Although LeBron James’ reputation is already etched in history, he still aspires to become the first-ever NBA in-season tournament champion before hanging up his sneakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89, led by James’ 30 points in just 23 minutes, to move on to the first-ever in-season tournament final.

Anthony Davis, the center for the Lakers, commented of the atmosphere, “It was amazing.” None of us have ever participated in an in-season event, much less the finals. The buzz surrounding it, the mood, the intensity, and the sense of rivalry it fosters among groups. I anticipate having a good time.”

During the tournament, the Lakers moved to a perfect 6-0 record and defeated the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson in the first-ever December showcase.

“The in-season tournament has been good to us,” James stated. However, on Saturday, we had to finish our breakfast. That’s what comes first.”

No one could have predicted a tournament like this in the middle of the NBA season twenty years ago. LeBron has been in the league for that amount of time.

LeBron was in the same 2003 NBA Draft class as current Pelicans head coach Willie Green, which explains why his NBA career has lasted so long. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected James with the first overall pick in the draft, while the Seattle Supersonics—a team that no longer exists—selected Green 40 picks later.

Twenty years later, James and Green were creating history in the NBA’s first-ever in-season competition. The Lakers will now have the opportunity to win an NBA in-season tournament for the first time, and they will also be $50,000 richer.

Head coach Darvin Ham of the Lakers responded, “I just know we came into this year wanting to build continuity and cohesiveness as quickly as possible,” when asked if he had discussed winning this tournament with his players. “Once the prize money and trophy were announced, it became evident to all that it aligned perfectly with our goals. Our goal is to establish a cadence and excel as a team.”

But Tyrese Haliburton and the young Indiana Pacers continue to obstruct their path.

The 23-year-old Haliburton and Indiana’s fastest and most effective offense will face the Lakers, one of the league’s oldest teams and home to LeBron James, the oldest player in the NBA.

In reference to Haliburton and the Pacers, Ham stated, “We’re definitely going to have our hands full.” “We can’t take them for granted by any stretch.”

James Harden and Tyrese Haliburton

At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday night, guard Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers (left) and forward LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) compete in the NBA in-season tournament semifinals.

The boisterous quarterfinal setting at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tuesday was a far cry from the mood at T-Mobile Arena.

There was a change in both landscape and mindset when the semifinals moved to the neutral location. There were more Lakers fans present for the second game than any other fan base, in contrast to the first semifinal between the Pacers and Bucks, which felt more like a glorified summer league game.

The fight night stage lighting and the blue-and-red painted court inside T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night, however, would make you think otherwise. Even with a few NBA Hall of Famers and celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and Dr. Julius Erving present courtside, the atmosphere lacked the thrill of a typical Lakers home game.

Regarding the surroundings on Thursday night, James remarked, “One thing I learned is the funky courts don’t bother us.” “Today, my trainer informed me that I have never participated in a Final Four in my professional career. I’ve participated in single-elimination competitions previously, but never in an NBA setting with actual NBA players. This is undoubtedly a more intense experience.”

The NBA observed a moment of silence prior to the game in honor of the victims of Wednesday’s deadly shooting, which happened just down the street. On the UNLV campus, a lone gunman opened fire, killing three faculty members before authorities could stop him.

From the moment the game began, it was all Lakers. The purple and gold used runs of 7-0, 14-0, and 8-0 to extend their lead to 30 points midway through the third quarter, extending their lead from 13 points at the half.

The Lakers rested their starters and used their bench to sweep the floor in the fourth quarter, when they led by as many as 42 points. James did not participate in the game’s last seventeen minutes.

For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III scored a team-high 14 points, while Ingram, Williamson, and C.J. McCollum combined for just 31 points.

LeBron James stated on Tuesday, following his team’s thrilling quarterfinal victory against the Suns, that he is aware Father Time is unbeaten, but he’s “trying to hand him his first loss.” James, who is in his 21st NBA season, demonstrated on Thursday night that he is still capable of playing at an MVP level. On Saturday, he will look to hand the Pacers their first tournament defeat.

“Without a doubt,” Ham responded when asked if LeBron James had been the season’s MVP thus far. “Considering his style and skill level, how is he performing? That is obvious.”

At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the NBA mid-season tournament championship gets underway on Saturday night at 5:40 PM PT.