LeBron James Reacts to RJ Barrett's Game-Winning Shot Against Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on Friday night with a 98–78 victory, setting up what was expected to be a second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder potentially beginning on Sunday.

However, with both the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors forcing Game 7s in their respective series, the Lakers' matchup with OKC will now not begin until Tuesday.

Detroit overcame a 22-point halftime deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic, while Raptors guard RJ Barrett delivered a dramatic game-winner that bounced high off the rim before dropping in to secure a 112–110 victory for Toronto.

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The Lakers game was the last game to finish Friday night, so L.A. knew heading into the contest that if they won, they would already have avoided playing Sunday, which for 41-year-old LeBron James is a very big deal, and he certainly acknowledged it postgame.

"Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, RJ Barrett. I appreciate it,” James said. “Haven't seen a shot in Toronto like that since Kawhi. There's something about those rims.”

The Lakers welcomed back Austin Reaves in Game 5, which certainly helps ease the burden on James. However, they are still expected to be without Luka Doncic at least for the start of their second-round series, a setback that makes the challenge against the defending champion Thunder even steeper.

Los Angeles also struggled significantly against Oklahoma City during the regular season, losing all three matchups by an average margin of 29 points, underscoring the uphill battle they now face entering the playoff series.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 9:56 AM.