The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Monday night, closing out a series sweep at the hands of the reigning NBA champions.
Austin Reaves led the way for the Lakers in the 115-110 loss, recording a team-high 27 points. His veteran teammates LeBron James notched 24 points and 12 rebounds in the season-ending defeat.
Reaves joined the Lakers organization as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just before James’ fourth season in Los Angeles. Since then, he’s blossomed into one of the NBA’s top scorers.
James’ NBA future is uncertain as he heads into the 2026 offseason. The 41-year-old superstar has three options: retire, return to Los Angeles or play elsewhere in 2026-27.
Reaves was asked about James’ future in his postgame press conference.
"My rookie year, I had no idea what the heck was going on. He basically took me under his wing and has given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for. He trusted me. Further than the court, we've built a real friendship,” Reaves said.
“It’s been super fun. I hope to continue to do that,” he continued. “He's taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career."
Reaves took a contested three-point attempt that would’ve tied the game in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, but it just barely rimmed out.
Reaves said James offered him support immediately after the miss.
“That just speaks to the character that he has,” Reaves said.
The Thunder, who’ve yet to lose in the postseason, now move on to face off against the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs series in the Western Conference Finals.
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