Wed Apr 09 06:58:14 UTC 2025: ## Thunder Soar Past Lakers After Dončić Ejection

**Oklahoma City, OK –** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a resounding 136-120 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night, fueled by a controversial ejection of Luka Dončić in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 42 points, his 13th 40-point game of the season, while Jalen Williams contributed 26 and Luguentz Dort added 17.

The game took a dramatic turn with 7:40 remaining when Dončić received a second technical foul and was ejected. The incident stemmed from a jump shot by Dončić, which gave the Lakers a brief 108-107 lead. Referee JT Orr deemed Dončić had verbally abused him following the basket. Dončić maintained he was responding to a heckling fan, but the ejection stood.

The Lakers, visibly rattled by the loss of their star player, were unable to recover. LeBron James, who finished with 28 points, expressed confusion over the officiating, stating, “I don’t know why the ref was taking it personal.” Dončić himself acknowledged the impact of his ejection, saying, “It was tough, but you know that’s on me too. I can’t let my team down like that.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick lamented the game’s conclusion, stating, “It was a great game that unfortunately didn’t get the finish that I think every basketball fan would want because of some decision-making on some individuals’ parts.”

Despite the loss, the Lakers remain in third place in the Western Conference with a 48-31 record. They need to win two of their remaining three games to secure the third seed in the playoffs. The Thunder, meanwhile, avenged a 27-point loss to the Lakers just two days prior.

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