The Lakers emerged as the champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers, and the team commemorated their win by raising the banner on Monday night during a game against the New York Knicks.

The IST, being in its first year, had many uncertainties regarding the level of competition, fan engagement, and the significance of winning the tournament. However, it proved to be a resounding success, and the Lakers displayed their respect for the competition by raising a banner, a gesture typically reserved for NBA championship titles.

Interestingly, the Lakers have refrained from raising banners for their Western Conference Championship or Pacific Division titles in the past. Thus, the decision to raise an IST banner at the Crytpo.com Arena was not expected.

Initial reports had suggested that the Lakers might not raise a banner even if they won the tournament, citing the team's previous stance. However, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the league exerted its influence to ensure that an IST banner would be hung to signify the significance of the tournament.

The league's desire for the Lakers to display the banner is understandable. Its absence would have potentially diminished the prestige of the competition among other teams and fans. Furthermore, it could have discouraged future winners from hanging their own banners, creating a situation where the tradition loses its significance. By having the Lakers, a team with a storied history and numerous championship titles, raise an IST banner alongside their championship banners, the league sought to further validate the tournament's importance.

Whether it was due to pressure from the league or a voluntary decision by the Lakers themselves, the raising of the banner holds significance. The success of the IST and the Lakers' gesture suggest that the tournament is here to stay and that similar commemorative banners may become a regular occurrence throughout the NBA in the coming years.

However, there is a catch - the Lakers will only continue to raise banners if they eventually lose an IST game. As long as they remain undefeated in the tournament, no new banners will be added. Nevertheless, the Lakers' acknowledgment of the tournament's significance through the raising of the banner sets a precedent for future teams and solidifies the IST as a notable event in the NBA calendar.

As the IST wraps up its inaugural season, fans eagerly await the next year, hoping to witness more thrilling matches and further recognition for the winners.