Charles Barkley brings out the broom after Lakers’ brutal Game 3 loss to Thunder

It is officially time to panic in Tinseltown. If a 3-0 series deficit was not enough to make Laker Nation sweat, the ultimate kiss of death arrived on national television late Saturday night: Charles Barkley and his infamous broom.

Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 131-108 drubbing of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, Barkley wasted no time on the “Inside the NBA” set. The Hall of Famer gleefully brandished a broomstick, signaling what many fans already fear: the Lakers are on the verge of a clean sweep. In NBA history, 157 teams have faced a 3-0 hole; zero have climbed out.

CHUCK BROUGHT OUT THE BROOM pic.twitter.com/crAKgdTLYP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 10, 2026

The Game 3 box score tells a grim story for the Purple and Gold. Despite a valiant effort from Rui Hachimura, who led the Lakers with 21 points on five triples, L.A. simply could not keep pace with the Thunder’s track team. LeBron James finished with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Austin Reaves chipped in 17 points and nine assists. However, the Lakers’ defense was non-existent, allowing OKC to shoot the lights out.

On the other side, the Thunder look like a juggernaut. Rookie Ajay Mitchell put on a clinic with a game-high 24 points and 10 assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controlled the floor with 23 points and nine assists of his own. Chet Holmgren anchored the middle with 18 points and nine rebounds, ensuring the Lakers never found a rhythm.

With the Thunder sitting on a perfect 7-0 record this postseason, the vibes in Oklahoma City could not be higher. Meanwhile, the Lakers are searching for answers before Monday’s win-or-go-home Game 4. Whether you believe in Barkley’s “guarantees” or not, the visual of that broom serves as a harsh reminder that the Lakers’ season hangs by a thread.

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