The Los Angeles Lakers have been swept out of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio and former Hollywood star Jessica Alba among the star-studded crowd witnessing the elimination. The A-list duo joined Sean Penn, Eddie Murphy, and Kevin Connolly in the front row, making for a glamorous but ultimately somber backdrop for Lakers fans.
After the final buzzer, the Lakers were officially sent packing, and speculation is rampant that this could be the last season for LeBron James. Game 4 was the most competitive of the series, yet the Lakers still fell short, losing 110-115. Despite a valiant effort from Austin Reaves (27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) and LeBron James (24 points, 12 rebounds), the team couldn’t contain NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who exploded for 35 points and 8 assists, supported by Ajay Mitchell with 28 points.
With the sweep complete, the Thunder now await their Western Conference Finals opponent. The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs are locked in a 2-2 series, and either will face Oklahoma City for a chance at the NBA Finals. This marks the second consecutive trip to the conference finals for the Thunder, who last year defeated the Timberwolves in five games before going on to win their first championship since 1979 in a seven-game thriller against the Indiana Pacers. If Minnesota survives San Antonio, they’ll have a prime opportunity for revenge.