LeBron James powered the Lakers to a spot in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament final with a spectacular 30-point, eight-assist, five-rebound performance in a 133–89 win Thursday night against the Pelicans in Las Vegas.
He also put his body on the line to draw three charges to help set the tone for his team during the semifinal victory.
After the game, reporters had a key question for James after his outstanding performance. Isn’t he a little old to be taking all those charges in December?
“Listen man, not for that 500 [thousand dollars], I ain’t,” James replied, which elicited a chorus of laughter from reporters.
Reporter: “Aren’t you a little old to be taking charges in December?”
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) December 8, 2023
LeBron:pic.twitter.com/bwb1z7wtPP
Of course, James was referring to the $500,000 bonus that each player receives if his team wins the NBA Cup.
James and the Lakers will take on Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers in a stand-alone, prime-time final Saturday night.
Haliburton put on a masterful performance of his own to clinch the Pacers’ spot in the final, conjuring a 27-point, 15-assist, seven-rebound game in Indiana’s 128–119 win against the Bucks on Thursday.
The Lakers (14–9) and Pacers (12–8) tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
