We examine the significance and design of the NBA Cup, which the Los Angeles Lakers bagged for winning the NBA In-Season Tournament 2023 along with the trophy price and name
In the championship game of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 123-109, and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers earned the title of Most Valuable Player for the tournament.
NBA In-Season Tournament 2023 trophy designer, height, weight, price, materials, name and prize money
After their noteworthy victory, the Lakers secured the NBA Cup and received a cash prize of $500,000.
The Lakers beat the Pacers to go UNDEFEATED and WIN THE NBA CUP!
LEBRON WINS ANOTHER TROPHY FOR THE LAKERS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/SfufX7a92i
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 10, 2023
Which team will lift the 2023 NBA Cup after winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament?
The Los Angeles Lakers, who emerged victorious in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, will receive prize money for both players and coaching staff, along with a distinctive trophy known as the NBA Cup. In addition to this prestigious NBA Cup trophy, each player on the victorious team will receive an In-Season Tournament Medal, a tradition observed in numerous basketball competitions globally, such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics.
Notably, the NBA Cup trophy takes the form of a diamond ring with eight prongs that extend into cup channels. Tiffany & Co, collaborating with artist Victor Solomon, crafted this unique trophy, introducing an innovative element to the league’s trophy collection while acknowledging the tournament’s significance.
The NBA Cup, marking the inaugural year of the tournament, stands at a height of 23 inches with 18-inch prongs and a five-inch base, incorporating features from both the Eastern and Western Conference championship bases. In contrast, the Larry O’Brien Trophy, presented to the NBA Finals champion, has a slightly greater height of 25.5 inches.
What is the design significance of the NBA Cup?
Notably, the NBA Cup has a weight of 35 pounds and represents the three groups of five teams in each conference that make up the In-Season Tournament’s Group Play. Additional details on the trophy pay tribute to the opening round, such as 30 net openings on the base for all 30 NBA teams, eight prongs for teams advancing to the Knockout Rounds, and a three-tier base representing the three required wins in the Knockout Rounds.
Although the NBA Cup’s cost hasn’t been disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that the trophy carries a substantial price tag. The NBA Cup, made from sterling silver and embellished with 24-karat gold vermeil and black ceramic coating, highlights its connection to the NBA’s trophy legacy, representing the pinnacle of achievement. Additionally, the incorporation of black coloring serves as a distinctive feature, signifying the tournament’s status as a recent addition to the NBA.