Rui Hachimura Explains Lakers’ Motivation in NBA Cup: ‘We Just Want the Money’

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IINovember 15, 2024

Harry How/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura spoke the truth on the motivation for winning the Emirates NBA Cup during a chat with reporters Thuesday.

LoJo Media @LoJoMediaRui Hachimura on the NBA Cup: “We just want the money.” 🤣 #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/08IHRNQze4

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportRui has his sights set on the bag 😂💰 pic.twitter.com/rKvm8a941z

“We just want the money,” forward Rui Hachimura said Thursday, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. “I think that’s the one thing … last year, we were very motivated. We have the big prize.”

Hachimura and the rest of the Lakers who won the 2023 In-Season Tournament took home a cool $500,000 last year. Now named the NBA Cup, players on the winning team will see a slightly increase share of $514,970 apiece.

While the average annual salary of $11,185,262 and median salary of $5,780,074.50 both crush that figure, it’s unlikely players are going to scoff at winning an extra half million. That’s still a ton of extra money for anyone.

“I’m sure the richest guy in the world would be happy to get $500,000,” Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, owner of a $93 million contract, said last season, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. “We’re all excited about that opportunity to get some extra cash.”

Of course, players on the NBA minimum salary scale would see a massive percentage increase in pay if they’re on the winning Cup team. NBA teams who lose in the quarterfinals still get $51,497 per player, while semifinal losers hit six figures ($102,994). The players on the losing NBA Cup final team win $205,988.

As for the Lakers, they begin their NBA Cup title defense Friday with a road game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma Thunder are also in their group.