The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 on Monday in Los Angeles to complete a 4-0 sweep in the NBA Western Conference semifinals. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points as the Thunder moved into the Western Conference finals. [1, 4, 5, 6] They improved to 8-0 in the playoffs and will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Minnesota Timberwolves. [4, 5, 6]
LeBron James scored 24 points in the loss and said afterward that he will take time to think about his future. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] James, 41, said, "I don’t know what the future holds for me," and added that he would "recalibrate" with his family before deciding what to do next. [1] He also said there was "nothing I need to show in this league" and that competing for championships remains a motivating factor. [1]
James is out of contract with the Lakers and set to enter free agency. [1, 2, 3, 5] The Lakers played the series without Luka Doncic because of a hamstring injury. [5, 6]
The Spurs and Timberwolves were set to play Game 5 on Tuesday, with Oklahoma City awaiting the winner in the conference finals. [6]
