LeBron James: Lakers Not Done After 0-3 Deficit vs. Thunder

LeBron James said the Los Angeles Lakers still have life in their Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite trailing 0-3 after a 131-108 loss in Game 3 on Saturday. The Lakers played without their injured star Luka Dončić and lost because of the Thunder's superior depth, the team reported.

James described the Thunder as "pretty damn good from top to bottom" and said they do not let their foot off the gas. com Arena. “I’m not angry or disappointed,” James said. “Obviously, you’re disappointed with the simple fact that you’re down 3-0. But we still got life.

That’s all you can ask for. ” The Lakers held a 59-57 halftime lead through ball movement, improved shooting and hustle. The Thunder responded with a 33-20 third quarter and 41-29 fourth quarter by using their offensive depth and defensive versatility.

The Lakers were outrebounded 43-37 and gave up 16 points off turnovers.

No team in NBA history has overcome a 3-0 series deficit.

The Lakers advanced past the Houston Rockets in the first round after taking a 3-0 lead, but have faced a markedly stronger opponent in the Thunder. The team has competed without Dončić, who is recovering from a Grade 2 strained left hamstring suffered five weeks ago.

Doctors projected an eight-week recovery timeline for Dončić when he was injured. The Lakers trailed by 31 points before his injury occurred against the Thunder on April 2. Guard Luke Kennard said the team hears Dončić encouraging them and knows his presence as the league's leading scorer would change the dynamic.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves stated the situation is difficult but does not provide a reason to quit. “We got to come in here and compete. We owe the organization that. We owe the fans that. We’ll come in Monday and play as hard as we can,” Reaves said.

Coach JJ Redick said the Thunder have dominated for three games but that the Lakers are not giving up on the series. The team plans to use practice and film study on Sunday to identify adjustments, particularly around energy and effort at the start of quarters.

James noted the Lakers lacked necessary energy and effort to open the third quarter. The Lakers earned more free-throw attempts in Game 3 than in Game 2, but James recorded only four attempts. They limited Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 23 points on 7-for-20 shooting, yet reserve Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 24 points on 10-for-14 shooting.

Reaves scored 17 points while shooting 5-for-13 from the field.