LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 0-3 in the NBA Western Conference semifinals. They face elimination and could get swept in Game 4 on Monday.
The four-time NBA champion has stepped up in the playoffs in Luka Doncic’s absence. He willed his team to a 4-2 series win in the first round over the Houston Rockets. However, the Thunder’s firepower has overwhelmed the Lakers so far.
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James arrived at Crypto.com Arena looking focused. He wore a white shirt under a light blue jacket, brown shorts and brown sneakers. The superstar forward completed his outfit with dark black sunglasses.
James will play in his 30th elimination game. His 33.7 points is the highest average in such games in league history.
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4. LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Game 4 could be LeBron James final NBA game
It’s unclear how many more seasons James will play. If the Thunder eliminate the Lakers on Monday, it could be the 41-year-old’s last NBA game.
The 22-time All-Star is in his 23rd campaign after the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him at No. 1 in 2003. He holds the record for most NBA seasons played and continues to play at an elite level. James averages 23.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.4 steals this playoffs.
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He has only missed the postseason four times in his legendary career. James is expected to give it his all in Game 4 to avoid a sweep. A win would also keep his chase for a fifth championship alive. However, Oklahoma City wants to end the series quickly to have more rest ahead of the conference finals.