LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t get a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, losing 119-110. Neither team had their best players; the Lakers didn’t have Luka Doncic due to a hamstring strain. Thunder’s three-time All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also out due to an abdominal strain.
James did his best and led the Lakers with 22 points, six rebounds and 10 assists on 52.9% shooting. Veteran guard Marcus Smart helped with 19 points and two steals on 57.1% shooting from deep. But that wasn’t enough, as the team struggled against the defending NBA champions.
After the game, James was asked to compare the Lakers to the Thunder. However, he offered a blunt take on the stark difference between the two teams.
“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there. We’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won a championship,” the four-time champion said.
LeBron James after the Lakers' loss to the Thunder:
"You want me to compare us to them? That's a championship team right there. We're not. We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That's why they won a championship."pic.twitter.com/nB5n8QBjUo
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) February 10, 2026
The Lakers committed ten turnovers and struggled to control the ball in the first half. They were also outscored by the Thunder, 67-58, in the first two quarters. In the second half, they matched OKC, scoring 52-52. But their efforts were not enough.
LeBron James and the team have two more games before the All-Star break.
Fans react to LeBron James’ comments after the loss
It was a tough blow for LeBron James and the Lakers when they lost to the Thunder. But fans recognized that James has realized that the team’s current roster isn’t capable of contending for a championship.
“Didn’t realize the Championship roster was on the court tonight…” a fan said.
“Made sure to say this after the deadline 😂” another fan commented.
“Team chemistry rating just got tanked 😭😭😭” one fan said.
“yea he’s going back to Cleveland after this season,” someone commented.
“-50 team chemistry,” a comment read.
“Someone had to say it,” one fan commented.
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