This Friday, against the Spurs, the Lakers begin the defense of their title won in December 2023. The Californians have indeed won the first edition of the “NBA Cup” and they will want to retain the throne.
Especially since in addition to the prestige of winning a trophy, the reward is rather attractive: $514,970 for each player on the winning team. It’s almost 15,000 dollars more than last season and these 500,000 greenbacks had weighed on the minds of the young Lakers.
“We just wanted the money. This is the most important. Last season, we were very motivated”recognizes Rui Hachimura very clearly. “$500,000 is $500,000”adds Austin Reaves, who had earned less than $2.5 million in two years before the start of last season.
This sum was therefore important for him, as it is for rookie Dalton Knecht, paid 3.8 million this season. “I need this money”he smiles.
“I don’t think that, because it’s a Cup match, we have to change the way we see things”
Obviously, for veterans, this check is less motivating. The proof with LeBron James, who first thinks of Gregg Popovich and his fragile health, or even with Anthony Davis, 268 million dollars in salary accumulated since the start of his career season.
“We know that there were a lot of discussions last season but we approach each match, regular season or NBA Cup, in the same way,” ensures the interior. “I don’t think that, because it’s a Cup match, we have to change the way we see things. We play matches the same way. »
Same logic for JJ Redick, who will also be rewarded if the Lakers do the double. “I expect the guys to be competitive. I said it last season: we don’t need to give these players a reason to give their all.” explains the coach. “They wake up in the morning wanting to be good. And these meetings count for the regular season. Every match is important. »
