LeBron James pointed to late-game execution and missed opportunities after the Los Angeles Lakers lost 119-110 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena, a result that dropped the home team to 32-20 while the West-leading visitors improved to 41-13.
“Many shots. I mean, also we had some really good looks in the fourth quarter. Just wasn’t able to come through,” James said postgame, emphasizing the final minutes when Los Angeles failed to convert open attempts. “Sometimes it’s just, you know, make or miss and they made more than we did in the fourth.”
The veteran forward finished with 22 points and 10 assists, including 14 in the second half, but the California franchise shot just 10-of-31 from three-point range despite generating spacing against a defense ranked near the top of the league.
“They was able to get some 50-50 balls. Um get some extra possessions,” he added, highlighting how Oklahoma City’s activity created momentum swings even without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the lineup.
James described the defensive pressure applied by the Thunder’s perimeter group, which included Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort, as a key factor in disrupting offensive rhythm. “They’re number one in defense, you know, statistically… they put a lot of pressure. They got a lot of guys that can… push the offense out out of the scoring area.”
Despite the loss, the four-time champion said the Lakers still created quality opportunities through offensive actions and size advantages. “We still like I said we had some great looks… we had a lot of really really good looks from the three-point line and then goes on around the rim as well.”
Los Angeles briefly surged in the third quarter by targeting mismatches, but the execution faded late as Jalen Williams scored 23 points and Alex Caruso added 17 on efficient shooting. When asked how to maintain recognition during games, James kept the answer simple: “I don’t know. Just, you know, go with what’s working.”
The 41-year-old also evaluated the defensive effort, noting that Isaiah Joe’s early perimeter shooting forced adjustments. “I thought defensively we played very good… the first half we let Isaiah Joe get way too many looks… but for the majority of the second half, I thought we was really good.”
Oklahoma City’s depth proved decisive as its bench produced scoring bursts and controlled extra possessions, while Chet Holmgren recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds, including a late put-back that extended the lead.
James acknowledged the broader gap between the two Western Conference contenders when asked about facing the league’s top team. “We can’t sustain energy and effort 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won a championship,” he said.
The Lakers remain fifth in the conference standings and will face San Antonio next, while the Thunder continue their road trip in Phoenix.
