For the newest members of the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA Cup is merely a prelude to their grander aspirations. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while the league envisioned this in-season tournament as a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled event, some players see it as just another game. Is the NBA Cup losing its luster, or are the Lakers simply focused on bigger prizes? Let’s dive in.
In the quiet hum of El Segundo, California, there was no palpable tension ahead of the Lakers’ NBA Cup quarterfinal clash with the San Antonio Spurs. No visible signs of heightened emotion, no edge from the single-elimination format, and no overt desire to chase the prize money or add another trophy to the franchise’s already crowded case. For Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, two players accustomed to winning championships with the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns, respectively, the NBA Cup doesn’t quite ignite the same fire.
“It’s just another game,” Smart remarked matter-of-factly. Ayton echoed a similar sentiment, albeit with a hint of indifference: “Cool court.” And this is the part most people miss: for these players, the thrill of competing for the Lakers—a franchise steeped in championship legacy—is motivation enough. The daily reminder of past and present greatness, from future Hall of Famers on the roster to the storied history of the organization, keeps their eyes on the ultimate prize: an NBA championship.
To be fair, the Lakers’ journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite injuries disrupting their rhythm, they boast the second-best record in the Western Conference. The NBA Cup, while not their primary focus, serves as a testament to their resilience and progress. Yet, it’s clear that for Smart and Ayton, joining the Lakers was about reclaiming the sense of purpose they felt in their championship-winning days—a purpose that seemed to fade during their stints with less competitive teams.
Smart, in particular, has been a linchpin for the Lakers’ defense. During his six-game absence due to a back injury, the team’s defense slipped to the sixth-worst in the league. JJ Redick aptly described Smart as the team’s “primary tone-setter” with his physicality and intensity. His return couldn’t come at a better time, with tough opponents like De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle standing between the Lakers and the Cup semifinals.
“When he’s healthy, he’s a game-changer,” Redick said of Smart. “We’re still integrating him, just like we’re integrating LeBron. But his impact is undeniable.”
For Smart, the Lakers offer something he’s craved since leaving Boston: the chance to play for something meaningful. Reflecting on his time with the Grizzlies and Wizards, he admitted, “You start questioning things when the games don’t matter as much. But here, with the Lakers, you feel that tradition again. You see the effort, the drive, and you think, ‘Damn, I want to be part of this.’”
Ayton shares this sentiment. “Every day, I see LeBron and Luka (Dončić), and I know we have a shot,” he said. “The little things—practice, lifts, cardio—they all matter because we’re surrounded by Hall of Famers who want to win. You have to bring your best to fit into this puzzle.”
But here’s the controversial question: Is the NBA Cup truly a stepping stone to greater glory, or is it becoming an afterthought for teams with championship aspirations? While the Lakers view it as a benchmark of their progress, it’s clear their sights are set on a much larger prize. Does this diminish the Cup’s significance, or does it simply highlight the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of excellence?
What do you think? Is the NBA Cup a meaningful competition, or is it overshadowed by the ultimate goal of an NBA championship? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
