Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James believes the Oklahoma City Thunder are the leading contenders to win this season’s NBA championship.
Speaking on the “Mind the Game” podcast after analyst Steve Nash labeled Oklahoma City the favorite, James agreed without hesitation. “I would agree with you when it comes to OKC,” he said, noting the Thunder’s sustained high-level play and refusal to become complacent. “They’re the reigning champs with the MVP on their team, so you look at them as the team to beat.”
The comment follows two April matchups in which the Lakers were outclassed by the Thunder, including a 139-96 loss on Apr. 8 at Paycom Center that also saw Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leave with injuries. James played in that game, which highlighted the gap between the clubs as the postseason approaches.
Oklahoma City finished another strong regular season despite injuries that limited Jalen Williams to 33 games and kept Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell under 60 appearances each. With the roster now at full strength, James said the Thunder’s record against both winning and losing teams justifies their status as favorites.
If Los Angeles advances past the first round, it would meet the defending champions in the conference semifinals. Even with hopes that Doncic and Reaves will return to health, the Lakers would enter the series as underdogs.
James’s own future remains unsettled. The 20-time All-Star has yet to decide whether he will return to the Lakers for a 24th season, sign elsewhere, or retire. Reports indicate he has told confidants he does not want a farewell tour whenever his final season arrives.
Source: Lakers Nation
