The NBA’s all-time leading scorer notched 24 points, but missed a crucial floater to put his side in the lead in the final 20 seconds in what could be a painful denouement to his glittering playoff career.
The No1-seeded Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s series-high 35 points and Ajay Mitchell’s 28, swept their second consecutive playoff opponent to book their place in the Western Conference Finals. They are now eight wins away from successfully defending the NBA championship.
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The Lakers’ 4-0 series loss was only the fourth series sweep James has endured in a staggering 302 postseason games, but leaves one of the game’s greatest-ever players with an uncertain future. His contract has expired after eight seasons with Los Angeles, and, should he choose to return, would enter free agency.
Austin Reaves (27 points) and Rui Hachimura (25 points) led the Lakers in scoring – the latter making an incredible four-point-play in the final two minutes to put the Lakers in the lead – but it was Marcus Smart who gave the home side real hope, making a three-point play to make it 110-109 with just 40.9 seconds on the clock.
The defending champions, though, kept their composure, and a dunk from Chet Holmgren (16 points, 9 rebounds) was followed by four straight made free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander to put the game to bed.
Oklahoma City will now have the chance to rest before facing the winner of the series between Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs and Anthony Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves, which is currently tied at 2-2.
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