LeBron James gives reality check about Lakers after loss to Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers seemed to catch a bit of a break on Monday when they faced an Oklahoma City Thunder squad that was without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But the Thunder's defense, which is considered one of the best in recent memory, was still fully intact, and it befuddled the Lakers at times.

Los Angeles had problems protecting the basketball, especially in the second and fourth quarters, and it ended up with a 119-110 loss. Granted, it was without Luka Doncic, but it couldn't measure up to Oklahoma City's physicality and overall tenacity and toughness.

Afterward, LeBron James was asked about the gaps between L.A. and Oklahoma City, and he gave a succinct but definitive response.

"You want me to compare us to them? That's a championship team right there. We're not," James told reporters. "We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can. That's why they won a championship."

The loss gave the Lakers a 32-20 record, which puts them in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Thunder, the defending NBA champions, continue to hold the league's best record with a 41-13 mark.

The Lakers continue to be plagued by uneven play throughout games, stretches of offensive and defensive droughts and injuries to key players. Doncic sat out his second straight game due to a hamstring strain, an injury he suffered on Thursday just one game after Austin Reaves returned from a gastrocnemius strain that kept him out for 20 straight games.

If they are to make a run and set themselves up for an extended playoff run, time is running out for them to get started.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James gives reality check about Lakers after loss to Thunder