So long to the defending champs! For the first time in his career, LeBron James experienced a first-round exit in the playoffs as the rising Suns eliminated the Lakers 4–2 in the quarterfinal round. Prior to that, King James’ led squads were 14-0 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers entered the playoffs with the second-highest odds to win the NBA Finals (+400), behind only the Nets (+250).
The Mavericks and Clippers first-round series is yet to be decided. If Los Angeles knocks off Dallas, of the eight remaining teams, Utah would be the most recent team to make it to an NBA Finals, going back-to-back in 1997-98 before losing to the Chicago Bulls.