LeBron James was on a mission against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Los Angeles Lakers went head-to-head against Zion Williamson and Co. in Las Vegas to fight for a spot in the final of the in-season tournament. It looked like King James was desperate to add the NBA Cup to his Hall of Fame resume as he channeled his inner Stephen Curry in Sin City. The 4-time Champion scored 11 straight points in the second quarter, including 3 straight threes, giving the Lakers a 13-point lead at the half.

Not only did LeBron dominate the Pelicans from the three-point line, but he checkmated the 284lbs bulldozer Zion Williamson on defense three times in the first half.

LeBron James enters Beast Mode in Las Vegas

King James went into Stephen Curry mode in the 2nd quarter and shot 3 of 3 from beyond the arc. He even pulled up from the in-season tournament logo, shocking the fans at the T-Mobile Arena. Apart from going ballistic on offense, LeBron also put in a lot of effort in defense. He took three charges in the first half to checkmate Zion Williamson and Co. NBA Writer Vincent Goodwill was in awe of the grit and determination from the 38-year-old, “I think that’s three charges LeBron has taken in the first half. Where does he find the energy?”

Even at 38, LeBron James knows how to take over games when it matters the most. He scored 21 points in just 16 minutes, while none of the Pelicans players could crack the double digits in the first half. Pelicans star Zion Williamson scored only 9 points in the first period. 21 years into the league, and the King is showing no signs of slowing down. He has led the Lakers to a 14-9 record, and they now have a chance to lift the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.

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What will winning the NBA Cup mean to LeBron James?

The Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers on December 9 for a chance to win the NBA Cup. LeBron James has won almost every award in the NBA during his 21-year Hall of Fame career. And becoming the first-ever winner of the NBA Cup will be another feather in his cap.

Currently, the in-season tournament does not hold much value in the eyes of the players and the fans because it is a new initiative. But some years down the line, the NBA Cup has the potential to become a trophy that players chase to add to their legacy.

With how successful the tournament has been in its first year, it is certainly here to stay. Winning the NBA Cup will not only add to LeBron’s legacy, but it will also give the Lakers motivation to bring another Championship to LA.

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