James’ Lakers knocked out with defeat by Nuggets

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder also progressed to the last eight with a 97-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jalen Williams scored 24 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 24 with 10 rebounds to complete a 4-0 series clean sweep.

The Thunder had a slender 44-43 advantage at half-time, before the Pelicans took a 80-75 lead but could not cling on as they struggled defensively.

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics edged closer to the next round as they took a 3-1 advantage in their play-off series with the Miami Heat.

They won the fourth match 102-88, but were dealt an injury concern as centre Kristaps Porzingis limped off the court with a calf strain shortly before half-time, and did not return.

Derrick White’s career-best 38 points helped the Celtics to victory, with the fifth match of the best-of-seven series taking place on Wednesday.