To some, the NBA Cup is a divisive tournament that lacks history, relevance and importance. But those who say that are simply deniers of the mystique of the NBA Cup.

From the moment it launched as the In-Season Tournament, the Lakers have respected what the competition meant. Their reward for doing so was the inaugural title.

That team established a culture of being real NBA Cup Respecters, something that carries on to this current squad. Prior to Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka spoke on Spectrum about a variety of topics, including the Cup.

“If we win tonight, we clinch in our group, which is amazing,” Pelinka said. “I think it means real money for the guys as they split the pot. But more than anything, we’d love to get to Vegas. O

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