The Lakers exited the playoffs in gut-wrenching fashion. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray played “Lakers killer” once again, sinking a go-ahead bucket with 3.6 seconds left to seal a 108-106 Game 5 win. Though the 1-4 series sweep looks like a rout, the process told a different story—LA matched Denver blow for blow, leading for most of the deciding game.

The turning point came in a harmless-looking collision early in the second half. Anthony Davis crumpled to the floor clutching his left shoulder, and the Lakers’ hopes went down with him.

Just 1:07 into the third quarter, Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. bumped AD’s shoulder under the rim—a routine play in the series. But Davis collapsed in pain. At that moment, LA led 56-50, displaying more grit and focus than Denver.

Davis playing through injury wasn’t the full story of LA’s “heroic” exit. Every player refused to quit, keeping the game in doubt till the final buzzer.

In this series, LeBron James and AD were indispensable, each with defined roles and strict minute limits. AD’s injury wrecked LA’s rotation, forcing LeBron to ramp up his aggression earlier than planned in an attempt to shift Denver’s focus.

Unfortunately, they faced Nikola Jokic, a basketball savant. Jokic struggled vs. fresh AD in the first half—7 shots, 8 points, 4 turnovers. But once AD returned injured, hesitant to use his left arm, Jokic exploited the paint, going 8-of-14 in the second half for 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Still, the Lakers wouldn’t budge.

LeBron had just 10 first-half points but stepped up in the third (11 points) and fourth (9 points), including a driving layup that drew a foul with 26.1 seconds left—sinking both free throws to tie it 106-106.

This was worlds apart from last season’s Western Conference Finals sweep.

AD banished his demons, no longer shrinking vs. Jokic. In four-plus games before the injury, he didn’t shut down Jokic, but he matched him blow for blow: 30.5 PPG, 15.8 RPG, 62.2% shooting. In Game 5’s first half, he was 8-of-10 for 16 points and 9 boards.

LA’s role players also stepped up occasionally. D’Angelo Russell hit 4-of-8 threes for 21 points in Game 4; Austin Reaves scored 9 fourth-quarter points in Game 5, nearly lifting LA to victory.

But heroics couldn’t change the outcome.

Unlike Game 2, when Murray’s buzzer-beater left no time, this time LA had 3.6 seconds after his clutch shot. Problem was, they had no timeouts left, and the inbound pass ended the dream.

What’s Next for LA?
The Lakers’ 2024-25 competitiveness hinges on two offseason questions:

1. Will LeBron James exercise his player option or test free agency?

LeBron has a player option for next season. Rumors swirl about retirement—after dropping 40 vs. the Nets in April, he hinted, “I won’t be playing much longer.” But two factors suggest he’ll stay:

• Son Bronny declared for the 2024 draft (though he can withdraw). With 2024 a weak class, Bronny might gamble, tempting LeBron to chase a father-son NBA moment.
• LeBron still has gas in the tank, from winning the In-Season Tournament to his playoff performances. If LA can optimize the roster, he’ll want another run.

If LeBron opts out, he can’t sign a deal longer than two years (age 38+). A two-year contract is likely. Whether the Lakers can structure it to free up cap space depends on GM Rob Pelinka’s pitch.

2. Can the Lakers find a true third star alongside LeBron and AD?

Last summer, LA stuck with minor moves (Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish), but role players failed to deliver. Reaves and Russell can’t be relied on consistently. With six guaranteed contracts next season (costing ~$100M) and LeBron’s deal pushing the total to $150M+ (before re-signing Russell/Prince), the Lakers need to get creative.

Their trade chips? Draft picks. When they traded for AD, they owed the Pelicans a 2024 or 2025 first-rounder. New Orleans will choose by June 1:

• If they take 2024, LA can trade 2025 plus a future pick (2029-2031).
• If they take 2025, LA must trade the 2024 pick plus a future asset, limiting leverage.

The NBA is a relay race. LeBron and AD carried their leg. Now it’s Pelinka’s turn to pass the baton.