In-Season Tournament be like in 2024? Meanwhile, the bets are on the Lakers to win for the second time in a row!

LeBron James’ 24 points show in the NBA Cup and some controversies trailing behind

The Los Angeles Lakers added another silverware to their trophy cabinet in December last year. They became the first team to win the inaugural In-Season Tournament, with 24 points from LeBron James. The King also became the MVP of the tournament thus adding another feather to his hat. Meanwhile, the Lakers big man Anthony Davis put up a stellar show against Indiana, finishing with 41 points and 20 rebounds. On the other hand, Pacers frontman Tyrese Haliburton found himself in the ‘Pantheon of the Greats’ with 20 points and 11 assists for his team.

However, the road to the final was a story of criticism, frustration, and controversies for James’ side. So, the Lakers had advanced to the semifinals after a questionable win against the Phoenix Suns. The match was a contentious 106-103 score. With 11.2 seconds left, the Lakers led by two when LeBron called a timeout after Austin Reaves lost the ball. This led to a flare of disapproval from the opponent’s end. The Suns claimed that the ball was loose and that no timeout should have been given. However, officials ruled that Reaves had control when the timeout was called, securing possession for the Lakers.

Devin Booker and Co. expressed their frustration over LeBron James’ tactical timeout call, but to no avail. The NBA stood by the decision despite the controversy and showed that the Last 2 Minutes reports said the call was correct. Thus clearing all the allegations from the Lakers. Well, 2024 will see the return of the NBA Cup; with improved regulations hopefully, there will be more clarity over the referee’s decisions.

Most importantly, can the Lakers continue defending their title this year? It’s a million-dollar question worth pondering over. But, we’ve got to wait until November for the In-Season Tournament to roll out to know what’s waiting for us. Until then, stay curious about the yet-to-unfold NBA action.