The bubbly was flowing in the Lakers’ locker room on Saturday night.
LeBron James got the celebrations rolling in Las Vegas after his Lakers topped the Pacers, 123-109, to become the champions of the inaugural In-Season Tournament.
In videos shared on social media, the 38-year-old James can be seen popping a bottle of champagne and spraying it in the locker room amongst his teammates.
LeBron James sprays champagne in the Lakers’ locker room following the team’s In-Season Tournament win on Dec. 9, 2023. NBA X “We made history,” James said after the win. “Any time you’re on the right side of history, you take it. The first In-Season Tournament belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers. That will never ever be topped. Ever.”
James scored 24 points in the championship contest, along with 11 rebounds and four assists before being named the first-ever MVP of the In-Season Tournament.
Teammate Anthony Davis put up 41 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in the final, with head coach Darvin Ham lauding the duo as ” a hell of a one-two punch.”
The Lakers celebrate their In-Season Tournament win over the Pacers in Las Vegas on Dec. 9, 2023. Anadolu via Getty Images
LeBron James won the In-Season Tournament MVP title on Dec. 9, 2023. NBAE via Getty Images
Anthony Davis and LeBron James speak following the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament win on Dec. 9, 2023. NBAE via Getty Images“That one or two could be either one of them on any given night. At the end of the day, they know how to take it to the next level when everything is on the line,” Ham said.
As the post-game celebrations continued, the Lakers — currently 14-9 this season — drank from the NBA Cup.
Beyond the award, Lakers players will receive $500,000 for the tournament win. Those on two-way deals will only receive half.
The already memorable weekend for James will continue on Sunday when his eldest son, USC freshman Bronny James, is expected to play in his first game for the Trojans.
Bronny, 19, suffered cardiac arrest while practicing at USC in July.
He was cleared for a full return in late November.
The Trojans will host the Long Beach State 49ers on Sunday afternoon.
