LeBron James keeps it blunt after OKC's Game 1 win over Lakers: 'We're down 1-0'

May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) defends in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Going at Isaiah Hartenstein, LeBron James completed an and-one play on the opening possession. He shimmied his shoulders in celebration. A few possessions later, he knocked down a pull-up 3-pointer as his squad scored the first seven points of the series.

That turned out to be the peak of the night. The Oklahoma City Thunder eventually pulled away in a 108-90 Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They open their Round 2 series with a 1-0 lead.

It took a little longer than anticipated, but the Thunder were in control for most of the second half. Eventually, their lead ballooned to 21 points. Even with James taking full advantage of some much-needed rest, the rest of the Lakers failed to show up.

James finished with 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting and six assists. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of his worst playoff outings ever with 18 points and seven turnovers. None of it mattered as the Thunder were ahead for most of the night.