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LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers crashed out of the 2024 NBA Playoffs after losing Game 5 against the defending champions, Denver Nuggets, in the Western Conference Round 1. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who was questionable ahead of the game due to an injury, scored the second game-winner of the series to qualify for the West semi-finals. After the game, LeBron James walked off the Ball Arena without shaking hands with the Denver Nuggets.
Jamal Murray scored a game-high 32 points including the game-winner. On the other hand, the Lakers forward registered 30 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, and four steals in the loss.
Watch Jamal Murray's game-winner vs. Lakers:
After losing their first three games in a row in the Playoffs Round 1, the Lakers snapped their 11-game head-to-head losing streak against the Nuggets in the regular season and playoffs combined. While the Lakers looking to force Game 6, the Nuggets eliminated the joint-record 17-time NBA champions with a 4-1 series win.
As the Nuggets exploded in celebration after the final buzzer, LeBron James was spotted walking off the court without shaking hands with the opposition team's players.
Watch the video here:
Jamal Murray stares at LeBron James after poster slam
With 4:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, Jamal Murray scored a vicious slam dunk on LeBron James to help the Nuggets take a two-point lead over the Lakers. After the poster dunk, Murray stared at LeBron and shrugged off his shoulders.
Watch the video here:
After the win, Denver will face Anthony Edwards' Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets will host the Wolves for Game 1 at the Ball Arena on Friday, May 3.