The NBA Cup has been around for quite some time now, and many players are still learning about it and learning to embrace it. Some players and teams treat it like raising a banner for the in-season tournament could be equivalent to winning an NBA Championship. Others keep the focus on that latter scenario, and nothing else matters.
For Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes, he knows one thing about the NBA Cup: More money.
"Free money," Hayes said to a laughing group of reporters. "If we win we get 500K. That's all I know. That's all that matters."
When reminded that there is a trip to Las Vegas involved, Hayes didn't hesitate to talk down any excitement for that.
"I couldn't care less about Vegas-I hate Vegas, to be fair. I just want the money," Hayes concluded.
In order to get players more invested in the fairly new tournament, the NBA added a financial incentive, which Hayes has clearly embraced. Without a long-term deal in place with the Lakers, some extra cash won't hurt for the veteran big man.
This season, Hayes is making $3.4 million in guaranteed money. Over the past two seasons with the Lakers, Hayes collected $4.6 million.
Going into Tuesday's action, the Lakers are set to play the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams are unbeaten when it comes to NBA Cup play. When it comes to point differential, the Lakers lead West Group B at plus-19. The Clippers are at plus-eight.
All the Lakers have to do to win the group is beat the Clippers. If the Clippers manage to get the victory, they could win the group with a Memphis Grizzlies loss. Tuesday night will be the first meeting between the Lakers and the Clippers. Last season, the Lakers won three out of four games during the regular season. This year, the Clippers are 5-12, winning just two of their last 10 games.
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