After securing a decisive victory in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the Los Angeles Lakers not only added another trophy to LeBron James’ collection but also ensured a $500,000 bonus for each player. Austin Reaves, a Lakers player, shared insights on the postgame celebration and the anticipation surrounding the monetary reward during an interview on ‘Run It Back’ on FanDuel TV.
“Honestly I still don’t know the answer to that question. Someone told me the latest we get it, January 15th but I don’t know.”
“No, I don’t think anybody has gotten any of their money yet but you know all the young guys were running around, you know even before the game you know please win, please win.”
“Two ways were like this. $150,000 game for us, we need you to win.” (2:58)
Reaves mentioned the excitement among the young players, emphasizing the financial significance of the win. He disclosed that there is uncertainty about the exact date when players will receive their $500,000 bonus, with the latest possible timeframe being January 15th.
Despite the lack of clarity on the payout schedule, Reaves humorously recounted the eagerness of the younger players, expressing their pleas for a victory even before the game started.
Anthony Davis played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ success during the tournament, delivering a spectacular performance with 41 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks in the finals. LeBron James was rightfully named the MVP of the tournament, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
While the Lakers celebrated their triumph on the court, the anticipation for the $500,000 bonus added an extra layer of excitement for the players, with Reaves shedding light on the team’s humorous interactions regarding the financial windfall.
In-Season Tournament Prize Money Changed 3 Lakers Players’ Lives
The impact of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament prize money goes beyond the glitz of victory, especially for players in the league who aren’t commanding superstar salaries. The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent triumph not only secured them the inaugural title but also transformed the lives of three two-way players—Colin Castleton, Alex Fudge, and D’Moi Hodge.
For these players, who were earning a modest salary of $559,782 before the championship win, the $500,000 bonus represented a seismic shift in their financial status. Overnight, their salaries nearly doubled, soaring to $1.09 million.
The bonus is a life-changing moment for these young players, signifying their ascent to the status of millionaires. The significance of the prize money is underscored by the fact that, immediately after securing the victory, their first inquiry was about the timeline for receiving their hard-earned bonus.
This financial windfall serves as a powerful motivator, not just for the Lakers‘ two-way players but for players across the league who may not command multi-million-dollar contracts. The tournament’s rewards offer a tangible and immediate benefit, elevating the financial standing of players who contribute significantly to their teams but may not be in the upper echelons of NBA salaries.
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