The Los Angeles Lakers fired every bullet in their chamber, yet still couldn’t avoid being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LeBron James repeatedly drove into the paint against tough defense; Austin Reaves answered by drawing a three-point foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; Jaxson Hayes became a towering presence inside, dominating the rim; Rui Hachimura converted a four-point play to keep the Lakers alive; and Marcus Smart added an and-one that gave L.A. a flicker of hope for stealing a game.
But the defending champions leaned on their deep roster to survive 115-110, completing the sweep. This postseason, the Thunder are a perfect 8-0.
After exchanging handshakes with Oklahoma City players, James quickly walked off the court, head down, leaving the silhouette of a 41-year-old veteran in defeat.
At 41, James gave everything he had, posting 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. In the final seconds of the first half, he accidentally stepped on teammate Jaxson Hayes’ right foot and rolled his ankle. Then came the familiar scene: he tightened his shoelaces and kept playing. By halftime, he was limping noticeably, but after the break, he immediately joined his teammates in mounting a comeback.
Trailing 3-0 in the series, the Lakers threw everything they had. They unleashed their best single-quarter offense of the series in the third, outscoring the Thunder 39-31 to take the lead.
In the previous three games, the Lakers’ relatively thin rotation had often faded in the third due to fatigue, leading to collapses. But this time, they held firm.
However, holding the third quarter didn’t mean they could survive the fourth. In the final period, the Thunder struck from all angles. McCain hit back-to-back threes, Mitchell dazzled with fancy dribbling and scored, Gilgeous-Alexander sank mid-range jumpers, and Chet Holmgren used his length to score repeatedly inside.
The Lakers never gave up until the very last second, trading blows with the Thunder, but eventually fell short. They essentially used only seven players. Coach JJ Redick shortened the rotation to keep his best on the floor as much as possible.
Rui Hachimura played 43 minutes and 11 seconds, Austin Reaves 42 minutes and 59 seconds, and the 41-year-old James logged 40 minutes and 26 seconds.
In contrast, the Thunder used 11 players, with none exceeding 40 minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 39 minutes and 19 seconds. Greater player rotation gave Oklahoma City fresher legs in the fourth, as they outscored the Lakers 35-26 to seal the win.
In the final moments of this fiercely contested game, Lakers coach JJ Redick made a curious move. Trailing by three and needing a three-pointer to tie, he replaced Rui Hachimura—who had shot 4-of-8 from deep in the game—with Maxi Kleber, who had barely played in the playoffs.
On the ensuing possession, Reaves dribbled and forced up a three-pointer over a defender. The shot missed, the Thunder grabbed the rebound, and L.A. was forced to foul.
Objectively, the shot selection was questionable, especially with ample time left on the shot clock. Perhaps Redick wanted Kleber just for setting screens, but the clear intention was for Reaves to hoist the three. In a moment when the Lakers desperately needed a three-point make, Hachimura—their most accurate postseason shooter and fresh off a four-point play—might have been the better option.
Regardless, the Lakers’ gritty effort earned respect from the Thunder. “They showed incredible adaptability,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “I have immense respect for Coach Redick and his staff. Every adjustment they made taught us something. They threw a lot at us. After this series, we’re a better team than before we started, and that’s thanks to them.”
A better Thunder now moves on to the Western Conference Finals, where they will welcome back Jalen Williams, who missed this series, restoring their full-strength lineup.
For the Lakers, the season is over. This series exposed just how far they are from championship contention. Even if Luka Doncic had not been injured, the current roster would have struggled to surpass Oklahoma City.
In the summer of 2026, the Lakers face roster adjustments. LeBron James, now 41, is a free agent. He must decide whether to continue playing and whether to stay with the Lakers. Rumors have suggested he might return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a final chapter. But if he does continue, the Lakers remain his top choice.
When asked about his future, James said after the game that he isn’t sure yet, and his decision will be based on “the love for the process” rather than “the result of winning.” He added that he will discuss it with his daughter, younger son, and wife before deciding.
Whether James’ time in Los Angeles has come to an end will only be revealed in July.
Additionally, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart
