LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are one defeat away from exiting the 2026 NBA Playoffs after a 117-101 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 9.
Speaking after the game at Crypto.com Arena, forward LeBron James said the turning point came immediately after halftime.
“We didn’t have the energy, the effort, and they put a 30-plus-point quarter on us,” James stated. “That kind of took care of the game right there.”
Third-quarter struggles continue
The pattern has been the same through the first three games: Los Angeles holds its own in the first half—leading at halftime in Games 2 and 3—only to be overrun in the third period. The Lakers have been outscored by a combined 31 points in that quarter throughout the series.
James noted that the Thunder capitalized on the Lakers’ missed shots and defensive lapses coming out of the break. “We defended, but we didn’t get stops, and it allowed them to take control,” he said.
Depth favors Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s bench continued to build leads even while MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rested. Los Angeles, playing without injured star Luka Dončić, has struggled to match that depth and energy in second halves.
Caruso urges caution
Thunder guard Alex Caruso said after Game 1 that his team must remain alert despite James being in his 23rd NBA season. “Everyone likes to talk about his age, but it’s still LeBron James,” Caruso remarked. “He’s very capable of being the best player on the court any given night.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will try to extend their season and force the series back to Oklahoma City.
Source: LakersNation.com
