LeBron, Lakers eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Nets
The 2018-19 NBA playoffs will not include LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention Friday night with a 111-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center.
This marks the sixth year in a row that the Lakers have failed to qualify. It was in the 2012-13 season when the storied franchise last took part in the playoffs, although the Lakers were swept out of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
James, meanwhile, has been a staple of the playoffs for the better part of his legendary career. He's led teams to the Finals each of the last eight years and is 924 points ahead of Michael Jordan as the league's all-time leader in postseason scoring.
The last time the four-time Most Valuable Player didn't participate in the playoffs was in 2004-05 as a member of the 42-40 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Longest active playoff streaks
| Player | Current Team | Streak |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Parker | Charlotte Hornets | 17 |
| LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | 13 |
| JJ Redick | Philadelphia 76ers | 12 |
| Kyle Korver | Utah Jazz | 11 |
| James Harden | Houston Rockets | 9 |
| Patty Mills | San Antonio Spurs | 9 |
| Jeff Teague | Minnesota Timberwolves | 9 |
(courtesy: The Ringer)
James just missed out on his eighth triple-double of the season, finishing with 25 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds in 37 minutes of action against Brooklyn, although he shot just 8-of-25 from the field. He also turned the ball over eight times, including one down the stretch when he slipped out of bounds with 22.8 seconds remaining and Los Angeles trailing by three.
The Lakers are now 31-41 with the loss, placing them 11th in the Western Conference.