LeBron James Named MVP for 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament As Kevin Durant Predicted

LeBron James will be adding to his collection of hardware.

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James was voted tournament MVP after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament Championship on Saturday night.

His effective play enabled the Lakers to outgun one of the league’s most potent attacks. In 35 minutes versus Indiana, the four-time league MVP had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists while converting on 10 of his 21 field goal attempts.

Throughout Los Angeles’ playoff run, the 38-year-old delivered numerous outstanding performances, leading the team to victories over the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals and the New Orleans Pelicans in the semifinals.

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James outperformed Kevin Durant against Phoenix, scoring 31 points, handing out 11 assists, and posting a season-high five steals. His heroics were enough to propel the Lakers to a 106-103 victory and a trip to Las Vegas.

James scored 30 points in only 23 minutes of action for the Lakers against the Pelicans. He made nine of his twelve field goal tries, including a perfect 4-4 mark from long range. This includes a run in the first half when he hit three jumpers from behind the arc in a row, including a triple from the NBA logo.

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The 19-time All-Star entered the night ranked second on the NBA’s In-Season Tournament MVP ladder, trailing Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, but Los Angeles’ win on Saturday night, combined with James’ outstanding play, was enough to earn him the honor.

The four-time NBA Champion has continued to outperform expectations throughout the 2023-24 season, averaging 25.0 points and 6.6 assists per game on 55.3 percent shooting while leading the Lakers to a 14-9 record entering Saturday’s action.