“They know who they are”: LeBron James sends clear message after Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over Oklahoma City Thunder

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LeBron James expressed his excitement as the Los Angeles Lakers conquered the Oklahoma City Thunder with a decisive 126-99 victory. Key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves led the charge, indicating the Lakers’ potential. James highlighted the importance of developing good habits ahead of the playoffs, showing confidence in their progress despite acknowledging ongoing improvements.

LeBron James did not hold back cheering for the Los Angeles Lakers’ powerful performances on April 6. The Lakers made a bold statement Sunday night by dominating the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder in a stunning 126–99 win. The Lakers controlled the game from start to finish. Luka Doncic played a huge role in the blowout, showing why he remains one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers gave the Oklahoma City Thunder a heavy blow at their home court, Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. LeBron James offered thoughtful insight into the team’s mindset while acknowledging that the Lakers are still a work in progress. “They know who they are… We’re still trying to figure it out,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “We understand that coming down the stretch we have to play some really good basketball, but we’re still working our habits.”

James, who has taken a larger leadership role both on and off the court, also shared a quick postgame plan. “We got that dub out the way, now I’m going to go shoot Mind the Game with Steve Nash,” he said with a grin.

With playoff intensity already creeping in, the Lakers seem focused not just on winning—but on evolving at the right time.

For Lakers, it was a much-needed crucial win. LeBron James led the charge with a strong all-around performance. Logging just over 34 minutes, LeBron scored 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting (56.3%), added 7 assists, and contributed 3 rebounds.

Austin Reaves was another standout, scoring 18 points and hitting 4 of his 8 three-point attempts.

Luka Doncic put up a game-high 30 points in under 38 minutes. He shot 55% from the floor and nailed 5 triples on 11 attempts, also adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a well-rounded showing.

Dorian Finney-Smith added 7 rebounds and 2 assists with just 2 turnovers in nearly 30 minutes of action.

Off the bench, Gabe Vincent also dropped 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting— all from three-point range— and chipped in 3 assists and 3 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura helped anchor the frontcourt, combining for 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Also Read: LeBron James left stunned as Los Angeles Lakers teammates ignore injury in shocking loss to Golden State Warriors

As for the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 26 points, alongside 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Jalen Williams followed with 16 points, and Chet Holmgren added 10. Unfortunately for the Thunder, they only had three stars to score a double digit.

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