LeBron James Encourages Alex Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to “Go Get Another One” After Lakers’ Playoff Exit
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LOS ANGELES — Moments after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the 2026 Western Conference semifinals, LeBron James delivered a brief but pointed message to two Oklahoma City Thunder players he knows well.
Walking off the court at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, James embraced reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and former Lakers guard Alex Caruso, telling both, “Go get another one,” a reference to the Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship.
The exchange came after Oklahoma City’s 116-112 Game 4 victory, which sealed a 4-0 series win. James, 41, had spearheaded the Lakers’ attempt to extend the matchup, while Los Angeles limited Gilgeous-Alexander for much of the series before the guard took over in the closing minutes of the finale.
Caruso and James won a title together with the Lakers in 2020, and the veteran guard played a key role in the Thunder’s championship run last season. Their on-court reunion underscored the mutual respect between the 20-year veteran forward and one of his favorite former teammates.
After the game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised James for his continued high-level play, noting the challenge of eliminating a team led by the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Oklahoma City now advances to the Western Conference Finals with hopes of becoming the league’s first back-to-back champion since the 2018 Golden State Warriors.
Source: Lakers Nation
