REPORT: Lakers Unlikely to Hang Banner If They Win In-Season Tournament

As the NBA In-Season Tournament (IST) Finals approach, questions arise about how winning teams would celebrate this new honor. While teams receive a trophy for winning the tournament, the possibility of raising a banner was discussed. The Los Angeles Lakers, known for their prestigious history with 17 NBA titles, including 13 recognized by the team, are reportedly leaning toward not hanging an IST banner if they emerge victorious.

I’m told the Lakers currently have no plans to change their stance on only hanging banners for NBA championships. They don’t hang banners for Western Conference titles, Pacific Division titles and (for now) potential NBA In-Season Tournament titles, only NBA titles.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) December 8, 2023

The debate over hanging banners is often subjective and varies among NBA franchises. Some teams raise banners for division or conference victories, while others, particularly those with a rich championship history, reserve their rafters for NBA title banners and retired player jerseys.

In the case of the Lakers, who traditionally prioritize NBA titles, the idea of hanging a banner for an in-season tournament is met with skepticism. The Lakers have a legacy marked by NBA championships, and their rafters predominantly display banners commemorating these titles.

The IST, introduced by the NBA as a new initiative to increase fan engagement, faces challenges in gaining the same level of importance as NBA championships. The Lakers, as one of the league's iconic franchises, might set a precedent if they decide not to hang an IST banner. Conversely, if they choose to raise one, it could potentially influence the perceived significance of the tournament.

While no official decision has been confirmed, reports suggest that the Lakers are unlikely to hang an IST banner, aligning with their historical emphasis on NBA championships. However, the landscape of the IST and how winning teams choose to commemorate it remains an evolving aspect of the NBA's efforts to integrate new traditions.