The Los Angeles Lakers hit a financial slam dunk as their players saw their salaries nearly double following a triumphant win in the In-Season Tournament. Each player is set to pocket a $500,000 cash prize, turning the victory into a substantial bonus for some and a modest uptick for others.
5 Lakers are receiving a more than 25% bonus
LeBron James $47.6m 1%
Anthony Davis $40.6m 1%
D'Angelo Russell $17.3m 3%
Rui Hachimura $15.7m 3%
Austin Reaves $12.0m 4%
Gabe Vincent $10.5m 5%
Jarred… pic.twitter.com/MLn4f5bVwj
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) December 10, 2023
For rising talent D’Moi Hodge, the cash windfall represents an impressive 89% boost to his overall salary, given his 24 years of age. In contrast, basketball legend LeBron James, often regarded as the GOAT, experiences a more marginal increase—a mere 1% bonus to his staggering $47,607,350 season earnings, according to Sportrac.
Varying Bonus Reactions Across Lakers’ Roster
The disparity in reactions to the bonus is evident across the roster. Players like Colin Castleton and Alex Fudge, on $560,000 contracts, enjoy an 89% increase. Cam Reddish, with a healthy $2.3 million salary, receives a cool 23% bonus from the half-million prize. The Lakers’ top stars, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, find themselves in the 1% bonus range, while other regulars fall between 5-20%, as indicated in a tweet.
Despite varying financial impacts, the significance of winning the NBA’s inaugural cup competition extends beyond monetary gains. The triumph adds a historical chapter to the team’s legacy, with LeBron James leading the charge and earning the well-deserved MVP title for his determination and stellar performance throughout the tournament.
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While the $500,000 might not significantly alter the financial landscape for some, the victory holds enduring value in the annals of the NBA. LeBron’s unwavering commitment and inspired play underscore the team’s journey to victory, proving that, even for seasoned stars, the thrill of winning can be a powerful motivator.