The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs on Tuesday night, falling 115-110 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The defeat completed a 4-0 sweep, ending the Lakers’ season in crushing fashion.
Despite a strong effort from LeBron James, who recorded his 147th career playoff double-double to move past Wilt Chamberlain for third place on the all-time list, the Lakers could not overcome the Thunder’s relentless attack. James finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists but also had 4 turnovers.
The Lakers were without Luka Doncic, who missed the game, and struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s backcourt. Austin Reaves posted 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists but committed a costly 8 turnovers. Rui Hachimura added 25 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, 8 assists, and 1 rebound, while Ousmane Dieng contributed 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals. Chet Holmgren added 16 points and 9 rebounds as Oklahoma City improved to 8-0 this postseason, tying a franchise record for consecutive playoff wins.
The Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round and now the Lakers, became the first team to sweep a LeBron James-led playoff squad since the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Oklahoma City will advance to the Western Conference Finals, awaiting the winner of the Denver-Minnesota series.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting that the Thunder’s defensive pressure and transition offense were too much to handle. “They are a great team, and they exposed our weaknesses,” Ham said.
The loss marked the fourth time in James’ career that his team has been swept in the playoffs. He departed the court with a wave to the crowd, leaving his future uncertain as the Lakers head into the offseason.
