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LeBron James' stats in elimination games should have the Thunder scared
TL;DR
LeBron James has a remarkable record in elimination games, averaging 33.1 points per game. The Lakers face a do-or-die situation against the Thunder, trailing 3-0 in the series.
Key points
- LeBron James averages 33.1 PPG in elimination games.
- He has scored 21 or more points in 29 elimination game appearances.
- The Lakers trail the Thunder 3-0 in the series.
LeBron JamesLos Angeles LakersOklahoma City Thunder
LeBron James' stats in elimination games should have the Thunder scared originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Lakers trail the defending champion Thunder 3-0 in their Western Conference semifinal series. Tonight is do-or-die for LeBron James and Los Angeles.
The 41-year-old has been here many times before. When his back is against the wall, history says he goes off. LeBron James has scored 21 or more points in each of his 29 previous appearances in playoff games when facing elimination. That is not luck. That is a pattern.
According to StatMuse, James averages a league-record 33.1 PPG in elimination games. That number sits miles above his current 2026 playoff average. James is averaging 23 points, 6.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals against the Thunder.
His series average of 23.0 PPG is solid. Those are certainly solid stats against the league's best defense. But history says tonight could look very different.
LeBron James has recorded 7 or more rebounds in 20 of his last 21 appearances in playoff games when facing elimination. The full stat line tends to explode, not just the scoring.
Q&A
What are LeBron James' elimination game statistics?
LeBron James averages 33.1 points per game in elimination games, scoring 21 or more points in each of his 29 previous appearances.
How are the Lakers performing against the Thunder in the playoffs?
The Lakers are currently trailing the Thunder 3-0 in their Western Conference semifinal series.
What does LeBron James need to do to help the Lakers win?
LeBron James needs to elevate his performance, as he is currently averaging 23 points, 6.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals against the Thunder.