As the probable first-ever winners of the NBA In-Season Tournament and NBA Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers are about to create history. The Lakers’ point guard, D’Angelo Russell, has been a key component of the team’s perfect tournament run, demonstrating his development since the Lakers selected him in the 2015 draft.
All six of the team’s victories in the In-Season Tournament have been attributed to Russell, especially his memorable games against the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. For Russell, winning this historic tournament would mean a great deal—both personally and as a member of the Lakers team.
But Russell’s plans for the possible $500,000 prize money, should the Lakers win, shocked the fans. Instead of making a conventional investment, he made a lighthearted announcement that he would use the winnings to pay for his summer vacation and all-star breaks.
After defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 in the semifinals, the Lakers guaranteed their place in the NBA Finals. Russell cemented his position as the team’s primary ball handler with a game-high 14 points and three rebounds.
Russell has made roughly $155 million in his career, so his playful attitude toward possible winnings is understandable given his wealth of NBA experience.
