Lakers punch ticket to knockout round

James had 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in just 24 minutes as the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth and final in-season tournament game over the Utah Jazz, 131-99. The win clinched a spot in the knockout round of the tournament, where they'll be hosting a quarterfinal game.

There are only three undefeated Western Conference teams in the in-season tournament, and the other two - the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves - play each other on Friday. So the Lakers are guaranteed to have one of the top two West spots.

The members of the winning team earn $500K, which would seem like a pittance to billionaire James. But for players on minimum deals like Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish, who left early with a groin strain, the prize money would make a huge difference in their earnings.

It's also interesting that the Lakers are playing so hard for the in-season tournament taking place in Las Vegas, a potential location for an expansion team that James has publicly expressed a strong interest in owning. Another former Laker great, Shaquille O'Neal, also wants in on the new franchise if it ends up in Sin City.

The Lakers have the inside track on the NBA Cup. James may have the inside track on a Vegas team. It's not a fifth title for James, but it might be the next best thing.