The Los Angeles Lakers were sent packing after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-110, in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena on Monday. The Thunder completed the sweep of their second-round series and moved a step closer to defending their title.
Unlike the first three games, the Lakers kept it close against the Thunder throughout the contest. They, however, could not make enough shots in the endgame, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves missing good looks.
James finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, while Reaves had 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. He also had a game-worst eight turnovers.
Despite their elimination, Reaves put a positive spin on their season, as reported by the OC Register's Benjamin Royer.
“I've been around the NBA for five years now. I know a lot of teams would have given up, and that wasn't the case with this team. It's been fun to go to work every single day,” said Reaves.
The Lakers won 53 games, their most since notching 57 wins in 2010-2011.
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Reaves was hampered by various ailments, limiting him to a career-low 51 games. James, meanwhile, missed the first few weeks due to a sciatica injury.
Then, of course, Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, practically dooming the Lakers. He was forced to miss the playoffs.
While the Purple and Gold beat the Houston Rockets in the first round, the Thunder were an entirely different animal. The loss of Doncic proved to be too much to bear, although the Lakers did not easily fold.
Reaves will now have a big decision to make regarding his free agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers were sent packing after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-110, in Game 4 at Crypto. com Arena on Monday. The Thunder completed the sweep of their second-round series and moved a step closer to defending their title. Unlike the first three games, the Lakers kept it close against the Thunder throughout the contest.