Lakers and LeBron James Hit With Startling Stat for Thunder Series

The Los Angeles Lakers kick off their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Tuesday, May 5, and pretty much everybody and their second cousin have the Thunder taking this series in a cakewalk.

But, don’t discredit LeBron James. He’s had to step it up for the Lakers with All-Star guard Luka Doncic out with an injury, and he’s delivered.

James, 41, had to take on the brunt of being the main shooter with the Lakers out against Houston, and he averaged 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8.5 assists while shooting 42.9% on 3-pointers in the Lakers’ four wins in that series. So, he’s stepping up to the challenge.

So, if the Thunder think this will be an easy victory for them, they may be in for a surprise.

That said, there’s a state that facing the Lakers heading into this series, and it’s a doozie. According to Legion Hoops, the Thunder have a 93% shot to eliminate the Lakers in the second round of the NBA playoffs. “Lakers essentially have no chance,” they stated on X.

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But, don’t forget about LeBron. He’s played well, and he always seems to thrive when handed a challenge.

“How will LeBron hold up against physical defenders like Lu Dort in a series where the games are every other night?” Kurt Helin of NBC Sports asks in a Monday, May 4 feature. “Can he play well enough to keep the Lakers in the series until Luka Doncic potentially returns? The Lakers are going to ask a lot of LeBron, but even at 41, he answers the call most of the time.”

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My Hot Take: Lakers vs Thunder Series

No matter who wins this series, you should watch, because it may be one of the last times we see James on the court. Considering that he’s still performing at the top of his game, he may decide to return for another season, but either way, seeing James under this kind of pressure is a special thing.

But, if the Lakers win, it will be a team effort. Without Doncic out, James will step up, but so will guys like Austin Reaves, who is another huge benefit to Los Angeles. It’s possible, even if not probable.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 4:39 PM.