The Phoenix Suns eliminated the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers from the playoffs, handing LeBron James his first-ever opening-round loss.
In a season rife with injuries and inconsistent lineups, the Lakers were sent home after six games against a formidable Suns team led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The Lakers were hoping for a spark from Anthony Davis, who tried playing in Game 6 after sitting out Game 5 with a strained groin. But Davis aggravated the injury early in the opening quarter, which spelled trouble for Los Angeles the rest of the way. While the league will crown a new champion this season, the Lakers have their work cut out for them over the offseason if they are going to squeeze whatever elite-level play is left in LeBron.