Lakers Collapse After Luka Dončić Ejection in Crucial Thunder Clash
Man, what a wild night in Oklahoma City — and not in a good way if you're a Lakers fan. The Lakers just crumbled late in the game against the Thunder after a controversial moment that saw Luka Dončić ejected, and the whole vibe of the game shifted from there.
So, here’s the deal: things were tight. It was a back-and-forth kind of game, packed with energy and playoff-level intensity. Luka was doing his thing — he had already put up 23 points, five assists, and was helping the Lakers hang onto a one-point lead late in the fourth. Then it all blew up over what might be one of the most confusing ejections we’ve seen this season.
Luka had just hit a tough layup, putting the Lakers up 108-107. As he ran back on defense, he chirped at a fan courtside — totally normal in the heat of competition, right? Well, referee J.T. Orr didn’t see it that way. He thought Luka’s words were aimed at him, and just like that, Luka got his second technical foul and was tossed from the game. The crowd was stunned. Luka was stunned. Even the fan, Jeremy Price, later admitted the comment was meant for him, not the ref. But the damage was done.
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From there, the Lakers just unraveled. The Thunder smelled blood and went on a ridiculous 28-11 run to close it out, winning 136-120. It was a huge momentum swing. What looked like a strong finish for L.A. turned into a complete meltdown.
LeBron tried to carry the load with 28 points, and Reaves chipped in a solid 24. The team actually shot well — 45% from deep — but once Luka was gone, their composure went with him. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went full beast mode, dropping 42 points and leading OKC to a dominant close.
This wasn’t just another regular season loss either. The Lakers are in the thick of the Western Conference seeding race, trying to hold onto a top-four spot. Now, their margin for error is razor-thin. They’re just a game ahead of the Nuggets and Grizzlies, and only 1.5 games away from falling into play-in territory. With just three games left, the pressure is on.
And the irony? Luka now heads back to Dallas to face the Mavericks in what’s sure to be a drama-filled return. You can’t script this stuff.
Bottom line: the Lakers had this one in their hands. Then Luka got tossed, the wheels came off, and now they’re staring at a much tougher road ahead.
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