The Los Angeles Lakers punched their ticket to Las Vegas after eliminating the Phoenix Suns in the quarter-final of the in-season tournament on Tuesday. LeBron James and Co. got the better of Phoenix in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. The Lakers managed to come out on top with the help of King James’ heroic 4th quarter, Austin Reaves’ clutch shot, and a controversial assist from the officials.

LeBron James and Co. are all set to play the semi-final game against the New Orleans Pelicans tomorrow. But a harsh announcement by the NBA broke several hearts in LA, ahead of their trip to Las Vegas.

Lakers receive heartbreaking news before trip to Las Vegas

The Lakers are undefeated in the inaugural in-season tournament. They topped their group by winning all 4 games and continued their dominant form in the knockout stage by eliminating Kevin Durant and Co. in the quarter-final. For three of those games, the Lakers wore their black alternative “city edition” uniforms. The all-black uniforms revealed earlier this year have been a rage among fans and the players. But the NBA has announced that LeBron James and Co. are not allowed to wear those uniforms in the knockout stages in Las Vegas because it will provide a visual contrast with the newly designed court in the T-Mobile Arena.

The Lakers will instead wear their gold “icon” jerseys as per the schedule on their website. One Lakers player expressed his frustration after the announcement, “That’s a**”. Zion Williamson and Co., on the other hand, will wear their white “Association” uniforms against the Lakers. Knowing how superstitious athletes can be, a change in their uniforms could ruin the Lakers’ run in the in-season tournament.

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Can the Lakers win in Vegas despite the big change?

Although the Lakers will not be allowed to wear their “city” edition uniforms in tomorrow’s game, they cannot let that hinder their performance. LeBron James and Co. have been in elite form throughout the in-season tournament, and it will be another feather in LeBron’s cap if he wins the first-ever NBA Cup. King James played his heart out in the quarter-final against the Suns and dominated with a near triple-double performance. He registered 31 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 5 steals, on a historic night for him.

LeBron’s co-star Anthony Davis has also been in incredible form and scored 27 points and 15 rebounds in the last game. Even though the game had a controversial finish due to the referee’s late game time-out call, the Lakers have proven that they belong in the Final 4.

With LeBron’s dream to own a team in Las Vegas someday, it will be great if he starts building his Vegas legacy with a win in the semi-final. Do you believe the Lakers will be the first-ever winners of the NBA in-season tournament?

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