"All Lakers coach JJ Redick asked of his group was to "win the day." That day had to be Monday night, the only day that mattered for a Lakers team on the brink of elimination. The Lakers came close, but they did not win the day, losing Game 4 115-110 to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night at Arena. The Lakers' season is over, having been swept 4-0 in the Western Conference semifinal series."
"Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 27 points, Rui Hachimura had 25 points and LeBron James had 24 points and 12 rebounds. When the game was over, James hugged several of the Thunder players. James is in the final year of a contract that paid him $52 million this season, and at 41 and in his 23rd season, the conversations now turn to his future. Will James retire? Will James return to the Lakers? Will James play for another team? Those are the big questions going forward."
"With 40.9 seconds left in the game, Marcus Smart scored, was fouled and made the free throw for a 110-109 Lakers lead. But Chet Holmgren scored on a dunk for a 111-110 Thunder lead with 32.8 seconds left. The Lakers called a timeout to set up a play. James missed a floater just outside the lane and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished wiht 35 points and eight assists, was fouled with 12.2 seconds left. He made both free throws for a 113-100 Thunder lead."
"The Lakers called another timeout to set up another play with their season on the line. Reaves missed a potential game-tying three-pointer and Alex Caruso got the rebound, leading to a timeout for the Thunder with 7.6 seconds remaining. Ajay Mitchell was fouled after the inbounds pass and made two free throws for a 115-110 lead that stood. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Jared McCain drilled a three-pointer to tie the score at 92-92. Then James threw a pass away that bounced off two Thunder defenders and Reaves, with the officials ruling it was still the Lakers' possession."
Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized winning Monday night, the only day that mattered for a team facing elimination. The Lakers lost Game 4 115-110 to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at Arena, ending the season after a 4-0 sweep in the Western Conference semifinal series. Austin Reaves scored 27 points, Rui Hachimura added 25, and LeBron James finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Late-game sequences included Marcus Smart’s free throw, Chet Holmgren’s go-ahead dunk, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two free throws after a foul. Reaves missed a potential tying three, and Ajay Mitchell’s late free throws sealed the result. LeBron’s contract is in its final year, raising questions about retirement or a new team.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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