LeBron James and the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers were unable to pose a legitimate threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Tuesday’s Game 1 clash despite the veteran star’s game-high scoring effort.
After LA’s lopsided 108-90 road loss to open the Western Conference semifinals, the four-time MVP turned heads with a blunt remark about his co-star Luka Dončić’s continued absence, garnering fierce online pushback.
NBA Fans Call Out LeBron James for ‘Blaming’ Lakers’ Offensive Struggles on Luka Dončić’s Injury
James showed out Tuesday, leading all scorers with 27 points on hyper-efficient 12-for-17 shooting (70.6%), including an early 5-point flurry as LA seized a 7-0 lead out of the gates.
However, the 41-year-old received little help from his supporting cast, particularly star guard Austin Reaves, who was held to 8 points on abysmal 3-for-16 shooting (18.8%) against the league’s No. 1 regular-season defense.
LA, as a team, shot just 35-for-84 (41.7%), missing Dončić’s league-leading 33.5 points per game scoring average more than ever, even with Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turning in a relatively quiet 18-point performance. Dončić has been sidelined since April 2 as he recovers from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
When asked postgame where the Lakers’ “offensive issues are coming from,” James didn’t hesitate to attribute their shortcomings to the six-time All-Star being in street clothes.
“We have a guy that averaged 37 a game. What’d he average 35 this year? 33 and a half? I mean, what are you asking? There’s the issues right there,” James answered.
“We’re playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything, and when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times. … When you play against the world champions, having a guy that averages 34, 6, and 8 … that’s special.”
Q: Where do you think the offensive issues are coming from right now?
LeBron: “The offensive issues coming from? We have a guy that averaged 37 a game. There’s the issues right there” pic.twitter.com/rYq6MYEEt2
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 6, 2026
James later highlighted LA’s need to get more quality looks inside and take better care of the ball. However, the damage was already done, as the NBA community on X took his comments about Dončić and ran with them.
“LeBron asked about offensive issues, and immediately throws Luka under the bus for being injured,” one user blasted James.
LeBron asked about offensive issues and immediately throws Luka under the bus for being injured.
— Kaguya Shihai (@arqotx) May 6, 2026
“Bron basically just admitted Luka quit, wow,” another asserted.
bron basically just admitted luka quit wow https://t.co/u7R473JB15
— Year 23 (@MrSplashman99_) May 6, 2026
“Calling out your own teammate mid-interview is wild 😭,” a Lakers fan reacted.
Calling out your own teammate mid-interview is wild 😭
— Devana💜 (@devana1125) May 6, 2026
Meanwhile, others began questioning James’ leadership, citing his history of avoiding blame for his team’s struggles.
“Never his fault. Always blames something else. Worst leader in sports history,” one user declared.
Never his fault. Always blames something else. Worst leader in sports history https://t.co/Ekt3Pou8jc
— The Valkyries Fan 🪽 💜🏀 (@thevalkyriesfan) May 6, 2026
“Bron is the master of putting up stats and losing … and then having his fanbase blame everyone else … it’s a phenomenal grift,” another contended.
Bron is the master of putting up stats and losing… and then having his fanbase blame everyone else… its a phenomenal grift
— Space Gang (@spacegang30) May 6, 2026
Regardless of how James’ postgame assessment of the Lakers’ sputtering offense was interpreted, the team has little hope of making the series competitive without its top scoring option.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, LA is evaluating Dončić on a week-to-week basis, and he is currently on a “slow path” in his recovery, fueling concern about the Purple and Gold’s outlook.
Saying we are missing his scoring is not throwing him under the bus. Its a factual statement. People are so dumb nowadays. Smh.