In a dominant 126-99 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their playoff-ready form. However, the game wasn’t without its moments of tension, as cameras captured LeBron James visibly frustrated with teammate Rui Hachimura following back-to-back defensive lapses in the second quarter.
The sequence unfolded when the Thunder’s Jalen Williams missed a three-point attempt, leading to a rebound opportunity. Hachimura, tasked with boxing out Aaron Wiggins, failed to secure the board, allowing Wiggins to grab the offensive rebound and extend the Thunder’s possession. Moments later, another defensive miscue occurred, prompting James to unleash a verbal outburst directed at Hachimura. While the exact words weren’t clear, James’ animated gestures and intense expression left no doubt about his dissatisfaction.
LeBron is FURIOUS with Rui 😳 pic.twitter.com/FBnsLPeHB5
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 6, 2025
Despite the heated exchange, Hachimura remained composed and focused. The forward finished the game with a solid performance, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, and one assist, while James himself had 19 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.
While the moment between James and Hachimura drew attention, it was ultimately a minor footnote in an otherwise dominant team performance. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, helping the Lakers pass the Nuggets for thirds in the heavily contested Western Conference.
