LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers struggled in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder as Luka Doncic watched from the bench.
Doncic is still nursing a Grade 2 hamstring strain and was unable to suit up for the series-opener against the defending champions Tuesday.
The Thunder steadily pulled away in the second half, resulting in a 108-90 blowout in Game 1.
James had a great deal to say after the disappointing loss. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer highlighted Doncic’s absence as a key factor in the Lakers going down 1-0 in the series.
"We have a guy that averaged 37 a game (not in the lineup),” James said, via Lakers Nation on X. “There's the issues right there.
“We're playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything. And when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times.”
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James believes the Lakers had a chance against OKC Tuesday night. However, without Doncic, they just didn’t have enough to battle the Thunder to the end.
“I feel like we got some great shots tonight; we missed them,” James continued. “When you play against the world champions, having a guy that averages 34-8-9, whatever the hell it is, that's special.
“So we have to be better at finding ways to get to the blender, finding ways to get to the paint. We know they're a paint-swarming team, so they have to be better with getting to the paint and not turning the ball over and then shooting with confidence. But I feel like we got some really good looks."
James led the Lakers with a game-high 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting. The 41-year-old added four rebounds, six assists, a steal and three 3-pointers in 36 minutes of action.
Doncic is not expected to be available for Game 2 Thursday. He is considered week-to-week, and there is no guarantee he will be able to return in this series.
