The superstar is out: LeBron James failed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA in the first playoff round. The Californians had to admit defeat to the Denver Nuggets 106:108 after a thriller on Tuesday night (April 30, 2024), meaning the defending champions moved into the quarterfinals 4-1 and will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves there.
Recently, James and Co. had averted a sweep and regained a bit of hope, but in the end Denver was simply too strong. Jamal Murray left the Lakers defense desperate with his 32 points, and the guard also hit the decisive jump shot four seconds before the end.
Playoffs, 1st round arrow right
James’ future open – perhaps with his son on a team
James scored 30 points, but was unable to add another highlight to his impressive career: no NBA team has ever turned around a 0-3 series deficit in the play-offs. It remains to be seen what will happen to James, now 39 years old, in the future.
The NBA’s record scorer could get out of his contract in the summer and possibly fulfill a big dream: playing on a team with his eldest son Bronny. The 19-year-old plays college basketball and could declare for the NBA draft as early as this summer.
Oklahoma shuts out New Orleans
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed the sweep against the New Orleans Pelicans, and Mark Daigneault’s team took their fourth win in the fourth game with a score of 97:89 – although Oklahoma was five points behind in the fourth quarter.
But after an 18-2 run, the number one team in the Western Conference prevailed in a hard-fought game and will now face the Dallas Mavericks with Maxi Kleber or the Los Angeles Clippers with world champion Daniel Theis in the quarterfinals.
Match schedule for the Boston Celtics
In addition, the Boston Celtics won 102:88 away from the Miami Heat. The Celtics now lead 3-1 in the best-of-seven series and can move into the second round at home on Thursday night.